The Friends of Woodland Palace have raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to pay for repairs to the historic home in Francis Park.
But they’re still short of their goal. And on Wednesday, a representative of Congressman Eric Sorensen promised to do what he could to help them make it.
Sorensen sent Chad Zima, an outreach representative from his staff, to the park to meet with members of the Friends.
Julie Landwehr of the Friends group reported that they have raised over $262,000 to put toward repairs to the house, which dates back to the late 1800s.
But they’re still short of their goal of $400,000.
“If you have any grants that you could send our way, that would be awesome,” Landwehr told Zima.
Zima replied that he’ll do what he can to look for possible federal funding of the restoration effort. But he warned that such grants are “definitely hard to find.”
Zima said he could also reach out to state officials in Illinois to seek funds for the restoration.
With the money they’ve already raised, the Friends are contributing to roof repairs for the home. A contractor has been hired for that work, and should be starting soon.
Chris Berry, the city’s public works director, said the city is looking for ways to make further improvements that will draw more visitors to Francis Park.
Thanks to a state grant, the park now has a new and improved playground and a rebuilt shelter house. The grant also paid for resurfacing walking trails through the park’s timber.
Berry said more funds will be sought for improvements for the camping facilities in the park.
“We see this as a good economic activity for the community in general,” he said.
The Friends took Zima on a tour of Woodland Palace inside and out. One of the members, Rene Verstraete, explained how Fred Francis built the home with the help of his wife.
As he pointed out some worn bricks on the house’s exterior, Verstraete said, “Your eyes can see that this place is crumbling right now, and we need to save it.”
***This copy has been edited to correct the amount of money raised for the Woodland Palace project to date, which was cited as $10,000 less.
