DuPage Forest Preserve District commissioners, weary of criticism that the Peabody Mansion in Oak Brook remains shuttered to the public, reversed themselves and approved spending up to $1 million to bring the Mayslake Estate up to code.
The 18-1 vote did not come without a fight, as holdout opponent Linda Kurzawa (R-Winfield) called it inappropriate to spend forest district money on the mansion built by millionaire coal baron Francis S. Peabody.
“These are environmental funds,” said Kurzawa, who said she preferred that private groups pay the $1 million. “Every brick in that mansion was built at the expense of the environment.”
Commissioner Roger Kotecki (R-Glen Ellyn) agreed, adding that “the mansion was really built on the backs of coal miners.” But in the end, he agreed with the majority that the mansion was worth preserving and needed a financial boost.
Leaders of the private Mayslake Landmark Conservancy, which over the last four years has raised $250,000 toward renovations, cheered the decision. They said few foundations or philanthropists are willing to donate money on life-safety repairs.
The $1 million will go toward sprinkler systems and compliance with federal accessibility requirements for the disabled, including remodeled restrooms and entrances.
“We’re really off to a running start,” said Rev. William H. Baar, vice president of the conservancy. “Our architect has made a thorough study of this building and its needs.”
The architect, Charles Pipal of Chicago, emphasized that Peabody lived in the mansion, built in 1919, for only one year. Franciscan friars occupied the 39-room Tudor Revival mansion for about 70 years, he said.
The Forest Preserve District bought the 90-acre Mayslake Estate, which also includes the St. Paschal Friary, for $17.5 million in 1992.
The conservancy intends to generate revenue with historical tours, weddings, corporate retreats, classes and other events. County officials estimate it could take a year, maybe more, to finish the repairs.
Commissioner Olivia Gow (R-Elmhurst), who has pushed to restore the mansion, said she was pleased with the commission’s decision.
“It should be open to all residents of the county,” Gow said. “At least we’re heading in the right direction here.”
Commissioners also approved moving toward condemnation, if needed, to acquire 35 acres in Roselle.
The property, referred to as Rodenburg Marsh, sits east of Rodenburg Road and south of Schaumburg Airport and would be part of the district’s $75 million bond sale for land acquisitions.
“We’re negotiating with the property owner right now, ” said Janice Roehll, land acquisition manager for the forest preserve district. “There are some endangered species on it.”
The property is listed under the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory as an environmentally unique area, Roehll said.
Commissioners have been identifying properties and negotiating, but apparently are not moving fast enough, said Commissioner William Maio (R-Itasca).
He chided commissioners representing Districts 2 and 4 for failing to meet deadlines in selecting potential acquisition sites within their districts. District 2 encompasses York Township and a sliver of Downers Grove Township; District 4 includes Milton Township and a bit of Lisle Township.
The district must spend $7.5 million by December, officials said. The district has completed only one purchase, paying $1.3 million for 13.5 acres adjacent to York Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook.
“If the districts aren’t capable of allocating the dollars, I believe the commissioners will have the right to allocate those dollars countywide,” said Maio, chairman of the Finance and Land Acquisition Committee.
Gow, one of four District 2 commissioners, called Maio’s comments unfair.
“We do have enough on the list but have not brought them forward as fast,” she said. “On one parcel, it took three to four weeks to get an appraisal.”
