Arrest Made In Vandalism Of Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester: Officials

ROCHESTER, MI — A suspected vandal has been arrested after a pair of historic windows inside Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester were destroyed earlier this year, Patch learned Wednesday from an Oakland University spokesperson.

Caleb Punches, 27, from Clarkston, was charged with one felony count of malicious destruction of property over $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of entering without authority, according to the university.

Punches was released after arraignment at the Rochester Hills District court 52-3 on Monday and ordered to return for booking and a mugshot at a later date.

Police said the arrest was made after an anonymous tip.

The incident happened during the overnight hours on Feb. 3 when police said Punches kicked one window and smashed another window with an unknown tool.

Police said there was significant damage done to the stained-glass windows, which are atop the hall's two-story Gothic-inspired ballroom and depict scenes of the arts, including music, literature, entertainment and Drama.

Those windows were installed in 1929 when the historic home was originally built.

With the help of donations from the 1929 Giving Club, a philanthropic monthly giving club named for the year Meadow Brook Hall was founded, and a recent grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, officials hope to have the windows restored sometime later this year, officials said.

Officials said the cost to replace the windows is roughly $35,000.

"This act of vandalism has been a very upsetting situation for all of us," Executive Director of Meadow Brook Hall Bill Matt said. "We are greatly appreciative of the Oakland University Police Department for their excellent work in apprehending the responsible party."

Meadow Brook Hall, which is 95-years-old, is a National Historic Landmark. The mansion is a museum, cultural center, and event and wedding venue on the campus of Oakland University.

At 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms, it is the fourth-largest historic home in the country and represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America.