Meadow Brook Hall, the National Historic Landmark located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, has officially celebrated the opening of the De Carlo Visitor Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The transformative 3,000-square-foot facility is the first new major construction on the Great Estate since the historic mansion was built 95 years ago. It will provide modern amenities and versatile spaces for Meadow Brook to expand and enhance its vibrant collection of tours, events, educational programs and community experiences. The De Carlo Visitor Center is a new standalone building located in a section of what was Meadow Brook’s visitor parking lot. No historic buildings or estate grounds were impacted by construction.
“When Meadow Brook Hall was completed 95 years ago, no one could have predicted the enormous cultural impact it would have nearly a century later. Today, we are celebrating the completion of the De Carlo Visitor Center, which will transform our visitor experience in so many critical ways,” said Meadow Brook Hall Executive Director Bill Matt.
“The remarkable growth we have experienced in recent years demonstrates that the time is right to establish the modern infrastructure and versatile spaces to meet this need and continue to expand and enhance our programs and activities. I’m grateful for the enthusiastic support of our staff, community, donors and Oakland University leadership as we open the doors of our new De Carlo Visitor Center for the first time!”
The De Carlo Visitor Center will open up new avenues to share Meadow Brook’s story and history with the Diana and Ted Cunningham Orientation Gallery, and provide welcome spaces for gathering, helpful services, amenities and more. The De Carlo Visitor Center will also establish a new formal entrance to the estate, rerouting the entrance to provide a magnificent first look at the historic home, which stands at a grand 88,000 square feet.
The celebration continues with the Meadow Brook Gala, a glamorous evening at the estate that features a special look inside the De Carlo Visitor Center. This exquisite evening features a champagne toast and full bar, live music, a five-course gourmet dinner, glittering reception, valet and so much more. The Meadow Brook Gala is set for Friday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $500 each and available at meadowbrookhall.org/gala.
ABout the Meadow Brook GalaBuilt in 1929, Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home of Oakland University founders Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson and the fourth largest historic home in the nation. In 2021, Meadow Brook celebrated its 50th year as an historic house museum, cultural center and events and wedding venue. Meadow Brook is particularly renowned for its engaging tours and community events throughout the year, such as the dazzling Holidays at Meadow Brook, after-dark Flashlight Tours, Mystery Dinners, Summer Art Camps and so much more.
The De Carlo Visitor Center project has been thoughtfully designed at the front of the visitor parking lot, a plan that will maintain the historic integrity of the estate while creating modern and functional spaces and a clear entry point for visitors. A survey of parking needs determined that ample space remains. Adjacent lots will supplement parking needs for large-scale events.
The De Carlo Visitor Center was designed by HopkinsBurns Design Studio, the Ann Arbor-based architecture firm who specializes in historic preservation for properties such as the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Construction was managed by Rochester, Mich.-based Frank Rewold & Sons who brought a special connection to the estate. Owner Frank Rewold, Jr. is the grandson of the company’s founder Frank Rewold, who was Matilda Dodge Wilson’s personal handyman and built and repaired many of the structures at Meadow Brook and Oakland University.
A philanthropic campaign raised approximately $2 million of the planned $2.9 million facility.
Meadow Brook Hall is fully self-supporting, relying on touring, special events and facility rental revenue for the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. For more information, call (248) 364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.
Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home built by one of the automotive aristocracy’s most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. Constructed between 1926 and 1929, Meadow Brook Hall represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival style architecture in America, and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square-feet. It was the center of a country estate that included 1,500 acres, numerous farm buildings, recreational facilities, several residences and formal gardens. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, Meadow Brook Hall strives to preserve and interpret its architecture, landscape, and fine and decorative art so that visitors may be entertained, educated and inspired by history. Meadow Brook Hall is located in Rochester, Mich. on the campus of Oakland University.
