Second Empire Mansion | East Town Street | Columbus OH

Napoleon III wasn't an empire builder like his famous uncle, but he did oversee a major renovation of Paris that had lasting significance. He ruled France from 1852 to 1871, during which time Paris became a city of grand boulevards and monumental buildings. Although Napoleon III failed to revive the empire of his uncle, he left a tremendous architectural legacy. Second Empire architecture spread to England during the Paris Exhibitions of 1852 and 1867. Before long, French fever spread to the USA.

Second Empire structures are known for their high mansard roofs. Other distinctive features include cupolas, patterned roof slate, tall first story windows, paired columns, classical pediments, and wrought iron. French architects used the term horror vacui (the fear of unadorned surfaces) to describe the highly ornamental Second Empire style.The first important Second Empire building in America is the Cocoran Gallery (later renamed the Renwick Gallery) in Washington, DC, by James Renwick. The tallest Second Empire building in the USA is Philadelphia City Hall, designed by John McArthur Jr. and Thomas Walter. After it was completed in 1901, the soaring tower made it the world's tallest building, holding this distinction for several years.