The Second Empire style imitated the grand architecture built in France under Napoleon III. Its distinguishing feature is the mansard roof, with its steep, sloped roof edge and dormer windows. A notable Ithaca example is the Sprague mansion at the corner of North Titus Avenue and South Albany Street.
Look for: roofs decorated with slate or shaped shingles, cast iron roof crestings, bracketed eave cornices, arched window hoods, and ornate porches
