Before & After
When the Friends of Hauberg first took up the responsibility of restoring and operating the Hauberg Estate, an extensive search for original plans, designs and photographs began.
A chance remark about some old blueprints in the basement of a nearby parks office brought success. Among the treasure trove were the original signed blueprints by Hauberg architect Robert C. Spencer. Other finds included eight original drawings by the landscape architect Jens Jensen and blueprints for the home’s light fixtures and exterior stone tulips designed by decorative designer George Niedecken. All are nationally known in their respective fields.
Having the blueprints and designs is significant in restoration of the Hauberg Estate, Mansion and Gardens to the original beauty envisioned by Susanne Hauberg and the master artists she charged with creating the estate.
In the time since the Friends of Hauberg first began restoration in 2016, many wonderful projects have brought the mansion back to its majestic beauty.
Looking forward there is a number of exciting endeavors underway. The servants’ wing is to be restored to one bedroom as servant quarters and another room set-up as museum space.
The kitchen includes several areas to bring it to complete restoration. Linoleum will be removed from the butler’s pantry, the kitchen and servants’ hallway for replacement with period and design appropriate materials. Pantry and kitchen cupboard glass will be replaced with original glass. Wallpaper hung in the 1970’s will be removed. Missing Carerra marble will be returned to one of the counters and historic light fixtures are going to be installed. And, last but not least, restore stenciling and historic colors on all friezes on the first floor to the original Niedecken design.
The reward for the time-consuming, meticulous restoration is on the faces and in the words of Hauberg Estate visitors. The Hauberg is beautiful right now. Just imagine visitor’s delight at seeing the magnificent mansion when restoration is complete.