13 February 2013

What are these?

Queen St., Charleston, S.C.

These little boxes under the roof line have me puzzled. They look like they must have some purpose other than decorative. Anyone have any idea? Close up view below.


9 comments:

Lowandslow said...

Bird houses.

Teresa said...

I agree with the bird houses, maybe Martins?

Catalyst said...

I'd probably knock on the door and ask.

Charlestonjoan said...

The general consensus seems to be bird houses. I've never seen them like this. Bruce may be right. I need to knock on the door and ask.

Marcheline said...

Bizarre either way. They're not really attractive enough to be decoration, but they don't look as if they're situated properly for birds to live in. Looks like they glued tiny cinderblocks to the underside of the eaves. Totally weird.

Joe said...

A wild guess. Bat houses?

Charlestonjoan said...

Right...but too much detail to be accidental for decor. Now I need to know.

Charlestonjoan said...

Googling bat houses they all seem to have a long narrow slit for an opening. They need someplace to hang to rest I think and this wouldn't suit. Now I have to solve it.

LeeAnne said...

Joan, from what I know about buildings and architecture, I cannot imagine they are bird or bat houses. For a number of reasons, not the least of which is the damage they would cause. I would venture to guess they are soffit vents made to look decorative. Even though it's not the norm, they do add a decorative relief (there are architectural elements done this way that look sort of like legos) and I'd bet money those holes are lined with screening. I'd knock on the door and ask if I were you! I'm sure you wouldn't be the first. Or send them a letter in the mail with the URL of this blog and let them know we ALL want to know!