The long-awaited restoration of the Wilder Mansion has begun. But beware that the changes won’t be immediately evident to the passerby—other than perhaps a dumpster and a construction fence around parts of the building. Currently the Elmhurst Park District has let two contracts, both dealing with the interior of the structure.
The first is an $80,000 interior demolition contract. Right now the construction firm is painstakingly tearing out walls and flooring in order to restore the mansion to its original grand state according to a prescribed plan developed by our archivist. While the mansion will be a vivid step back in time to the 1890s upon completion, it will of course have updated 21st century amenities that require the removal of old air conditioning and heating units to be replaced with newer equipment. The second contract is for asbestos removal. Additional bids for the next set of renovations will go out in November. The meticulous removal of the 1960s additions will be underway by February 2008, and once completed, interior mansion restorations will begin.
Please be aware that during the construction phase, the north parking lot entrance will be closed and fencing will surround the perimeter of the mansion to ensure the safety of our patrons.
The anticipated completion date of the mansion is December 2008. The building will be used for community meetings, rentals, weddings, and other events.
