A group gathered in the Mansion on Sept. 12 to view the fruits of the recent Mansion Solarium remodel and to honor Debra and David Rathje, whose generous gifts have made several Mansion and other Park upgrades possible.
The Solarium project included installation of a new bar, new furniture, rug and window coverings. It has not only brightened the space that overlooks the Reflecting Pond, but made it a showcase for hotel guests, conference attendees and the public that comes out during weekend cash bars.
But the Solarium update is just the latest chapter in the Rathje’s story of helping make the Mansion more public facing. It started in 2018 with the funding for a grand entrance to the Mansion, Rathje Drive, which gave the 1900-era structure an accessible path to its entrance.
“That really transformed the Mansion,” said Bridget Frerichs, Allerton’s Associate Director of Advancement. “It’s hard now to think what it was like without that — how we had events and overnight guests without a proper entrance.”
Other gifts from the Rathjes have updated hotel Room 5 — Robert Allerton’s former bedroom — and funded improvements to the House of the Golden Buddhas in the Fu Dog Garden, as well as paying for the creation of two new ceramic fu dog statues.
Allerton Executive Director Derek Peterson noted it was not that long ago that people could only see the Mansion from the outside.
“They would peer in and wonder what was beyond the glass,” he said. “It is now open to so many differing people, and that helps fulfill the vision we had.”
Peterson noted that with increased support from the community, the University of Illinois has also stepped up to help with Mansion upgrades. The University recently committed to renovate the remaining guestrooms, and Allerton staff will work with individual donors to fund endowments for each space.
Attendees at the dedication ceremony were able to tour the Solarium and Robert’s Room, and many also took time to thank the Rathje’s, who were presented a photo album of their charitable efforts at the Park.
“Clearly, your support has been transformative, and it’s been an honor to get to know you,” Frerichs said. “It’s really been a joy. Thank you on behalf of Allerton, and myself.”
