88 Broad St
Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Old Jewish Orphanage, 88 Broad St Charleston, Charleston County, SC

The Old Jewish Orphanage is a good example of Neoclassical design and illustrates the level of architectural competence available in Charleston in ca. 1800. Except for the north side, the exterior of the buildings remains faithful to its original design, while the interior has been repeatedly altered over the years an indication of its many uses. The building is one of only a few remaining buildings on Court House Square and contributes to the square`s overall sense of scale and enclosure. The square is significant because it was an element of the original city plan. The building was constructed in the years following the Revolutionary War, as Charleston was emerging from a time of hardship and depression and embarking on a period of economic and social development. The early use of the building by two different banks points to this economic resurgence. The history of the building is indelibly tied to the Hebrew Orphan Society, the oldest incorporated Jewish charitable organization and other community services. Beyond its philanthropic purpose, the building also functioned as a center of Jewish culture and influence. In later years, the building provided office space for realtors and attorneys, residential space on its third floor, and a community gathering place in the basement bar. The Old Jewish Orphanage is listed in the City`s Old and Historic District and has been given a category I rating of "exceptional."