The scarbrough house, ships of the sea museum

This 1819 Regency Savannah mansion, designed by William Jay, was acquired by the Ships of the Sea Museum to house its maritime collection. Alterations and additions had to be designed with sensitivity to meet the requirements of a historic structure yet accommodate heavy tourist traffic. The roof was altered to a more regency period roof and a correct skylight designed and installed. Gas lamps to resemble those on a lost William Jay building were reproduced for both fronts. A pedimented Greek Doric portico was added to the West parlor level to improve upon a rather blank façade and to resemble but not mimic existing architecture.

The garden was expanded to the South and replanted to a period to suit the house and an addition of a 63 space parking lot and a screen wall improved access and overall cordialness. Interiors were also done to period along with the installation of the museum’s collection. Project received a Historic Preservation Award from the Historic Savannah Foundation, and was presented a Preservation Award from AIA Georgia for “an outstanding adaptive re-use of the William Scarbrough House.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Year Built: 1819

Year Renovated: 1996

Size: 6,448 sf

Client: Ships of the Sea Museum