Crews have been sighted on multiple occasions over the past few weeks working on windows and the interior. When Scene popped by this morning, evidence of recent work was certainly visible on the grounds of the 19th Century Victorian mansion, located at 4308 Franklin Blvd.
Franklin Castle was sold in 2011 to Oh! Dear Productions, a foreign LLC, for $260,000. The buyer was a European tapestry artist with the Wes-Andersonesque moniker Mme. Chiara Dona dalle Rose. Local architect Robert Maschke was contracted to renovate the Castle for Mme. Rose as a two-family residence, a plan which neighbors enthusiastically supported at the time.
Maschke, reached by phone, said he’s no longer associated with the project and suspects the owner is doing something independently.
As far as councilman Cimperman knows, the project is still residential, though a man at St. Herman’s House of Hospitality next door said he thought it might be converted to a museum.
One thing is certain, though: After years of vacancy, ownership changes, and visible scarring from multiple fires, it’s exciting to see a Near West Side landmark get the face lift it deserves… before the spirits return.
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2014.
great place for spooky handjobs
Maybe they’re helping the house to be “spookier” with some enhancements.
The house is being restored to it’s original state. It should be beautiful when finished.
I must go and see it!
The last update in 2014 commented it was going under renovation. I know this sounds really weird but I believe I have been in the castle a long time ago. As a guest of one of the lovely parties. I see it in my dreams all the time. I was a young girl or lady, not sure which. It was so beautiful. The people at the party happy. I just saw this on Facebook today, I was very taken back. It scared me a little. Not sure what to think. I am trying to send comment, but it won’t let me.