Fireproof Building, Greek Revival building in Charleston, United States.
The Fireproof Building is a Greek Revival structure on Meeting Street in Charleston, built with materials chosen for durability. The facade features Doric porticoes, round-arch openings, and a brick wall covered in stucco that was designed to look like stone.
The building was designed in 1827 by architect Robert Mills as America's first fire-resistant structure intended to house state treasures and records. Mills created a fully non-flammable construction by using metal and stone instead of wood throughout the design.
The building houses the South Carolina Historical Society, where visitors can explore collections that document the state's development across generations. The galleries contain original letters, photographs, and objects that reveal how people lived and worked in earlier times.
The building sits on Meeting Street with clear signage to help visitors find it easily and orient themselves. The interior galleries are laid out in a straightforward way, allowing people to explore at their own pace without needing assistance.
Inside is an oval stairwell with cantilevered stone steps spanning three floors and lit by natural light from a central cupola above. This engineering solution was technically impressive for its time and demonstrates Mills' skill in design.
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