James Sparrow House, Federal style residence in Charleston, United States
The James Sparrow House is a two-and-a-half-story brick structure with stucco facing, Gothic arched hoods, and distinctive corner quoins located on Cannon Street in Charleston. The building features an ornamental dog-tooth cornice and horizontal stringcourse details that divide the floors and give it a defined vertical rhythm.
Construction began in 1818 with an initial owner who worked as a butcher, and the property then remained with the Happoldt family for over 80 years. The building underwent significant interior repairs following the 1886 earthquake, which damaged the chimneys and required structural modifications.
The house displays the hallmark features of a Charleston single house, with fine details that reflect the prosperity of its neighborhood during the early 1800s. The way it sits close to the street shows how homes in this area were built to make the most of tight urban spaces.
The house is located in a residential neighborhood with narrow streets and closely spaced buildings, so expect limited parking and a quiet street setting. The area is best explored on foot, and visiting during daylight hours allows you to see all the architectural details on the exterior clearly.
The property underwent a major restoration in 1995 with an addition designed by Charleston architect Randolph Martz, which shows how careful renovation can bring historic buildings back to life. This work demonstrates the balance between respecting the original design and meeting modern needs.
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