(Credit: Courtesy of East West Partners / Nick Cann Photo)
East West Partners, a residential and commercial real estate development group with a flagship office in Charleston, on Thursday announced the grand opening of 71 Wentworth, a collection of 12 exceptional residences in the heart of historic Charleston. Located on the iconic King Street corridor on the corner of King and Wentworth Streets, the project marks a complete, top-to-bottom revitalization of a circa-1872 historic building with a richly layered tenure in the community.
“Restoring 71 Wentworth allowed us the opportunity to pay homage to the architectural integrity of Charleston’s past,” says Chris Frampton, CEO of East West Partners. “An incredibly creative collaboration, the end result is a collection of thoroughly modern homes set inside an absolute gem of a building. After years of dreaming about this architectural landmark, we’re proud to debut its next era and to welcome residents and guests alike.”
East West Partners’ vision for 12 distinctive residences was brought to life alongside an industry-leading design team including Kevan Hoertdoerfer Architects, Cortney Bishop Design, and Trident Construction. The residences were initially offered starting at $1.7M and sold out within several months.
RICH HERITAGE IN THE HOLY CITY
Representing an integral part of the Charleston skyline for more than 150 years, the iconic landmark was originally a palatial Masonic Lodge designed by famed Charleston architect John Henry Devereux in Tudor Gothic Revival style with richly molded and arched windows soaring as high as 18 feet tall and cathedral ceiling heights of 20-40 feet. In 1877, due to financial challenges, the Freemasons came to an agreement with South Carolina militia unit the Washington Light Infantry, giving the organization access to utilize meeting spaces on the second and third floors rent-free in exchange for financing the building. The Freemasons ultimately sold 71 Wentworth in the mid-1940s. Thereafter, the first floor was used primarily as retail space, while the second and third floors would be used for performances, office space and storage. The building’s first floor is still utilized today as retail space along Wentworth and King Streets.
In the 1950s, as part of the building’s modernization efforts, the original 16’ and 12’ Tudor Gothic-style windows at 71 Wentworth were replaced with small metal, international-style windows to allow for one of the first central HVAC systems in the Southeast. As a significant piece of East West Partners’ restoration efforts, a team of nine tradesmen and more than 20 crewmen meticulously restored the 41 original windows, a nearly $2 million investment in the overall project. Due to the age of the building, each window opening varied in size and had to be laser-measured for fabricating. Each custom-made window is comprised of five different pieces, some of which weigh close to 300 pounds and had to be manually installed.
“71 Wentworth represents a once-in-a-lifetime project for East West Partners and our partners, and it has been a true honor to usher this architectural icon into the modern age while paying homage to its rich history,” says Graham Worsham, East West Partners project manager.
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON LUXURY CHARLESTON LIVING
Seamlessly blending historic architecture with contemporary touches, 71 Wentworth’s mix of two- and three-bedroom residences feature soaring ceilings; historically replicated Gothic-style windows; exterior loggias in select residences; exposed antique brick and salvaged heart pine timber and beams; luxury kitchens; and more. East West Partners collaborated with acclaimed designer Cortney Bishop on the interior finishes for the residences and common areas. In addition to selecting interior and exterior finishes, Bishop furnished a two-story pied-à-terre in the building.
“As a Charleston native, I’m incredibly honored and proud to have had a hand in restoring this iconic landmark with such historical significance in the city,” says Bishop. “We made a concerted effort to preserve as much original detail as possible, while making highly considered updates to suit modern living – from plumbing to light fixtures, tile to floor finishes, and kitchen cabinetry to space layout.”
Through a partnership with hospitality company Inspirato, 71 Wentworth owners have an opportunity to enroll their residence in the company’s luxury vacation club and enjoy access to the Inspirato network of rentals across the globe. Homeowners also enjoy a variety of high-touch services such as dedicated resident concierge; weekly property inspections; grocery delivery and stocking; valet laundry and dry cleaning; and more.
For more information, visit 71Wentworth.com.
