Abstract:
Located at the corner of Second and Dock Streets, high on a terraced hill that overlooks downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River, the de Rosset House was constructed in the 1840s for Dr. Armand de Rosset, III and his family. By 1975, the house, damaged by fire, was deteriorating badly. It was then purchased by the Historic Wilmington Foundation, which used part of the building for offices until 1996. The foundation offered it for sale with a protective covenant. Lea describes the restoration of the house and how it was put to practical use as a city club, hotel, and restaurant dining.