The evolution and blending of Charleston's Architectural Styles can be seen within individual buildings. This one is a catalogue of various styles and changes which have greatly altered the original structure. Many of the additions elevated the building's importance and improved the quality of the building's functional utility...though the merits of individual tastes might still be debatable.

The Governor John Rutledge house was drastically made over circa 1850 when what was originally an 18th century Georgian double house was remodeled in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The owner at the time, Goodwyn Rhett, added the cast iron balconies, terracotta window cornices and pressed metal coins. The changes were made to what was a rather conservatively styled older town house that was otherwise large and still very functional.

This is an example of how many of the homes in the neighborhood have evolved stylistically to reflect the changing tastes and meet the needs of subsequent owners. Architectural details, Charleston, SC. Photo taken 13 November 2010.

Photo and text posted: 17 November 2010