401 East Main Street – Union County High School

“Designed and built by Rock Hill, S.C. architect – contractor Mr. Julian Starr.”

City Directories and History:  This fine classical revival structure was designed and constructed by Rock Hill architect and contractor, Mr. Julian Starr, who worked actively from 1902 – 1931. The Union High School is considered one of his finest examples of construction and architecture. This building was constructed for $24,000. Shortly thereafter, he also constructed the school at Carlisle for $5,000.

Images courtesy of photographer Bill Segars – 2011

(University of South Carolina-Union Administration Building) Built in 1909, Union High School is significant for its association with twentieth-century education in Union and as an intact example of the Neo-Classical style used in designing public schools. Notable features include the brick parapet, central projecting bay and large pedimented portico supported by composite columns, the double-door entrance with sidelights and semi-circular fanlight, semi-circular brick arch with voissoirs, wide frieze with dentils and modillions, and panel inscribed “1909.” The school was the first secondary school in the county and was composed of the eighth through the eleventh grades. By 1925 the number of students had increased to the extent that a move was necessary. In

Courtesy of the Davie Beard Postcard Collection – 2017

1927, grammar school students were moved into the building and the name was changed to Main Street Grammar School. In 1965 the Union Campus of the University of South Carolina acquired the building and rehabilitated it to serve as its main campus building. Listed in the National Register July 20, 1989. [Courtesy of the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History]

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