At a convocation in August 2005, a student and professor of the American College of the Building Arts tapped their hammers on metal plugs sticking out of a stone block, symbolically opening the way for the college to take up residence at one of Charleston's most historic plantation homes. Both the event and the location hold a great deal of historic significance.
The idea to create a college that teaches blacksmithing, masonry, timber framing, finish carpentry and stone carving began when Charleston native John Paul Huguley, a structural engineer with a historic preservation background, saw a need for skilled craftsman to help solve the growing problem of building preservation.
The problem became even more evident after Hurricane Hugo swept through the city in 1989, severely damaging many of the historic structures. In 1998, a small team led by Huguley worked tirelessly to create the School of the Building Arts.
Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and the citizens of Charleston sought to restore the buildings by using traditional building methods and materials. The college will provide training for design and craftsmanship in these special methods.
After the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education licensed the school to begin recruiting in July 2004, the institution changed its name to the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA).
The Old City Jail, in the heart of downtown Charleston, serves as the downtown campus for the ACBA. The facility also serves as a living laboratory and classroom, where students gain a wealth of experience helping to renovate the historic property.
In December 2004, an extensive search for a permanent campus site culminated in the purchase of the McLeod Plantation from the Historic Charleston Foundation, which had received the property following Willie McLeod's death in 1990.
Located just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston, the plantation is an ideal location for the ACBA. McLeod Plantation's remaining 40 acres of what was once a much larger plantation offer ample space for a four-year curriculum focused on instruction in traditional building arts. As with the Old City Jail, students will be able to help restore the structures to their former glory.
The McLeod Plantation has a special place in Charleston's historic timeline. The property features an antebellum plantation house and a row of slave quarters. Both the plantation house and the slave quarters are in remarkably good condition. The old slave bell used to call slaves in from the field still hangs from an oak tree near the main house. Also on the premises are a barn dating from the late 19th century, a dairy, a gin house and a kitchen that was separate from the main house.
The plantation's illustrious history includes encampment by both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. It was also occupied for a time by the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiments, composed of African-American soldiers (and made famous by the movie Glory). The front parlor was used as a surgical theater, and many who died from their wounds were buried in the nearby cemetery.
It will take several years to renovate and redevelop the McLeod Plantation for appropriate use as a campus. The college's inaugural class will have the honor of being among the first to participate in the preservation not only of the Old City Jail but also of the McLeod Plantation's structures.
The class of 2009 includes 15 students, nine men and six women, who come from six different states. They range in age from 18 to 43.
The work will help create an even stronger sense of community between master and apprentice artisans, linking them to the preservation of history in Charleston.
For a list of must-see plantation tours and contact info, please click here.
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The Sylvan Gallery features nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors, including two highly acclaimed Charleston artists. The gallery focuses on 20th and 21st century representational art. Many of the artists are members of significant art organizations. Located at 171 King Street, the gallery is in the heart of the antiques and art district of historic Charleston.
The Spencer Art Gallery features a carefully chosen selection of Contemporary Fine art paintings, prints, and sculptures in a pleasant friendly setting. The award-winning artists work in a wide range of media, styles, and subject matter. Traditional, classical, abstract, and conceptual sculptures are shown in the sculpture garden. Visit the gallery on-line at www.spencerartgallery.com
At a convocation in August 2005, a student and professor of the American College of the Building Arts tapped their hammers on metal plugs sticking out of a stone block, symbolically opening the way for the college to take up residence at one of Charleston's most historic plantation homes. Both the event and the location hold a great deal of historic significance.
Located just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston, the plantation is an ideal location for the ACBA. McLeod Plantation's remaining 40 acres of what was once a much larger plantation offer ample space for a four-year curriculum focused on instruction in traditional building arts. As with the Old City Jail, students will be able to help restore the structures to their former glory.
Luxury Land And Homes, Inc. specializes in the high-end luxury real estate market which encompasses Charleston's historic district, the area beaches, resorts, and custom home waterfront communities including Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Specialized services are available for corporate relocation and income producing vacation investments.
The Sylvan Gallery features nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors, including two highly acclaimed Charleston artists. The gallery focuses on 20th and 21st century representational art. Many of the artists are members of significant art organizations. Located at 171 King Street, the gallery is in the heart of the antiques and art district of historic Charleston.
The Spencer Art Gallery features a carefully chosen selection of Contemporary Fine art paintings, prints, and sculptures in a pleasant friendly setting. The award-winning artists work in a wide range of media, styles, and subject matter. Traditional, classical, abstract, and conceptual sculptures are shown in the sculpture garden. Visit the gallery on-line at www.spencerartgallery.com
