Abram Huston House and Carriage House facts for kids
|
Abram Huston House and Carriage House
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
Graystone, January 2010
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 53 S. 1st Ave., Coatesville, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 3.1 acres (1.3 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Cope & Stewardson |
| Part of | Coatesville Historic District Lukens Historic District (ID87000667 94001186) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001149 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1977 |
| Designated CP | May 14, 1987 |
| Designated NHLDCP | April 19, 1994 |
The Abram Huston House and Carriage House, also known as "Graystone Mansion," is a very old and important building. It is located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This historic building was designed in 1889 by a famous architectural firm called Cope & Stewardson.
The house itself is a large, two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of carefully shaped stone and has an interesting, uneven shape. A two-story section was added to the house in 1925. Next to the house is a special building called a carriage house. This carriage house is shaped like the letter "L" and has a tall, two-story tower with a pointy, cone-shaped roof.
This grand house was originally built for Abram Huston. He was the president of the Lukens Steel Company, a very important company in the area. Later, from 1939 to 1992, the house became the Coatesville City Hall. The carriage house was used as the Coatesville jail during that time. The Abram Huston House and Carriage House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Contents
The Graystone Mansion: A Look Inside
The Graystone Mansion is a great example of old architecture. It shows how buildings were designed over 130 years ago. The way the stone is shaped and put together makes the house look very strong and grand.
A Home for a Steel Leader
Abram Huston was a very important person in Coatesville. He led the Lukens Steel Company, which was a big part of the town's history. Building such a large and beautiful home showed his importance. It was a symbol of success and growth in Coatesville.
From Home to City Hall
After being a family home, the mansion took on a new role. It became the center of Coatesville's local government. For many years, the city's leaders worked here. The police station was also located here, with the carriage house serving as a place for temporary detention. This shows how the building adapted to new needs over time.
What is a Carriage House?
A carriage house was a common building in the past. It was used to store horse-drawn carriages and often had stables for horses. Sometimes, it also had living spaces for stable workers. The carriage house at Graystone Mansion is special because of its unique "L" shape and tall tower.
Protecting History: National Register
Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means a building is important to the history of the United States. This listing helps to protect the building. It makes sure that future generations can learn from and enjoy these historic places. The Graystone Mansion is a key part of Coatesville's history.
