In this episode of Rock Island Line, I sit down with Deb Kuntzi, the Executive Director of the Hauberg Estate — a local treasure that has been a cultural and architectural jewel of our community for more than a century. Built between 1909 and 1911 in the Prairie style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hauberg Estate was once the private home of Susanne Denkmann and John Hauberg and later became a civic center donated to the city by the Hauberg family.
In recent years, Deb has led the nonprofit Hauberg Estate in restoring and reimagining this historic mansion and its Jens Jensen–designed gardens for future generations to enjoy.
Deb's love of historic preservation, her deep commitment to community, and her own passion for volunteering shine throughout our conversation. We talk about the effort to acquire, save, and restore the Hauberg Estate when it faced potential sale, and how that effort has birthed ongoing restoration, vibrant programming, and community engagement that makes the estate a gathering place for Rock Islanders.
We also dive into what's planned for the future — from garden restoration and carriage house improvements to educational events, tours, and cultural programming that bring history alive and build community bonds. Deb shares insights about why preserving places like the Hauberg matters, how volunteers and donors have been essential, and why historic preservation can be a catalyst for connection and pride in our city.
This is a lively and informative conversation about roots, revitalization, and the joy of watching a community's past become part of its present and future.
You can learn more about Hauberg Estate and support preservation at www.haubergestate.org and I hope you'll take the time to check it out.
Rock Island Line is produced by me, Annika O'Melia.
Theme music is Different Times by Jett Everill.
You can find past episodes, writing, and more about the project at
www.rockislandline.com
Thanks for listening — and I'll see you down the line.
