The Second Empire style was inspired by buildings constructed in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III from 1852 to 1870. The enlargement of the Louvre during between 1852 and 1857 revived the roof form developed by the 17th century French architect François Mansart.

The mansard roof was a hallmark of the Second Empire style. The mansard roof is a steep double-pitches roof usually pierced with dormer windows. Larger Second Empire buildings had central or end pavilions. Ornamentation for large Second Empire buildings included classical pediments, balustrades, and windows flanked by columns or pilasters.

Smaller Second Empire residences are difficult to characterize. Builders placed a mansard roof on almost any style of house however small or otherwise unassuming.