THE FRANKE BUILDING

The Franke Building is located at the northwest corner of Market and Church Streets and is an important example of early-twentieth century industrial architecture. Founded in 1859 by Prussian immigrant C. D. Franke, it was originally constructed as a manufacturing and storage building for a carriage company. His carriages and wagons were marketed throughout the Southeast. By the 1870s, the company had also become a supplier for carriage parts, iron products, and hardware. By the early 1900s, Franke (Jahnz) Company was manufacturing auto parts in this building. It closed in 1981, was rehabilitated, and now serves as an office complex. It is one of only a few surviving examples of the industrial nature of the Market Street area prior to World War II.  Downtown commercial office space by owner for rent.  The Franke Building.  171 Church Street, Charleston, SC  29401.