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The
"house", of course, is the Del Castle, aka the Casa Flores, aka
the Lee House. This home was built in the mid 1920's by the
Jenson Brothers Construction Company for realtor F.E. Lee, in
November 1925. It is one of the last examples of the stucco
designs of architect Gordon Hite of
New
Orleans.
More
colloquially, the sprawling house became known locally as the
Al Capone House, since it was reputed to be the famous
gangster's Southern hideout and a base for running rum during
Prohibition.
From the National Register of Historical
Places
Delcastle (added 1987 -
Building - #87002629)
Also known as Lee House
4010 Government St., Ocean Springs
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Domestic
Historic Sub-function: Single Dwelling
Current Function: Domestic
Current Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling
The Del
Castle was touched by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. While
not severely damaged in the storm, the deteriorating house's
owner decided it would be prohibitively expensive to bring the
house back up to standard and code. Against the wishes of his
parents, he petitioned the Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen for
permission to demolish the historic
structure.
After a lengthy process, the Board eventually approved the
demolition and the house fell to the wrecker's ball in March
2007.
Given the
significant loss of historic structures in the area due to
Katrina, the classic style of the Del Castle, as well as the
lore surrounding the house, there is widespread sentiment along
the Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
to reconstruct the
legendary house in another location.
The Green
Builders Group, along with Alpha Opportunities International,
has now taken up the call. We
want
to build a new Del Castle using advanced
construction systems and highly energy efficient
materials. We will then feature this
historic re-creation as a showcase home for our
innovative designs and environmentally friendly
construction. To make the project viable, we are planning
to make this building a museum and attraction
highlighting the style and artifacts of the Prohibition
period. We will also build a restaurant and
prohibition era theme speakeasy bar and nightclub,
meeting facilities, and a classic automobile museum,
which will serve as an anchor to Gulf Coast classic automobile shows, rallies,
and other events.
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