Keep the Cuneo legacy alive, bright
John Cuneo Jr. and his wife, Herta, really know how to give a gift.
To say their Cuneo Museum and Gardens donation to Loyola University Chicago is generous is an understatement.
The Vernon Hills museum, grounds, collections and cash have an estimated value of $50 million - a historic gift and by far the largest single donation Loyola has ever received.
"It took a long time to decide," Cuneo, a longtime Loyola supporter, told reporter Mick Zawislak in a story in Monday's Daily Herald. "I looked for a proper party to handle it."
It's an amazing gift for Loyola that university officials say will fund initiatives including a new building on its Lake Shore Campus, appropriately named Cuneo Hall, and student scholarships.
But it also comes with what we see as a tremendous responsibility for Loyola: to take a treasure, a jewel of the suburbs, and polish and nurture it to make it even more brilliant.
The historic value of the Cuneo Museum and Gardens on Milwaukee Avenue is awesome.
The 31,000-square-foot Venetian-style home was designed in 1914 by architect Benjamin Marshall for Samuel Insull, the founder of Commonwealth Edison. Cuneo's father, John, bought the home and large tracts of surrounding farmland when Insull's vast holdings went into receivership in 1937.
What served as the family's home until it was opened as a museum in 1991 is adorned by European antiques, 17th century tapestries, classical sculpture and other works of art. It has a private chapel consecrated by Cardinal Samuel Stritch, a family friend.
Cuneo land sold off through the years has become home to landmarks such as Westfield Hawthorn mall and Gregg's Landing subdivision.
The elder Cuneo made his fortune in printing, real estate and other ventures, and his home hosted fellow tycoons such as Wirtz, Kemper, Busch and Hearst.
Loyola officials say they are well aware of their new role as stewards of the Cuneo legacy.
The gift guarantees the university will manage and maintain the facilities for 20 years, but school officials say they intend to run it well past that date. We're happy to hear the museum will remain open to the public, the annual holiday light show will continue, and that restoration and other capital improvements are planned.
Loyola will have authority to make adjustments, add programs and maybe develop some of the land. More weddings and corporate events are planned, and faculty and student musical performances, a summer Shakespeare festival or specialized classes could be added.
We eagerly await the details, but will insist that any changes must protect and ensure the rich Cuneo legacy thrives.