KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A popular historical landmark in Kaukauna is temporarily closed to the public.
It comes after the severe flooding we experienced in April.
The historic Grignon Mansion in Kaukauna is quieter than usual this time of year.
Typically, it’s open for summer tours, but now is temporarily shuttered as the effects of April’s heavy rain are still being felt two months later.
Flooding occurred in the nearly 190-year-old home’s basement, ruining the carpeting.
“Fortunately, nothing historic, there were no artifacts, nothing of great value or importance was damaged, but the floor in the basement took on water, so that had to be replaced,” Friends of the Grignon Mansion President Mary Grogan-Seleen said.
As a gift to his wife, fur trader Charles Grignon built the house in 1837.
It’s been an icon in the Kaukauna community ever since.
Grogan-Seleen was concerned when she first heard about possible flood damage.
“OMG was my initial response. But fortunately, the flooding was caught quickly,” Grogan-Seleen said.
Luckily, Grogan-Seleen said there’s nothing structurally wrong with the home.
The problem stemmed from the mansion’s sump pump, which was unable to keep up with the water.
Grogan-Seleen said the closure allows the group to get other projects done too.
“As we were surveying damage, [we] also started looking at it as an opportunity to do a little rearranging down there, to do a little refreshing of the basement, the photos, the exhibits in the basement,” Grogan-Seleen said.
Despite dealing with flooding, the Grignon is scheduled to reopen to the public on July 26. This will coincide with a special ceremony to recognize the history of the mansion.
Along with tours of the mansion, the day will also include finding a time capsule buried on the property back in 1976.
“We are hoping to be able to open that and then to re-bury 2026 time capsule or add to the one and to be opened in 2076 in another 50 years,” Grogan-Seleen said.
She says it’s unclear how much restoration efforts will cost, but since the city of Kaukauna owns the home, it’s covering the water damage charges.
Once clean up is complete, Grogan-Seleen said the Grignon will be ready to welcome guests for years to come.
