After two years of public meetings and planning sessions, restoration work at Woodland Palace is officially underway.
The Kewanee Preservation Society, working alongside city officials, historical architects, builders and local historians, has begun the first phase of construction — including the installation of a new roof that marks a major step toward preserving the historic home for future generations.
During this time, a major ongoing fundraising campaign hopes to raise $400,000 to complete restoration and establish a maintenance fund to keep the structure secure for many more years to come.
The Woodland Palace is the historical home of local inventor, mathematician, artist, poet, philanthropist, architect and builder Fred Francis. Fred Francis built the home and left it to the city when he died in 1926. Known for his engineering skills, Fred’s house had innovations decades ahead of its time.
The Friends of Woodland Palace (FOWP) is overseeing the restoration in cooperation with the city of Kewanee, which owns the historic home and its 60‑acre park. The group’s mission is to help preserve the property and educate the public about its significance.
“It is our goal to utilize local contractors when we can since they have the best interest in carrying out the mission of the Friends group,” said FOWP Vice President and Kewanee Historical Society President Mike DeWalt.
Kewaneean, and third‑generation local contractor, Bob Oldeen of Oldeen Roofing and his crew started on the first major project of removing and installing a new roof on the house.
Longtime Kewanee mason Kent Vigor will lead the masonry restoration, beginning in mid‑July. His work will include completing several elements that Fred left unfinished before his death in 1926 — tasks specifically mentioned in Fred’s bequest to the city.
An open house is planned for the Francis Park Fourth of July celebration. Some areas of the palace may be off limits due to ongoing construction. The fundraising committee will be on hand to offer information and a chance to have your picture taken with Fred.
Any individuals or businesses interested in donating to the renovation may contact Sherry “TD” Welch at sherry@sherrywelch.com.
Donations can also be sent to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce, 113 E. 2nd St., Kewanee, IL 61443. Please make checks payable to “Friends of Woodland Palace.”
Visit the website www.woodland-palace.com or the Facebook page “Woodland Palace at Francis Park” for updates and news.
