It’s great to see one of Lawrence’s grandest old structures getting a new lease on life. It was hard not to notice the upheaval that surrounded the Castle Tea Room at 13th and Massachusetts streets this summer. Its limestone walls were carefully cleaned and the entire foundation was excavated to waterproof the basement and install an innovative system that makes use of geothermal wells to heat and cool the building.

Craig Patterson, who is part of the group overseeing the renovation, said the external work is about done and landscaping is scheduled to be installed this fall. Work now is under way on interior renovations that will include custom wallpaper and other finishing touches.

Libby Kriz-Fiorito, the Castle’s long-time owner and operator, would be proud. Before her death in 2004, she established the Libuse Kriz-Fiorito Historical Foundation for the sole purpose of preserving the Castle and making sure it continued to be used by the public, especially to celebrate special occasions like weddings and anniversaries. Her estate was dedicated to ensuring the Castle’s future.

Although Patterson said the foundation had hoped to start accepting reservations for events at the Castle by late this year, it now looks like that schedule will be delayed. A few events may be organized by the foundation to introduce the “new” Castle to the public by the end of this year, he said, and the building may be ready for other uses soon after the first of next year.

There were times over the summer when the Castle was surrounded by mud and heavy equipment, but now that the exterior is clean and the lawn has been regraded, it’s easy to envision the building’s return to its former grandeur.

The community owes a debt not only to Libby Kriz-Fiorito but to the foundation board that has worked so hard on this project. We’re looking forward to the grand reopening of this noble Lawrence landmark.