Temple Heights
Built by slave labor for Richard Brownrigg as a copy of a family home in Edenton, North Carolina, imposing Temple Heights is four stories with two rooms and a stair hall on each floor. In 1845, the Federal style was amended by the addition of fourteen Doric columns on three sides to reflect the newer Greek Revival style. Later, Temple Heights was the home of Jane Fontaine, one of the founders of Decoration Day. The property contains three historical structures.
The Haven
Built by free men of color Thomas and Isaac Williams from South Carolina, the home is a raised cottage and reflects the style of the Low Country. Handmade bricks reinforced the structure, and the 179-year-old chimneys still stand straight. The Haven is the only house built in Columbus by free men of color. The Williamses operated a blacksmith shop on their property and moved to Texas in 1850. During a 1980s restoration, a collection of artifacts was discovered and is now on display in the house. Now a bed and breakfast.
The McGahey Apartment
The McGahey-Chitmon apartment is a spacious and luxurious living space. The building has flat-arch windows with stone lintels and a corbeled cornice with brick dentils. In the 1980s Arthur and Martha McGahey created the first downtown apartment in Columbus. A few years later, new owner Frank Imes enlarged the space, and engaged artist Jeannie Howard to create the interior design. A second story indoor pool with spectacular tile work was added. A large skylight fills the space over the entertainment area.