by J D

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

The Fireproof Building, also known as the Charleston District Record Building, is perhaps one of the most historic national landmarks. Located on 100th Meeting Street between Chalmers Street and Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina 29401, this 1827 architectural feat was the most fireproof building during its time and the first fireproof building constructed in the United States used to safe keep county reports. The landmark was constructed by John G. Spindle, and designed by Robert Mills, a Charleston native and first professionally trained architect born in America. Before designing the Fireproof Building, Mills collaborated with other prominent architects such as Thomas Jefferson, working as a drafter for the Monticello, and Benjamin Latrobe, working as an engineer for the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. He is also known for his work on the Washington Monument and other public buildings located throughout the nation.

To ensure the building's fireproof ability, Mills relied on non-combustible materials such as brick, stucco, and brownstone for the exterior along with iron window sashes and shutters. Architectural accents noted throughout the three-stories include an oval hall with a cantilevered stone stairway lit by a central cupola, and simple porticoes, porches with roofs supported by columns or piers, along the north and south sides to evoke simplicity and minimalism at its best. On August 31, 1886, the Charleston region was hit by the largest earthquake in the southeastern United States. The magnitude was estimated to be between 6.6 to 7.3 on the Richter Scale and a Mercalli Intensity of X. Yet, despite the scale of the earthquake, the Fireproof Building was able to withstand the impact of the force given its stolid construction, all except its stone staircase. Meanwhile, two thousand other buildings in the region were left crumbled in ruins after the event.

After serving as the district records office, a coroner's office, and a tax's office, the building was leased to the South Carolina Historical Society, a private non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the state's history, in 1955. The Society declared the building as its official headquarters in 1968 where it continues to reside. The Society Library is open for research Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM, with extended evening hours on Tuesday until 7:30PM by appointment only, and Saturdays from 9AM to 2PM. Members can view the archives for free, while non-members must pay a small fee. Business hours comprise Mondays through Fridays from 9AM to 4PM.

The Fireproof Building was so groundbreaking during its time that it was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1969, and eventually named National Historic Landmark in 1973. To preserve the integrity of the structure and its history, major renovations to the interior and exterior were completed in 2002 by 4SE Structural Engineering Incorporation.

So, if one hopes to view an stunningly beautiful, yet simple Palladian piece, an engineering feat of its first in the nation, and learn of the history that has resulted in the erection of this architectural masterpiece, come visit the Fireproof Building of pleasant Charleston, South Carolina.

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