Norwich — Contractors with Crocker Architectural and Enterprise Scaffolding Inc. erected scaffolding Friday around the cupola of the Slater building at Norwich Free Academy.

Wrapping the 145-foot tower is the first step in the roofing project for the 136-year-old building. The slate roof is the original to the building, which was dedicated in 1886.

The project, which will replace the old slate with new slate for historical district considerations, is planned to be completed by the end of the year.