NEWS AND EVENTS

March, 2006 Update: Rehabilitation Of Belmont Mansion Underway

Belmont Mansion is located in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building is considered one of the most important examples of Colonial Georgian architecture in the Philadelphia region. The Mansion house was built by William Peters, an attorney and representative in the government of William Penn, with construction of the main block beginning c. 1742 and lasting through c. 1750.

The significance of Belmont Mansion as an 18th century American site is due in large part to the extant original eighteenth century woodwork and finishes which include extraordinary ornamental plaster ceilings in the first floor salon and second floor stair hall.

The construction project underway covers the rehabilitation of Belmont Mansion, using its appearance c. 1876-1899 as guidance for repairing damaged elements and replacing missing features. Demolition includes removal of the existing brick patio, porch and deteriorated roof elements and selective interior demolition. Rehabilitation of the interior and exterior includes structural reinforcement of the first, second, third and attic floors and roof framing; replacement of the porch columns and roof framing; replacement of porch and main roof coverings; reinforcement of the existing exterior masonry walls.

New features include replacement of the ornamental roof deck, window shutters and flagpole. New mechanical and electrical systems are included for the Mansion, as well as a new underground sanitary connection to the adjacent Belmont Grove site. Construction is scheduled to be complete in December 2006.