Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 11, 1976):
A splendid display of the grandeur of mid-19th century Savannah high society. Gothic Revival in style, its rococo mirrors, marble mantels, intricately carved moldings, and luxuries such as gas lighted domes show the lavish construction.

Condition:
According to the steward, the parapet is structurally deficient due to erosion, cracking, support design flaws, and misguided efforts to strengthen in after the 1886 Charleston/Savannah earthquake. The decorative Gothic Revival ironwork of the monumental portico is suffering from water infiltration, which has caused failure of the welds and resulted in the loss of portions of the ironwork. Additionally, the original standing seam terne roof was replaced with a built-up roof whose multiple layers of tar, felt, and shingles now exceed the load capacity of the underlying structural system. The complex relationship between the parapet and the roof means that both must be replaced at the same time, a very costly and complicated operation.

On the recommendation of an expert, a section of the parapet 75 feet in length was removed in April 2008. The stonework is now in the workshop of Tidewater Preservation awaiting conservation and reinstatement as part of a larger effort. Funding for all of this work has been sought through Save America’s Treasures, The Getty Foundation, and Save Our History.