Bonaparte Castle to Commence Massive Renovation Project

 

Purchase of the historic Napoleon Bonaparte McCanless House by local authors empowers the City of Salisbury to generate enthusiasm for continued growth by tapping into the $57 billion wedding and events industry, making Salisbury a contender against surrounding cities.

Salisbury, NC – February17, 2022 - Bonaparte Castle, LLC, a proposed weddings, events, and hospitality venue, today announced it has received approval from the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to commence massive renovation project at 619 S. Main Street.

According to a market research report published on December 7, 2021 by IBISWorld, the wedding services industry is currently a $57 billion industry. As noted in the chart below, the industry fell from $96 billion in 2016 to $45 billion during the COVID pandemic shutdowns in 2020. It is exciting to see increased projections for coming years and more exciting still is the fact that the City of Salisbury is investing into the revitalization of its market, positioning itself as a true contender against surrounding cities.

In their commitment to keep business local to Salisbury, where possible, the Bonaparte owners retained Architect Jon E. Palmer, AIA, NCARB of Salisbury, who stated, “The two-story rusticated granite of the Bonaparte McCanless House sits like a stalwart sentinel at the southern end of Salisbury’s downtown, a beautiful mansard-roofed structure with a corner tower and a full wrap around veranda. As other historic structures have been demolished and the lines of neighborhoods have eroded, the awesome presence of this home has become an ever-more crucial landmark in the community fabric. The owners’ passion and dedication to restoring the Bonaparte is what every historic city dreams of – brave and concerned people willing to do the hard work to keep its historic symbols alive and relevant.”

 

General Contractor Chad Vriesema of Central Piedmont Builders joined the team and is prepared to take on the monumental renovations of the Bonaparte Castle. Vriesema expressed excitement in the opportunity to continue working toward Salisbury’s revitalization, he believes the Bonaparte Castle will be a venue like no other, bringing many families to the city that will contribute to its growth, particularly the downtown area, “I’m excited to bring life back to another historic building that had been quiet for far too long. The Bonaparte Castle will be an anchor for S. Main Street and should be a part of the Historic District. This home’s granite façade and round front porch will definitely bring challenges, but we are ready for them,” commented Vriesema.

 

With a phased approach slated for completion over the next few years, the initial phase proposes to transform a secondary structure to the main house, the original kitchen, into a bar and lounge space that will augment services offered during special and private events.  Additionally, the first phase is to include the renovation of the porch at the main house as well as grading and landscaping, all of which present opportunities for tented and outdoor events as early as Spring of 2022.

Owners Sandra Toscano and C.P. Edgar, recall thinking of the Bonaparte as an abandoned castle needing to be brought back to life. “It’s the perfect setting for fairy-tale weddings. Couples can have a memorable experience by partaking in the history and charm that makes the allure of the Bonaparte Castle such a desired location. Although an enormous amount of work needs to take place before we open for business, we are working with city officials to secure the necessary permits and we’re hoping for an efficient and speedy process.” Toscano stated.

About Bonaparte Castle

Located at 619 S. Main Street, Salisbury, NC 28144, a Circa house built in 1897 by Mr. Napoleon Bonaparte McCanless, a prominent resident and businessman in Salisbury. His contributions to the city and to the building of the Bonaparte property made it the significant landmark it continues to be today.

The Napoleon Bonaparte McCanless House retained its original name yet the events business will carry the Bonaparte Castle, LLC name in order to allow the new owners to build their own legacy while maintaining the essence of its origin. 

For more information visit www.BonaparteCastle.com and www.Instagram.com/BonaparteCastle.

 

Contact:
Sandra Toscano

Events@BonaparteCastle.com