PHOTOS: First Look At Newly Renovated UA President's Mansion

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama's President's Mansion has reopened for official use following a major preservation project aimed at protecting one of the university's oldest landmarks.

UA says the project marked the first comprehensive renovation of the President's Mansion in more than three decades, with work focused on preserving the home's historic character while addressing long-term maintenance and accessibility needs.

Officials said renovations included replacing aging and degraded exterior stucco, repairing and refurbishing weather-damaged windows, enhancing interior spaces and installing an ADA-compliant elevator.

Designed by architect Michael Barry in the Greek Revival style, construction on the mansion began in 1839 and was completed in 1841 at a cost of $26,000.

The mansion is among the oldest and most historically significant structures on the UA campus and one of the few university buildings to survive from before and during the Civil War.

University officials said the preservation plan was developed over several years to balance the building's architectural significance with improvements needed to maintain the property for future generations.

With the work complete, the mansion will continue serving as the official residence of the university president's family and as a gathering place for official events.

The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, while its previous major renovation was completed in 1991.

The mansion has served as the home of all but two of the university's 30 presidents. President Nathaniel Lupton's son, Frank, was also born in the residence in 1873.

The university said photography will continue to be allowed on the mansion lawn, except during overnight hours and events.

Here's a first look at the newly renovated President's Mansion

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