Repairs to Kensington Mansion coming, company says

International Paper, responding to concerns from preservationists and Lower Richland residents, on Wednesday announced it plans to repair damage caused by roof leaks at Kensington Mansion.

“We understand and value the historical significance of the Kensington manion and we will repair the property,” said Tom Ryan, director of global media relations for the Memphis, Tenn.-based company. “As longstanding members of the community, we have been vested in this house for decades.”

The company has put off repairs to the roof for several years, according to volunteers who helped with tours of the facility. Those leaks have led to deterioration of intricate plaster molding.

International Paper also will pay $100,000 to move and store the period furnishings that have been provided in the mansion by the Scarborough-Hamer Foundation.

This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 10:13 PM with the headline "Repairs to Kensington Mansion coming, company says."