"Sitting opposite the Savannah Civic Center on the southeastern corner of Orleans Square, the Harper-Fowlkes House - one of Savannah's remaining mid-19th century mansions- recalls the city's antebellum days." Tania June Sammons

Methods and Materials

The house was constructed using Savannah grey brick stuccoed and scored to resemble large blocks of stone, this was a common practice in Savannah during the 19^th century.

The first and second floors are separated in elevation by a belt course of stone and the parapet detail was done in stone.

The second empire details of the third floor were executed in copper,  and slate was used as roofing material.

The west face of the building (façade) has a 2 story porch with a roof supported by columns, leading to the entrance of the building, called a portico. The portico dominates the façade.

The exterior corners of the portico are defined by square columns while the central portion of it is supported by four Corinthian columns.

The entry level is reached by symmetrical curving stairs.

The front door is of the Greek Revival style with sidelights and transom.

What is a transom?
A small window immediately above a door.

What is a sidelight?
A window or opening in or at the side of a wall, door, etc.

The first floor windows are six over nine with lower three lights shuttered separately

six window lights/panes nine window lights/panes with six visible and three shuttered separate shutters covering three window lights/panes

The third floor addition is predominately of the second empire style utilizing a four-sided roof having a double slope on all sides, with the lower slope much steeper than the upper this type of roof is called a mansard roof.

Also on the third floor there are one-over-one arched windows. And there is a domelike structure surmounting the roof used as a lookout and to admit light and air, this is called a cupola.

The windows protruding from the roof are called dormer windows, above the portico include Corinthian columns which support the low-pitched triangular gable called a pediment, of the dormer. The chimney servicing the first floor sitting room is located to the right of the dormer.

The first floor porch roof is supported by four square Doric columns in a vernacular form. The quarter round canopy, which protects the porch from direct sunlight is supported but four elaborate cast iron brackets hung on the columns.

This handsome Greek Revival mansion, built in 1842, is beautifully furnished with antiques, yet retains the feel of a real home.

The entrance opens to a large central hall with Georgia marble floors, a pair of columns.

There is also an elliptical opening in the ceiling to the second floor.

To the left is a large double parlor with marble consoles and gilded mirrors at each end, original to the house. to the right are a sitting room and large dining room, warmed by the original faux bois, or graining detail, on its plaster walls.

Of particular note are the six chandeliers that are original to the house.

The house is thought to have been designed by Charles B. Cluskey.