The Villa de Chantel
The Sisters of the Visitation came to Rock Island from Maysville, Kentucky, and operated a school on 5th Avenue near Sacred Heart Church. After two years they decided to build a larger school and convent on what was known as Ball’s Bluff at the edge of Highland Park. The first building was completed in 1901 and was designed by George Stauduhar and became the convent portion of the complex. A few years later a more elaborate building, which became the center portion and also of Stauduhar design, was built. This contained the chapel, classrooms and dormitories. In 1919, Stauduhar designed the Chaplain’s Bungalow, located to the east. In 1929, architect Edward Lerch designed the third part of the building, the east wing, containing mostly classrooms. The designed landscape was created in 1907-08 by Alling Stephen De Forest of Rochester, New York. There are several species of trees and plants on the property.
Originally operated as a boarding school, the Villa also had many day students. The last high school class graduated in 1975. It sat empty for many years The Sisters of the Visitation sold the property a few years after it was designated a Rock Island Landmark to Joe Seng, a local veterinarian after
it was on the market for 15 yrs. Half of the 14.2 acres estate had
been renovated. Inside the Villa had been a restaurant, K9 University,
offices, a few apartments, dress shop and photo studio. Weddings
and recptions were also held there.
It was designated a landmark in 1994. Eventually the Morning Star Academy had rented a portion of it. Morning Star offered Classic Christian Education.
In 2004, Mr. Seng sold the property to Mr. Ailes and he made plans to create assisted living residential units in the Villa de Chantal.
This magnificent estate in the heart of Rock Island is one of the most beautiful treasures in the Quad Cities. Sadly, two-thirds of the historic buildings, including the convent portion in the west wing and the center wing that contained the library and chapel, were destroyed by fire on July 14, 2005 . While portions of the exterior walls remain and are stabilized, the interior was completely consumed by fire and has been cleared. The stained glass windows, including the fantastic “rose” window, did not survive the fire. but some important pieces of stone and terra cotta were salvaged and will be used in the restoration of the Villa.
Historic Rock Island
Fire At The Villa
Police had reported smelling smoke in the area of the Villa shortly after midnight on July 14 but couldn't find the source until around 3:00 a.m. when the Villa was already engulfed in flames. Firemen from Davenport , Rock Island , Moline and the Rock Island Arsenel responded to the fire. Police were going door to door warning neighbors so they could watch their properties and their roofs for flying embers
It's thought that the fire had started in the central wing of the building. "The old wood in the building made perfect fuel for the fire". said Rock Island Fire Chief ' Eventually the slate roof collasped, forcing the Villa's three floors into the basement. At one point the fire ignited brush fires nearby. The flames could be seen across the river in Davenport .
When the fire was under control it was clear that the oldest and most ornate part of the Villa was gone. The only part left was the newer part, the east wing of the building was saved by heroic efforts of the firemen and also fire doors separating it from the older, more ornate center and left wing.
Fireman said this was the worst fire in an historic building in twenty-five years in Rock Island. People drove past the still smoldering ashes all day the next day. Some of them had been students with wonderful, memories of the building and the nuns and going to school there. Some were residents of the Quad-Cities who had never seen this beautiful "castle in the forest" and regretted not seeing it before it was a burned out shell.
Some excerpts from Rock Island Library Archives
The Aftermath
Pictures from the Webmaster
A Students Memories of The Villa
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Illinois Ancestors