Behind the Scenes at the Soderstrom Castle

Photography by Natalie Jackson O'Neal

The beautiful and historic Soderstrom Castle on Grandview Drive is a unique setting for philanthropic events year-round. Read more about the historic castle in the Sep/Oct 2017 issue of Art & Society magazine!

The Soderstrom Castle on Grandview Drive
Dr. Soderstrom collaborated with Peorian Doug Hoerr of Chicago’s Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects to design new walls, gardens and a European-inspired, fan-patterned, cobblestone driveway.
The garden is a perfect setting for dozens of special events held throughout the year.
Its once-flowing moat no longer runs beneath the bridge, but the eye meets no shortage of beauty when gazing upon the castle's sprawling grounds.
Beauty queen photo shoots are held at the castle every year. Dr. Soderstrom sponsors the Miss Illinois Scholarship Fund. Pictured are Mariah Scott, Miss Black Illinois USA 2014; Dr. Soderstrom; Marisa Buchheit, Miss Illinois 2014; Megan Ervin, Miss Illinois 2012; and Stephanie Pillar, Mrs. Illinois 2013
Haley Armitage, Miss Morton 2014; Peyton Hillan, Miss Illinois High School 2013; Stephanie Pillar, Mrs. Illinois 2013; Marisa Buchheit, Miss Illinois 2104; Megan Ervin, Miss Illinois 2012; Audra Ferguson, Miss Heart of Illinois Teen 2014; Rebecca Palmer, Miss Peoria-Metro 2014
Carnegie Hall performer, Harmony Zhu, with Dr. Soderstrom and Maestro George Stelluto, plays on the castle Steinway before VIP patrons of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Preparing to host 4,000 children on Halloween
Shalom Sherman, Hollywood comedian and entertainer, performing for a special group.
In the Spring of 2017, over 75 Mayo Clinic alumni, guests and friends of Mayo heard a lecture by Dr. Atta Behfar on cardiovascular regeneration and enjoyed camaraderie. Dr. Soderstrom has supported Mayo, where he trained philanthropically, for decades. Left to right: Jim Isaak, Dr. Atta Behfar and Dr. Soderstrom.
The Little Miss You Can Do It Pageant contestants hosted fun and games at the castle.
Internationally famous opera singer and Broadway star Sylvia McNair relaxes with Nicholas Soderstrom (L) and Dillon Soderstrom (R) before performing.
Four thousand children and adults are hosted at the scariest castle in town on Halloween. The Peoria Heights Police Department provides traffic control and protection all evening long. Pictured are Officer Jacob Potts, Officer Brad Vaughn and Sergeant Derrick Allison with Michelle Dunn (Wonder Woman), Dr. Soderstrom and Jason Chastain (Superman).
Make-A-Wish Illinois granted Aajaia’s wish to have a Princess party. Dr. Soderstrom opened the castle for her to throw a birthday celebration in the grand dining room. She wore a gown fit for royalty and loved ruling as princess for the day.
Erik Soderstrom, Carl Soderstrom M.D. and opera star Marisa Buchheit spend an evening entertaining the Great Lakes Chapter of the Rolls Royce Club of America with attendees driving over 35 Rolls Royces and Bentleys from Chicago and St. Louis.
Sylvia McNair, Kevin Cole, Dr. Carl Soderstrom, Maestro George Stelluto, and Roberta Parks readying for an evening of music and appreciation for Peoria Symphony guests.
The Soderstrom Castle
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