Construction begins on Historic Woodland Palace in Francis Park
Construction is now underway on the long-awaited restoration of Kewanee’s Woodland Palace, the historic home of inventor and builder Fred Francis. Nearly two years after a community meeting sparked renewed interest, Bob Oldeen of Oldeen Roofing and his crew have begun replacing the roof. The Friends of Woodland Palace (FOWP), working with the City of Kewanee, is leading the project and continuing a $400,000 fundraising effort for restoration and future maintenance. Masonry work has also been awarded to local mason Kent Vigor, who starts in mid-July. The home is expected to be open during the July 4th celebration at Francis Park, with some areas restricted due to construction.
FOWP vice-president and Kewanee Historical Society President Mike DeWalt said, “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.”
The historic home was built by Fred Francis, a local inventor, mathematician, artist, poet, philanthropist, architect, and builder, who left the property to the city in 1926. The Friends of Woodland Palace, working with the City of Kewanee, is leading the project to maintain the historic home and educate the public about its legacy. Francis was known for engineering innovations that were far ahead of their time, many of which remain part of the home’s story.
Efforts to renovate Woodland Palace at Francis Park are moving forward, and organizers are inviting the community to help support the project. Individuals and businesses interested in donating can contact Sherry “TD” Welch by email at [email protected]. Contributions may also be mailed to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce at 113 East 2nd Street, Kewanee, Illinois, 61443. Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Woodland Palace.” Supporters can follow renovation updates and project news online at woodland-palace.com or at “Woodland Palace at Francis Park” on Facebook.
The picture shows Rowdy Meeker, Hunter Oldeen, Bob Oldeen, the owner, and Kirk VanDeSampel of Oldeen Roofing Company. Bob is the 3rd generation, and Hunter is following up to be the 4th generation in the Oldeen Roofing company.