“Problem Solving Through
Engineered
Solutions”
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| To see more pictures of The Eastside Center, click here |
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If you are interested in learning more about the Josiah Smith Tennent project, click here |
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“Eastside Center for Human Concerns”
The Eastside Center for Human Concerns is historical structure in downtown Charleston located at 729 East Bay Street. Constructed as a stately southern mansion in 1859, it was originally named the Josiah Smith Tennent House. After the Civil War, the mansion changed ownership and function several times as the surrounding area was transitioning from a residential neighborhood to a commercial and industrial sector. The City of Charleston acquired the building in 1950. Little or no maintenance was provided to the structure during this time. In 1989, the building was conveyed to Elpis, Inc. (a division of Agape Ministries). The property became the focal point of Charleston's Upper East Side and played an important role in the City's plans to upgrade and revitalize this area. In 1996 Elpis moved forward and began the restoration and renovation process to the house.
The Problem
Comments about the Josiah Smith Tennent House on Elpis’ web site define the cause for most of the structural problems “…a historic structure that had been allowed to fall into disrepair…” (Click here to view) A summary of the structural problems confirmed that statement and included a need for additional foundations, deteriorated exterior and interior brick walls, missing and deteriorated floor and roof systems, non-historical openings in the exterior walls, and missing porticos, porches, and chimneys. All restoration work was subject to the requirements and approvals of the City of Charleston and of Archives and History.
The Challenge
Add to and remediate the foundation to support an elevator, new fire rated stairs and a concrete 2nd floor slab.
- Provide complete re-point of the exterior and interior brick work for the full height of the structure, as well as infilling non-historic openings and reworking existing openings,
- Remove and reframe the existing wood floor and roof framing,
- Rebuild historic chimneys,
- Rebuild porches and porticos,
- Meet budget parameters,
- Provide multi-phased construction,
- Design work to meet local and national historical reviews and requirements
The Solution
The project was phased. The first phase included the stabilization of the structure and the second phase included the construction of the porches and exterior improvements. Codes were critical as the structure became a mixed-use occupancy. Traditional construction techniques and unique detailing were provided, allowing for improved structural stability for both the restoration of the exterior and renovation of the interior. The work included stabilization of the masonry structure, infilling portions of the structure with concrete construction, and complete wood reframing of the third and fourth floors and the roof system. Chimneys were designed to resist wind and seismic loads.
Recent Award
The South Atlantic Region (SAR) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently presented an Honor Award to Liollio Architecture for their restoration of the Eastside Center for Human Concerns, c. 1859 during the 2006 AIA/SAR regional conference.
Project Architect
Liollio Architecture |
