Work begins to replace Flat Top Manor's roof on April 10

Textile magnate Moses H. Cone would never have allowed a leaky roof to go unattended at his beloved Flat Top Manor. Now it won’t. Work will begin on Monday, April 10, to replace the flat roof on the home thanks to your support!  

The flat roof is failing and has resulted in water damage to the porch ceiling, columns, and interior of the manor. The process includes removing the existing roofing system, constructing and replacing the damaged gutter system, and installing a new flat roof and historically and architecturally accurate balustrades. Once complete, the new roof will prevent further damage as the we continue to make repairs to the 23-room Colonial Revival style home completed in 1901.

Visitors to the Manor House are asked to not cross the safety fencing, use designated walkways to enter the manor, and avoid distracting the construction team.

This project is part of our multiyear plan to repair and rehabilitate many features of the historical estate. Together, we have raised $1.7 million toward our total goal of $3 million. Future projects include:

• Installing a fire suppression system at Flat Top Manor (work slated for 2017)
• Replacing exterior wooden components, including some doors and windows, and ensuring structural integrity of the manor
• Repairing stone walls on the estate
• Partially restoring the immediate landscape of the manor house

The project will cost approximately $200,000 and will be funded thanks to support from you and grants from the Covington Foundation and Cannon Foundation.

Flat Top Manor is a significant contributing element of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, all work will be performed in compliance to the Organic Act of 1916, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. The project will be completed by Atriax Group of Hickory, N.C.