We embarked on the restoration of the third floor of this 1880’s Second Empire Victorian home. Originally the house had 10 dormers; a previous re-roofing had eliminated them altogether. We fully recreated 9 dormers guided by the evidence of the original framing found within the roof structure. The dormer trims were designed to “mimic” the original pediments, not replicate them. These details were in keeping with other period homes in the Second Empire Victorian architectural style. The portico over the front door was reframed to mimic the original as viewed in a 1910 photo from the Portage Historical Society.

This was a unique project not only for its historical significance but also for its logistical challenges of working between 40 and 60 feet off the ground.