Meadow Brook Hall​ Restores Historic Windows After Vandalism

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A pair of historic windows inside Meadow Brook Hall have been restored after a vandal destroyed them earlier this year.

Officials said the restoration cost roughly $35,000 and took a team of conservators six months to complete the work.

Officials noted donations from the 1929 Giving Club (a philanthropic monthly giving club named for the year Meadow Brook Hall was founded) and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services helped with the cost of the project.

"The restoration of our windows has been an emotional journey for so many members of our community," said Meadow Brook Executive Director Bill Matt. "We had never before experienced an act of vandalism of this caliber. The outpouring of support we received has been incredible and we are grateful to the many people who contributed their time, energy and financial support to ensure that these beautiful artifacts are back where they belong, fully restored to their initial brilliance."

The incident happened during the overnight hours on Feb. 3 when police said the vandal 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.

The suspected vandal has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Meadow Brook Hall is a 95-year-old 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.