History

Situated in the heart of downtown Natchez, the Raphael Building has always operated as a business and residence. Since c. 1840, the building has housed a wide variety of businesses including a bakery, grocery store, lock smith shop, tenement housing, and law office. This lengthy history highlights the building's adaptability.

The historic image to the right depicts the Raphael Building as the Bluff City Bakery in c. 1900. According to Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps the building operated as a bakery from at least 1892 until approximately 1925.

Architecture

The Raphael Building was constructed in two sections. The c. 1840 portion, abutting Locust Alley, is a two-story brick townhouse surmounted by a hipped slate roof. The main facade includes a centered entryway flanked by windows with a matching arrangement on the second level. Although the original second story balcony no longer exists, evidence of its configuration remains. The c. 1940 addition is to the west of the original part of the building. Although slightly smaller in footprint, this portion includes a doorway to the right with a modern picture window to the left. The western facing facade of this 1940s section also includes a side gallery running the length of the building. The addition has a flat metal roof.

Despite exterior differences, the interior of the Raphael Building operates as a contiguous commercial space and residential area. The ground level interior features an expansive open space. Interior spaces within the second-story residence include bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen/dining area, and a sizable living room. Historic architectural features within this space include original window and door trim, hardware, and several original mantels.

The image to the right shows the building in 1962 as Kecheck's Grocery and Lock Smith.