Castle Eden, a 123-year-old replica of the White House located west of Chicago, is scheduled for demolition after its owners, the Order of Carmelites, determined that the cost of necessary renovations exceeded their financial capabilities. The Catholic group stated on their website that extensive repairs are required to meet safety codes and modern operational standards, deeming demolition "the most prudent and responsible way forward."
Residents of Darien, Illinois, have expressed dismay over the impending destruction of the landmark, which was constructed in 1903. Suzanne Valliere, a lifelong resident, told the Chicago Tribune that many locals are shocked and upset about the demolition of what has stood as a local monument.
The replica was originally built by Republican US Congressman Martin B. Madden as a 25th wedding anniversary gift for his wife, Josephine Smart, and named after a historic mansion in the UK. The building has served various purposes since the Maddens passed. In 1959, the Order of Carmelites purchased the property for $65,000 and utilized it as a spiritual retreat.
An online petition launched by Debra Kieras, a neighborhood native, aimed to halt the demolition, describing Castle Eden as "an irreplaceable gem of historic architecture and a testament to early 20th-century design." Kieras advocated for the building's designation as an official landmark and conversion into a museum or cultural center. She stated that preserving Castle Eden means preserving local roots.
Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese indicated that the city cannot intervene, estimating renovation costs in the millions, which is "beyond what we're capable of doing." He expressed regret, stating it feels like "losing a piece of our history," but acknowledged that preserving it as a landmark is not feasible for the city.
Some preservationists suggest the Carmelites did not pursue official landmark status, which could have provided access to financial grants. Dean Rodkin, president of the Darien Historical Society, claimed the Carmelites were uninterested in such assistance. "We have reached out to them in the past, asking if they wanted assistance in getting landmark status for the building or in writing grants," he told the Chicago Tribune, adding, "It's apparent that they want it to be gone so they can put a building in its place that suits their purposes."
The Carmelites have not disclosed specific plans for the property or a demolition timeline. Their statement indicated a desire to incorporate elements of Castle Eden, such as entrance gates, stained-glass windows, paneling, and chandeliers, into future structures aligned with their "mission of prayer, contemplation, and community presence." They also intend to preserve the oak trees on the land and erect a commemorative plaque.
Workers were observed at the property last week, with sawhorses and trespassing signs marking the area.