Gingerbread Castle In North Jersey To Be Repaired: Report

HAMBURG, NJ — The beloved Gingerbread Castle will undergo repairs and could be reopen for next season, its owner told News 12 NJ.

Castle keeper Robert Allen and new owner Don Oriolo told the outlet they're working together to bring the Hamburg castle back to its former glory. They're using old photographs to ensure the accuracy.

In addition to restoring the castle, Oriolo reportedly said he wants to restore the train and bring back the petting zoo animals.

This isn't the first time a new owner has tried to restore it. A 2004 restoration effort fell short when the owner realized it was too expensive to fix up, Atlas Obscura says.

The castle was designed and built in 1928 by Joseph Urban, after a local tycoon was inspired by Urban's fairytale opera sets, Atlas Obscura says. It was a popular tourist attraction in the mid 20th century, but fell into disrepair by the end of the 80s.

Still, the disrepair never stopped urban explorers from visiting, many of whom illegally broke into the building. You can see what the castle looks like as of this summer in this video:

The Gingerbread Castle isn't the only worn-down tourist attraction to get a face lift in north Jersey. The similarly themed Fairly Tale Forest in Oak Ridge is also planning a revival.

• Read More: Fairy Tale Forest Reopening Later This Year In North Jersey

Image via YouTube screenshot