Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object Type |
Property File |
Title |
149 Wentworth Street (Francis Silas Rodgers Mansion) |
Scope & Content |
Constructed 1885-87. Daniel G. Wayne, architect. Francis Rodgers, a wealthy cotton factor and councilman, built this stunning example of the Second Empire style of architecture. The four story, 13,883 square foot house dominates this neighborhood. Especially notable is the mansard roof with cast-iron railing and cupola. Finished with Philadelphia red brick, the dwelling is highlighted by stone lintels and quoins. A detail in the shape of a cotton plant positioned under a bay window clearly reflects Rodgers's business interests. The property had several outbuildings, including a small gas plant that provided lighting. The house was being planned by Rodgers as early as 1881 but was not completed until after the earthquake of 1886. Rodgers used the house as his residence until his death in 1911. His obituary stated that "the house in which Mr. Rodgers spent the last years of his life is considered one of the handsomest in the city." It stayed in the family until 1920, when it was sold to the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association. Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. held the building from 1940 until 1996. It is now an upscale hotel, the Wentworth Mansion. (Poston, Buildings of Charleston.) File contains building history "Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company Home Office Building" (undated, unattributed); building history (undated,unattributed); FOHG building history (1999); building history from Information for Guides of Historic Charleston (1984); building history from Tour Guide Training Manual (2011); Atlantic Coast Life Insurance pamphlet with history and image of the building (undated) (2 copies); newspaper articles (including 1975, 1980s? DYKYC); South Carolina Homes magazine article (undated); excerpt from Charleston Then and Now (Rhett & Steele); floor plans (Cummings & McCrady, undated). |
Subjects |
Historic buildings--South Carolina--Charleston |
Search Terms |
Wentworth Street Harleston Village |
Physical Description |
1 File Folder |
Related Records |
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Object ID # |
WENTWORTH.149.1 |