City Directories and History: JONES-SMITH HOUSE
Constructed before 1870
“Lucius M. Jones built this two-and-a-half-story Charleston double house on a large lot near the western end of Broad Street by 1870. His house reflects many of Charleston’s antebellum architectural traditional yet pays homage to the prevailing Italianate style. A small pedimented portico shades the front doorway, which has a semicircular transom. A large-scale pediment projects from the roof with a central Venetian window. A double-tiered piazza faces out on the adjacent garden lot that remains with the property. Jones sold the house to his partner, William B. Smith, in 1874.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
Italian Revival style was very prevalent within its period of popularity, more so than the Gothic Revival Style. It was especially dominant in the period from 1855 – 1880. Since it was easily adapted to numerous building forms, it became a popular style for urban and rural residences. The Italianate style is especially identified as the common architectural theme of mid-to late-19th century commercial buildings that lined the main street of many American cities and towns. Italianate buildings display the cornice under widely overhanging eaves, while contiguous Italianate rowhouses or commercial buildings have a bracketed cornice on the front façade. Other markers of the Italianate style are tall, narrow windows, some with elaborate hoods. Most Italianate buildings have columned porticoes or porches, sometimes extending across the full width of the front façade. Courtesy of the Penn Arch. Field Guide – Website
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