Similar in scale to Italianate architecture, the Second Empire style was inspired by Parisian architecture. The style is distinguished by the tall, stately appearance of buildings, the use of considerable ornamentation, and boxy mansard roofs which permit a full upper story of usable space. Characteristics include:

• mansard roof (a flat-topped pyramid) with dormer windows
• wall surfaces that project and recede
• prominent cornices with brackets
• bay windows
• central or side towers
• arched or rounded windows, often in pairs

Click here to see photos of Second Empire buildings in Lancaster