The Banker's House is getting a new roof! This is the first complete renovation of the roof since the house was first constructed in 1874-75.

"It's amazing that the original roof has lasted this long," says Banker's House Executive Director Carolyn Jackson. "This just shows the quality and durability that was crafted into every aspect of this house."

Scaffolding went up on the historic house about a month ago and work has been ongoing since that time.

After a diligent search, the Banker's House administration selected Gutter Guys Inc., based in Kings Mountain, NC, to oversee the roofing project.

"In today's world, it's unusual to find a company that's passionate about their work," says Banker's House Advisory Council Member Tony Brooks. "Gutter Guys Inc. is such a company, and they have specialists that have accepted the unique challenges of this project: from metal and slate work to the intricate internal gutter system."

The Banker's House was built in the Second Empire Style, which was most popular between 1865 and 1900, having emerged out of the redevelopment of Paris under Napoleon III's Second Empire - looking back to French Renaissance precedents. In fact, The Banker's House has been dubbed as the "state's most outstanding example of Second Empire Style." This style is characterized by a strong central tower. elaborate ornamentation and a mansard roof.

A mansard roof is a distinctive type of roof characterized by its double-pitched design with four slopes - two on each side of the roof. The lower slopes are steeper and often nearly vertical, while the upper slopes are more gently sloped. The lower slopes are typically punctuated by dormer windows, providing additional space and natural light to the attic or upper floor.

The term "mansard" is derived from the name of the 17th-century French architect François Mansart, who popularized this roofing style during the Second French Renaissance.



The Banker's House is accepting donations for the roofing renovations. Titled "Raise the Roof for the Banker's House," the campaign welcomes contributions of any size to help contribute to this costly endeavor.

"We have been able to secure some grant money to help offset the cost somewhat, but, of course, repairing a historic and architecturally intricate roof such as this will require a great deal of funds," says Jackson.

While the roof is repaired, tours and events at The Banker's House are still going strong.

"We are still hosting our monthly tours, held on the first Friday of each month, and we have several upcoming events such as our Big Hats & High Tea event on March 27 and, of course, our Kentucky Derby Party on May 4," says Jackson. "Hopefully the scaffolding will be down by then, but even if it's not, the party will go on!"

For more information about the roofing project, visit www.TheBankersHouse.org

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