Steve Hoffman

Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced a new initiative focused on making the Park more accessible, thanks to a lead gift from Sandy Haas of Champaign. Haas’ gift, and future donations to the Accessible Allerton fund, will allow more people to experience the history, nature, and art found at the estate, which was built over 100 years ago by Robert Allerton. “Since Allerton used to be a private residence, not everything here is accessible,” explained Director Derek Peterson. … [Read more...] about Fundraising initiative aims to make Allerton accessible to all

Robert Allerton’s original Gazebo in the Spring Grove Garden was recently restored, thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. Over the years the gazebo had fallen into disrepair, and unfortunately due to budget constraints had not been given the attention it deserved. Now, this little-known hideaway looks as good as new, and serves as the perfect resting spot between the Reflecting Pond and Visitor Center. Little-known fact: Near the Gazebo you will notice two pieces of limestone—the markers … [Read more...] about Gazebo Restoration

Thanks to all the guests and supporters of our Spring Soirée Fundraiser last month! A wonderful afternoon celebrating Allerton and raising money for the Koi Pond renovation. Originally Robert Allerton’s swimming pool, this water feature outside the Mansion's Solarium is now home to about 40 koi fish. Money raised at the Soirée will fund the complete rebuild of the plumbing and filtration, as well as the addition of plants and gravel to aid in filtration and aesthetics. View pictures from the … [Read more...] about Koi Pond Renovation

Director Derek Peterson addressed community members at an informal "State of Allerton" address in the Mansion's Library on June 4, 2019. "There is plenty of work that awaits Allerton Park and Retreat Center staff each and every year as it maintains the 1,500-acre facility and 100-plus year old buildings. At the same time, officials continue to make progress on dreams spelled out in the 2015 master plan. Park Director Derek Peterson told interested parties in an annual update on June 4 … [Read more...] about State of Allerton

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