Patrick Haley Mansion, Joliet, Illinois
Owner: Jeff Bussean Architect: Linden Group, Inc. Building Type: Commercial/Addition Building Area: 10,000 Gross Date of Completion: April 2005
The mansion was built in 1891 for Patrick Haley, an Irish immigrant, mayor of Joliet, and industrialist. Situated on a corner near downtown Joliet the residential structure has stood for over 100 years. Due to the smaller Victorian rooms and a need for open floor space to serve larger wedding banquets, the owner had utilized a temporary tent structure directly adjacent to the mansion. After a number of successful years it was decided to add a dramatic permanent structure for banquets up to 300 people and necessary back-of-house kitchen support. Careful studies were undertaken to design an addition that would not overwhelm the original H.H. Richardson-style building. The solution sought to create an elevation that emulates key features of the mansion while introducing a new conservatory component for interest.