Broadview Mansion

Broadview Mansion is a three-story residence built from brick and stone with twenty-two rooms, located near Illinois Wesleyan University. The house sits on roughly five acres and displays characteristic features of Edwardian architectural design.

Bird and Margaret Van Leer commissioned the construction of this residence in 1904, with completion in 1906 as their family home. The property was later added to the National Register of Historic Places and has remained standing since that time.

The Immanuel Bible Foundation operates the property as a community gathering space where concerts, seasonal celebrations, and educational workshops take place regularly.

Visits are available by prior arrangement, and the grounds can be rented for private events and community meetings. It helps to plan ahead since availability varies depending on ongoing programs and gatherings scheduled throughout the year.

A striking feature is the roughly 110-foot bell tower in North Italian Romanesque style added in 1940. The tower originally held ten bells that were later replaced with a modern audio system.

Location: Normal

Architectural style: Edwardian architecture

Website: http://ibfoundation.org

GPS coordinates: 40.49690,-88.98720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40