Resurrection of the Villa De Chantal Arch

My name is Deb Kuntzi, Executive Director of the Hauberg Estate and I am raising money to help rebuild the Villa De Chantal Arch/Entrance. The Villa De Chantal was a magnificent estate in the heart of Rock Island and was one of the most beautiful Gothic Revival treasures in the Quad Cities. Sadly, two-thirds of the historic building, including the convent portion in the west wing and the center wing that contained the library and chapel, was destroyed by fire on July 14, 2005. The Sisters of the Visitation came to Rock Island from Maysville, Kentucky, and operated a school on 5th Avenue, 2 years later they decided to build a larger school and convent on what was known as Ball's Bluff at the edge of Highland Park. Additions to the school continued until 1929. The last high school class graduated in 1975.

Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation, a nonprofit, was gifted the arch/entrance 3 years ago as it was lovingly stored by Linda Anderson, a local historian, after the 2005 fire. We plan to resurrect the arch/entrance on Hauberg Estate as a memorial/altar for the community to remember and enjoy once again. We know that this is very special to the alumnae that attended the school and hopefully, we can save a piece of history. We will have a special dedication for the arch/entrance when it is completed. We hope that you will give generously.