Steve Hoffman

The historic Brick Wall Garden at Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello) will be restored and maintained in perpetuity, thanks to a gift from Deborah and Michael Westjohn of rural Monticello. The Brick Wall Garden, designed by the same architect as the Allerton Mansion, John Borie, is the oldest of the Formal Gardens. Originally a Vegetable Garden meant to supply the occupants of the house with fresh produce, today the Brick Wall Garden contains lawns, bulbs, annual and perennial … [Read more...] about Donation funds Brick Wall Garden improvements, endowment

Thanks to Stratton Academy of the Arts fifth grade students, who helped design and plant the Annual Garden this year! Students learned how botany plays a role in the art of landscape design, working in groups to research plant types, choose a color scheme and visual design, and then calculate how many plants were needed to fill their 9'x10' plot. Be sure to stop in to see their unique designs - including fish, emojis, pixels, and the Queen of Hearts - as the gardens continue to grow this … [Read more...] about Stratton Academy of the Arts Annual Garden Partnership

"Michael Westjohn is sure his father would have enjoyed every aspect of Allerton Park, from his love of the outdoors to his knowledge as a construction man. 'Dad was a builder. He would have wanted to see how that mansion held up all those slate tiles on that roof,' Westjohn told a patio party gathering at Allerton Park on May 9, where he dedicated a gift to the park in memory of his parents, the late Henry and Elizabeth Westjohn. Westjohn's father built churches, post offices and bank … [Read more...] about Donation upgrades Allerton patio

The historic Old Levy Road Evergreen Allée at the South Entrance of Allerton Park is getting a fresh start - and you can help! Support the purchase, planting, and watering for one Evergreen tree for $225 each. Click here to lend your support! (Please note "Evergreen Tree Project" under "Why I gave today") Read more about this restoration project here. THANK YOU TO THE FRIENDS OF ALLERTON WHO HAVE HELPED FUND THIS MUCH-NEEDED RESTORATION: Wendy and Gus Schupmann Danda and Dennis … [Read more...] about Help Replant the historic Evergreen Allée

Allerton Spring Break (ASB) is in full swing! Nine local college students are staying at the Park this week, helping with some much needed projects (mulching flower beds, stacking firewood, and more) while also discovering, exploring, and making memories in Allerton Park. … [Read more...] about Allerton Spring Break

The original hardwood floor in Robert Allerton's room recently received a makeover - complete with sanding and a new stain. With an increase in lodging over the past couple years, our sales department has begun to focus more on this specific guest experience – ensuring there are comfortable and consistent amenities, along with tasteful and thoughtful décor. Slowly but surely, we are starting to return Mansion guest rooms to a historic, yet functional era. Read more details and future plans … [Read more...] about Room 5 Rehab: Floor Edition

New life is being given to the Triangle Parterre Garden, thanks to a generous donation from Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann, in remembrance of their sibling and brother-in-law, Barry Brehm (U of I Accountancy ‘76). The donation in memory of Barry will fund a complete renovation, and provide an endowment for the long-term care and maintenance of the Garden. Previously, the Triangle Parterre Garden had grown out of scale, and the intended look and feel that Robert Allerton had for the space … [Read more...] about Triangle Parterre Garden Renovation Update