179 Rutledge House Update - Global Studies House Update

179 Rutledge: House for Global Studies Update

by: Suzie Prentice

Suzie and Jennifer are ready to see the house! Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Main floor staircase. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

In the spring of 2013, Ashley Hall purchased 179 Rutledge to expand the school’s international program and to provide a closer home for the international students as well. The property includes a Charleston single house, a carriage house, a pool and pool house, a fully gated and enclosed perimeter, and two large verandas. Influenced by Italian architecture, the property was built around the turn of the century. The house, like the school, is steeped in history.

Room under construction. Photo by Jennifer Baron

James Blackman  with one of the original brass fireplaces. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Ashley Hall is the fifth owner of the home, and the school is currently renovating the property, to be finished by the fall of 2014. Ashley Hall is taking the time, however, to first restore the many beautiful brass fireplaces, the chandeliers, and the frescoes. While the home is very beautiful, there is still much work to be done. When the house is completed, it will be home to 24 international students and two classrooms for students.

There are four levels in this beautiful building. The ground floor is currently undergoing renovation to become a shower and a powder room for the international students. The main floor will be used for classrooms for senior seminar, and offices for staff. The second floor will be used to house the students and the third floor will become a staff residence. The fourth floor is an attic. Also a staircase will most likely be built from the ground floor to the fourth floor for the use of the international students.

Light with original molding. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Presently, although it doesn’t look like much work has been done in the house, in reality a lot has. All the rooms have been gutted and stripped to expose their internal wall frames ready for refitting.  The old wood flooring has also been removed throughout the house. The large, elegant, crystal chandelier and others that once graced the hallways and prominent areas have been carefully removed and shipped to New England to be polished. All the brass fittings have already been cleaned. The finished home will still be true to Charleston’s historic architecture.  When complete, it will further opportunities for student cultural exchange and promote diversity in our school.

 Special thanks to James Blackman, Fred Reinhard, and Claire Monahan for helping the Global Studies Club with this project.

Suzie and Jennifer strike a pose in the house. Photo by: Jennifer Baron