The mission of the Hegeler Carus Foundation is to encourage and support cultural activities by restoring and using the Hegeler Carus Mansion, an American center of philosophical, scientific, and religious dialogue. The Foundation was formed in 1995 to save and restore the Hegeler Carus Mansion which was built in 1874 for the Hegeler family by architect W. W. Boyington and designed by August Fielder. The mansion was a family home until 2003. Itis on the National Register, is a National Historic Landmark and was named one of the 150 great places in Illinois by the American Institute of Architects. In December 2006 the Foundation purchased the Julius W. Hegeler I Home with a challenge grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust. This home is located directly across the street from the Mansion at 1306 Seventh Street.