SALISBURY — The final phases of construction on the historic Napoleon Bonaparte McCanless House, located at 619 South Main St., Salisbury, have begun.

This announcement was made by October Ninth Investments LLC, in partnership with Bonaparte Castle Events Inc., in a release, telling that “this milestone follows the successful completion of the last funding phase, facilitated by Mark Lewis at People’s Bank, whose exceptional efforts were instrumental in achieving this goal.” 

Sandra Toscano and husband, C.P. Edgar own the three-story granite home, which is known for its steep roof with decorative shingles, wraparound porch and intricate woodwork.

The couple purchased it in July of 2021, and the renovation process began then and was a year of permits and structural engineering design, Toscano said.

Renovations continued with grading being done in the backyard along with landscaping, she said.

The following year saw the completion of the tavern, which was originally the kitchen, This space was converted into a fully functional tavern which was opened for outdoor events in October/November of 2022.

Additional permitting, design and funding took place in 2023, said Toscano. Therefore, no additional renovations took place except for adding fencing around the property and some structural damage control underneath the main house, as she noted that they “found basically a river running under it for decades.”

Securing contractors and getting bids for the main house renovations took place in 2024, and therefore, she said, “we lost a whole year there.”

But 2025 has seen the demolition starting as on Jan. 10, Toscano said they were there working and an excepted completion date of May was given.

She also shared they are booking events “with the vision and the expectation that we will be fully operational by June” telling that this will be the last phase for the major renovations.

This final phase, a release said, focuses on the comprehensive renovation of the main house, the centerpiece of this 1897 Second Empire-style landmark. In 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Key elements of the renovation will include the restoration of the main house to its original splendor while introducing state-of-the-art updates to meet modern standards. Key elements include preservation of historical features such as the granite façade, original fireplaces and intricate wood details; modern infrastructure including the installation of updated HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems; event-ready enhancements including the creation of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations and boutique hospitality upgrade.

When the castle renovations are completed, Toscano said that the majority of the time the space would be rented for weddings or anniversaries or other types of events.

However, there would be times when it would be opened up to the public for charity events, Christmas balls, masquerade balls at Mardi Gras or other big traditional holidays such as St. Patrick’s day or Cinco de Mayo.

Room accommodations will also be available as they will have five bedrooms and a renovated guest house next door that will have two bedrooms and one bathroom.

She also said there would be a cottage in the back that would be renovated as well with an anticipated completion date of 2026 or 2027. Toscano said that the cottage “actually belongs to the lot adjacent to the castle even though we’ve fenced it all in to make it basically one property,” but it will be part of the property, plan and event space.

Coming to the end of the renovation process is “incredibly exciting,” said Toscano, adding that “it’s kind of scary at the same time because of just the grand funding that is having to go into it” noting that it has tripled from what the initial quote was, which has been disappointing she said.

But “it’s exciting in that we’re coming to fruition on what we promised we were going to do.”

She said that being able to complete the project is a proud moment in being able to deliver on what they said they would do and what the city and Historical Society believe they would do.

“It’s kind of completing a promise and bringing the city of Salisbury this beautiful building back to life and adding that elegant space into this corridor of South Main Street,” she said, as added that they are hoping “this can be kind of like a cornerstone of the beginning of serious renovations done on this side.”

Knowing that she wanted a place for weddings and events, Toscano said when she saw the building structure and turret, “for me it was the perfect space for the fairy tale weddings.”

There are many others that offer barn wedding themes, or hotel weddings, but, she said this unique space would provide options for wedding couples.

“It gives them a timeless and elegant space for their memories, for wedding experience. So that’s what we’re trying to create is a unique and memorable experience that can last a lifetime for them.”

In a release, Toscano also expressed deep appreciation to their partners and collaborators for supporting this project.

Following its completion, the Castle will host a special event to celebrate this achievement and introduce the property to the public as a premier venue and hospitality destination.

Those wishing to book an event at the Castle may do so by visiting their website, Facebook or Instagram at bonapartecastle.com.