Address: 586 Broad Street

Owner:  Privately Owned

History and Significance: 586 Broad is one of three identical buildings that date back to the 1820s which include Luigi’s restaurant and Christian Servicemen’s Center.  Thorough deed research has traced the building back to an 1826 division of the estate of David Reid, who died in 1814.   The buildings have been of mixed use with a traditional commercial space located on the first floor and residential space on the second and third floor.  The Federal-style architectural elements on the exterior of the building are mostly intact including a central dormer window facing Broad Street, a balcony featuring wrought iron railing, and a cast iron storefront.  Access to the second and third floor spaces is through a door found to the west of the main commercial space. One of the most interesting features of 586 Broad Street are the numerous interior curved walls, the first found in the stairwell which gives access to the second floor.  The windows span floor to ceiling, casting light onto the hardwood floors which have had several oilcloths laid down over the years.  On the second floor there is one set of folding doors and a set of pocket doors are found tucked away into the walls and divide the large living space.  To accommodate the curved walls, wooden curved doors are found in corners of the living space.  The building has had several additions as you walk through the building towards the back alley which are identified by the change in interior architectural features such as the window molding and paneling on the walls.  The 500 block of Broad Street is perhaps the oldest block of buildings in Augusta and sensitive rehabilitation will ensure the stability of the block and encourage further reinvestment for this area of the Augusta Downtown Historic District.

Threat: Second and third floors are unoccupied; downtown development pressures; neglect

Potential Uses:  Mixed use; commercial office space; income producing residential apartments