Oakland University Police Chief Mark Gordon wants to thank the media for their assistance with the recent Meadow Brook vandalism incident on Oakland’s campus.
As a result of an anonymous tip, an arrest has been made and the suspect was arraigned in Rochester Hills court 52-3 on Monday, April 1.
“We appreciate the support of the media and their assistance with this case,” Gordon said. “The media coverage definitely helped us bring about a positive outcome.”
It was in the overnight hours of Monday, Feb. 3 when damage was done to two of the historic stained glass windows at Meadow Brook Hall that were installed when the historic home was originally built in 1929.
Following the vandalism, Meadow Brook Hall launched The 1929 Club. This is a new philanthropic monthly giving club, a nod to the year Meadow Brook Hall was founded. The program is for members committed to giving $19.29 a month to support the cultural institution and restore the stained glass windows. Meadow Brook was also recently approved for a grant to help with window restoration. The cost to replace the windows has been estimated at $35,000.
“This act of vandalism has been a very upsetting situation for all of us at Meadow Brook Hall,” said Bill Matt, executive director of Meadow Brook Hall.
“We are greatly appreciative of the Oakland University Police Department for their excellent work in apprehending the responsible party. While it will not undo the damage to our historic windows, we are grateful for this swift resolution. We continue to be overwhelmed by the community’s response—most especially from the generous donors and new members of our 1929 Giving Club. It was a powerful answer to an act of senseless violence. We look forward to having the windows restored and placed back where they belong at the Great Estate later this year.”
The historic stained-glass windows depict scenes of the arts, including Music, Literature and Entertainment, and Drama. The windows were created specifically for this room by J. Scott Williams. They were designed so they could be viewed without distortion from both sides (inside and outside), which is slightly unusual because stained glass is typically viewed best from the inside and not the exterior. The stained glass windows are original to the historic mansion, which is 95 years old.
Meadow Brook was well positioned to sustain the damage. Staff recently secured a substantial IMLS Grant to restore the stained glass windows this spring. In preparation, the windows and casings were extensively photographed and sketched. With the damage, the project is far more substantial and the costs are larger than originally planned. The conservator will reassemble as much of the original materials as possible in the restoration of the windows. Plexi glass installed with the window designs are in place while the work is conducted. The windows will be restored and replaced on schedule, as part of this project as originally planned.
Meadow Brook Hall is fully self-supporting, relying on touring and special events for the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. For more information, call (248) 364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.
Additional Reading:
Meadow Brook Hall: Meadow Brook’s Historic Stained Glass Windows Damaged in Act of Vandalism
Meadow Brook Hall: Help Restore Meadow Brook’s Historic Windows by Joining The 1929 Club
Detroit Free Press: Suspect arrested in vandalism of Meadow Brook Hall’s historic stained-glass windows
Detroit News: Man charged with breaking Meadow Brook Hall’s stained glass windows
MSN News: Arrest Made In Vandalism Of Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester
WXYZ-TV: Suspect arrested in alleged vandalism at Meadow Brook Hall
MLive: Suspected vandal arrested for causing $35k in damage to historic Michigan mansion
Click On Detroit: Suspect accused of vandalizing Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University arrested
Oakland Press: Suspect in Meadow Brook Hall vandalism arrested
