Help shape the future of historic Mayslake Peabody Estate by taking brief online survey

Now through Dec. 31, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites the public to participate in a brief online survey on dupageforest.org about master planning efforts for Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, which it purchased in 1993.

At the center of the estate is historic Mayslake Hall, the Tudor Revival-style mansion commissioned in 1919 by Francis Stuyvesant Peabody and designed by renowned Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mayslake Hall serves as a vibrant community space, hosting educational programs, art exhibits, and cultural events throughout the year.

The forest preserve district recently completed major renovations to the building's exterior and is now ready to start planning for ways to expand use of the interior and surrounding forest preserve.

In line with the forest preserve district's 2019 master plan, the Mayslake master plan initiative will address critical issues at the site, such as accessibility and HVAC, electrical, and plumbing needs.

The district is collaborating with a consultant that specializes in historic building restoration and adaptive reuse to assess the estate, analyze its systems, and engage the public and stakeholders in the planning process.

For more information about the plan, visit dupageforest.org/what-we-do/projects/mayslake-master-plan.

While most project expenses were covered by district resources, the project benefitted from partnerships, including funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' public museum capital grants program and philanthropic support through The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

However, the retreat wing, nearby Portiuncula chapel, and other smaller structures were not included in the restoration project, and the interior of the estate remains unchanged.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years.

More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, seven education centers and scores of programs each year.

For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district's e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok pages.