The Second Empire style, also known as the Mansard style, borrows heavily from the Italianate style.  Ornamental brackets under the roof cornice and under door and window hoods are often found on Second Empire residences.  First appearing during the 1850's in the United States, the Second Empire style dominated American house construction between 1860 and 1880.  The style takes its name from the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870), France's Second Empire, during which many buildings were built in France with distinctive mansard roof.

The boxy mansard roof allowed full use of the attic story and consequently, the style became very popular for new construction as well as the remodeling of existing buildings.  The roof is often punctures by dormers and dormer windows of various shapes.

Examples can be found in many Lowell neighborhoods including Andovers Street, Belvidere Hill, South Common, Wannalancit Street, Washington Square and Wilder Street Historic Districts.  Commercial examples of the style can also be seem in the Downtown Lowell Historic District, while other residential examples can be discovered in the Acre Neighborhood District.

Identifying Features of the Second Empire Style:

• Mansard (dual-pitched hipped) roof with dormer windows on steep lower slope
• Moulded cornices bound lower roof slope above and below
• Decorative brackets usually present beneath eaves

As you explore Lowell's historic places, please note that many are privately owned.  Please respect the rights of property owners by not trespassing and remaining on public property as you view the community's many historic resources.