Melius's friends are just amazed at his resilience. "He said he had evidence of witness tampering and other crimes," the source said. I happen to be blessed with a very very large extended family who rallied to my side during the past 24 hours. It is supposedly the largest restoration in the U.S. to date. The owner of a prominent wedding venue on Long Island where celebrities and dignitaries have held their lavish nuptials was shot in the head at the sprawling mansion Monday. / CBS New York. Oheka Castle, built by the industrialist Otto Herman Kahn (l. 1867-1934), is one of the best-known luxury hotels of Long Island, NY, USA today. Not bad for a guy whod bankrolled the entire losing campaign of Manganos supposed opponent, Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick, for $23,000. An outdoor lounge at Oheka Castle which is part of the hotel's restaurant and bar. OHEKA CASTLE | Reception Venues - The Knot It was a big gamble, but it paid off. Oheka Castle's construction began in 1917 and was completed two years later. The castle is now a hotel with 32 guest rooms and suites. Stepson of Oheka Castle Owner Questioned in Shooting: Sources Rice's decision drew the ire of her one-time political ally, Nassau County Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs. Tuesday, Melius gave a statement to Eyewitness News saying; "I look forward to coming home. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Oheka Castle was bought up in 1984 by developer Gary Melius who purchased the destroyed property and its remaining 23-acre plot for $1.5 million. Gunfire at the Castle: Who Shot Oheka's Owner? And Why? - LI Press He had also faced three criminal convictions as a younger man, according to the paper. Suffolk County Detective Sgt. But even Ohekawhich borrows from the name of its originator, Otto Herman Kahnhas had some interesting reincarnations, too. The famous Gatsby mansion has also hosted 1920s-style parties, where the wealthy once again sip champagne while dressed in period-garb. Bleeding profusely, Melius stumbled back toward the castle. The 69-year-old went into shock immediately after he was shot and his recollection of the shooting are hazy, police say. Gary Melius, 70, is reportedly adamant that his son had nothing to do with it. Police stand in front of Oheka castle on Long Island after the owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises. SYNPSH Company Profile | CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE, France | Competitors Newsday will include its entire Melius investigation in Sunday's print edition. Footage shows 2 cars approaching scene where Oheka Castle owner Gary According to its current owner Gary Melius, the property "looked like something from a horror movie" when he first bought it in 1984. It's not clear how many people were in the Jeep. Was the hit related to the castles multi-layered financing? For years, Oheka Castle was the site of the hottest parties on the East Coast. AUCHAN RETAIL INTERNATIONAL - Dun & Bradstreet Hed take a seat at the polished table, hang out and listen, and if the topic could include his pet politics, the Independence Party, hed be grateful and never preach. Oheka Castle owner recovering after murder attempt By abc7NY Tuesday, February 25, 2014 HUNTINGTON, New York Investigators say the gunman wore a black mask and ambushed 69-year old Gary Melius. Fish contaminated with "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state, CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. 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As a family-owned business it is my personal goal to ensure that everyone who enters the gates of OHEKA feels like a welcome guest, whether you are attending a wedding, staying in one of our guest rooms, joining us for dinner, or going on an Historic Mansion Tour. Cops also hadn't determined how many shots were fired and had not interviewed the victim. Cops believe the black sedan was the lookout car, Newsday's sources said. Kevin Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, married Danielle Deleasa there in 2009. The district attorney found that Dale had instructed officers to arrest a 29-year-old Roosevelt man, who had testified in an unrelated case that he had been paid to collect signatures for a third-party candidate. It became known as Oheka Castle, an acronym taken from his full name. Investigators say the gunman wore a black mask and ambushed 69-year old Gary Melius while he was getting into his car in the parking lot of the mansion's lavish grounds at about 12:30 p.m. Police say Melius was fortunate to survive the shooting, with the bullet entering his head just above his right eyebrow, travelling under the skin, outside the skull, and entering near his right ear. Melius, who poured $23,000 into Hardwick's campaign coffers, was accused of backing the candidate as a favor to his Republican pal, County Executive Ed Mangano, in an effort to siphon votes from the Democratic candidate, Tom Suozzi. Then, from 1948 to 1979 it was occupied by the Eastern Military Academy until it closed. "When I first bought the property, it looked like something from a horror movie," Melius said. Its massive size once made Oheka Castle the second largest private residence in the U.S., behind only the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Its a puzzle, says Newsdays Sandra Peddie. Owner Gary Melius has spoken of plans to add more renovations and upgrades to Oheka Castle which would cost another $20 million. Unfortunately, the castle fell into disarray after Kahn's death in 1934, changing owners several times before finally standing vacant for over a decade. Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for AUCHAN RETAIL INTERNATIONAL of CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE. The mansion, built by Kahn between 1914 and 1919, is the largest private home in New York, and the second largest in the United States, comprising 127 rooms and over 109,000sqft (10,100m2), as originally configured. Mevorach asked. CBS New York reported the video shows the suspect's weapon getting jammed before the suspect then flees in a vehicle. At the palatial residence Tuesday, Melius told Gusoff he has not lost faith in police, but hopes for new leads. An investigation by the Nassau County district attorney found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but raised questions about the ethics of Dale's actions, leading to his resignation. Former President Bill Clinton officiated the nuptials. a masked gunman drove up to the renowned catering hall and opened fire. The kickback must have caused the weapon to jam, because the shooter was seen on the video trying to fix the gun, Newsday reported. Sources told Newsday the suspect pressed a gun against Melius' closed window, then fired a round. Or was the gunman simply a disgruntled employee of the Gold Coast castle? (KEVIN P. COUGHLIN/Kevin P.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "We've had our differences in the political realm," he said. It was built 100 years ago on one of Long Island's highest points. CBS on Twitter: "RT @WolfEnt: We spent dusk til dawn filming at Oheka Oheka Castle shooting: Complete coverage - Newsday Long Island Suffolk Oheka Castle shooting: Complete coverage A Suffolk County police patrol car in front of the entrance to Oheka. Two years were spent building an artificial hill on which to place the home, giving it views of Cold Spring Hills and Cold Spring Harbor.[4]. from the school with a concentration in business and economics. Suffolk asks FBI to assist in Oheka Castle shooting [15], Interactive map showing Oheka Castles location, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, "Oheka Castle, a Historic Hotels of America member", "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Oheka", New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, "Guest Services at Oheka Luxury Amenities in Long Island", "Weiner weds Clinton aide at Oheka Castle", "Developer Is Shot in the Head Outside His Long Island Castle", "That mega house in Liam Payne's new music video may look familiar", "Jennifer Lopez & Maluma Get Steamy in Sexy Two-Part Music Video! Detectives were scanning hours of surveillance video and visitor logs. Fifty years after Kahn's death, in 1984, current owner Gary Melius purchased Oheka Castle and began the arduous process of restoring the castle to its former glory. Gary Melius was shot at point blank range while getting into his car in the parking lot of his Long Island venue - Oheka Castle - on February 24. Melius, who was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, has long been involved with the Democratic, Republican and Independence parties, contributing more than $800,000 total to the three parties since 1999, according to state records. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW. Meet Donald 'Pee Wee' Gaskins, The Cannibal Serial Killer Who Allegedly Murdered 90 People. "But I cannot imagine this would have anything to do with political disputes. ", "MrBeast Reveals Why He Spent $1 Million for One Night in a Hotel", Gold Coast Mansions Historic Long Island Home, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oheka_Castle&oldid=1147042569. Construction began in 1917 and was completed after two years. Proposed condo projects pit neighbor against neighbor as court fights I look forward to getting back to work. Its later years were, unfortunately, less glamourous. It took another two months for the rails to be refinished to restore the grand staircase to its former glory. It was completed in 1919 for financier Otto Kahn and then restored by Melius as a luxury hotel, catering hall, and conference center. Former President Bill Clinton presided over the wedding of then-Rep. Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin, a close aide to then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in 2010. In recent weeks, Melius spoke with law enforcement authorities investigating political corruption, the source said. Who shot Melius and why? Owner Shot in Head at Oheka Castle, Prominent Wedding Venue on Long Independence Party Chairman Frank Mackay, a close confidante of Melius, was in Louisiana with his family when the shooting occurred and was almost overcome with worry. Everyone thought I was crazy to purchase the dilapidated estate but I saw the potential and also recognized the importance of OHEKA and its historic significance to America and the Gold Coast of Long Island. "I don't know who would ever want to hurt someone so nice and generous and thoughtful. Then, read about the European fugitive who faked his own death and was found living in his lavish French castle. Gary Melius has a vast and complicated business enterprise, so that means there are a lot of places to look. ", Rep. Pete King, a Republican and friend of Melius, said he had no idea who would want to harm Melius: "I just hope and pray that he's going to come back. Hauts-de-France : dernires actus et infos sur cette rgion - La Croix The castle was allegedly the inspiration behind the 1925 novel, European fugitive who faked his own death and was found living in his lavish French castle. It was finally abandoned in 1980 and stood forgotten for years. When I first saw OHEKA back in 1984, even in its devastated state, I fell in love. It began with hauling out 300 trailer trucks worth of trash over the first six months of repairs. Gary Melius adopted him. As a family-owned business it is my personal goal to ensure that everyone who enters the gates of OHEKA feels like a welcome guest, whether you are attending a wedding, staying in one of our guest rooms, joining us for dinner, or going on an Historic Mansion Tour. Melius was hospitalized and was in stable condition at North Shore University Hospital. Originally a 127-room "house," Oheka Castle is now a 32-bedroom hotel. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Receiver appointed in Oheka foreclosure case - Long Island Business News Frank MacKay, a friend of Melius, told NBC 4 New York that Melius was sitting in his car when a man appeared outside and opened fire on him through the glass window. The kickback from the shot caused the gun to malfunction and likely saved his life, 1010 WINS News Director Ben Mevorach reported. Oheka Castle is one of Long Island's most exclusive hotels, located in Huntington, N.Y. Oheka Castle has become a popular location to shoot TV shows and movies. (Paul Prince) Spota exited about an hour after his 11 a.m. arrival to see Melius, a poker buddy. Three days later, White was arrested on an outstanding warrant over an unrelated $250 fine he hadn't paid. A view of Oheka Castle from afar. It is now a popular wedding venue. The power-broker castle owner is a politically connected developer who frequently hosts lavish luncheons, formal dinners, cigar-filled poker games and a variety of other galas at Oheka, the former opulent residence of financier Otto Kahn. It is a popular wedding venue for socialites, celebrities, and dignitaries, as well as the backdrop to many photo shoots, television series and films. (Veronique Louis for New York Daily News). ", Oheka serves as a stand-in for a French mansion in Season 3 of the Hulu TV series, Oheka was used as the setting for a castle in, Oheka was used as the setting for the "Mr. Julius Caesar" rematch in the film, The castle was featured in Season 2 Episode 4 of the Hulu show, The castle was used as the setting for the, The castle was featured in the music video for, This page was last edited on 28 March 2023, at 14:12. Melius offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. After its original owner died, Oheka Castle was used as a retirement home and then a military academy until it was eventually abandoned. At Melius' insistence, Dale directed cops to arrest a key witness in a case connected to the county executive race. God bless you all.. "Are you any closer today, Gary, to knowing who did this to you?" In 1948, Eastern Military Academy purchased the castle and 23 acres (9.3ha) of its property, bulldozed the gardens and subdivided the rooms. "It was a cowardly act, whoever hired these guys," he said. The Gold Coast estate routinely hosts celebrity events, including a May 2012 benefit for pop star Debbie Gibson's charitable foundation. It was Melius call to former Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale requesting Randy White, a Roosevelt resident, be charged with perjury in an election lawsuit that made headlines last Decemberresulting in Whites arrest and Dales resignation following a Nassau County District Attorney probe that ultimately cleared the developer, Dale and Mangano of criminality, but infuriated Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs for giving the Mangano administration a pass. No license plates were visible on either vehicle, Newsday reported. Melius boasts of friendships with King and Democratic Rep. Steve Israel. (Paul Prince) The high-rolling target of a botched hit outside his Long Island. Now after years of restoration and the support of my family I am proud to say that OHEKA is once again a private home and a great place to throw a party just as Otto Kahn did back in the decadent days of the 1920s. (Bobby Bank/WireImage). Visitors to the estate must pass by its long driveway which is lined with manicured red cedar trees. He was sitting in his Mercedes-Benz in the parking lot of his sprawling Huntington estate, Newsday said. [7] Ten years later, following a lawsuit, the building passed to one of Yokoi's daughters and her husband. Letter From The Owner of the Historic OHEKA CASTLE Visitors were greeted by a long driveway lined with manicured red cedar trees that led you into the property. "Somebody was watching over him. "I have never thought five minutes about it, I have not had five minutes of fear," Melius said. What to Know About Tick, Lyme Season Following a Mild Winter, Former State Sen. 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If this near- death experience has done anything it is a reminder to live each day, celebrate life and embrace your family. The property later became Oheka Castle. It was about 12:30 p.m., a Monday, and the developer-turned-owner of Oheka Castlea historic 127-room French-style chateau tucked behind rolling hills and residential homes in Huntingtonwas reportedly about to meet his pal, former U.S. Sen. Al DAmato, for lunch. Oheka Castle's splendor was immediately visible upon entrance. But the owner of the mansion, Gary Melius, lived through a much darker experience there. Authorities on Thursday released surveillance video showing the man who shot the owner of Long Island's . During World War II, Oheka Castle was converted into a radio operator's school for the Merchant Marines then occupied by the Eastern Military Academy. Melius has changed his security procedures since the incident, but doesn't give the shooting a second thought. Ron Rosenberg, Melius's close friend and lawyer, is reeling not just at the crime, but also at the fact the his friend is already awake and talking in the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. Views of the garden from the hotel's restaurant. Police initially believed Melius was shot was he tried to climb into his car and got a lucky break when two bullets missed. The name "Oheka" is a play on the original owner's full name, Otto Hermann Kahn, who modeled the estate on the stylish chateaus of France. Met Gala brings stunning fits and big reveals, Serena Williams debuts pregnancy on the Met Gala red carpet, Family still in pain after NYPD detective dies 33 years after shooting, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Paying more despite good credit? By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Gusoff asked. (Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News). Otto Kahn bought the land for $1 million $158 million in today's currency. Melius said he has recovered from his injuries. The grounds also featured a beautiful grand lawn with a reflective pool and fountains interwoven into its design as well as an 18-hole golf course. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman. But at Manganos second inauguration, Melius was basking on stage as one of the honored guests seated in rows behind the podium, where he chatted with Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington). Melius may be the proprietor of one of Long Islands glitziest estates from the Gold Coast era, but in dress and demeanor he always strikes a very down-to-Earth pose as befits his roots as a kid from Queens. [3] He was determined to build a fireproof building, so he had his architects, Delano and Aldrich, design it in steel and concrete, making it one of the first totally fireproof residential buildings. Everyone from highly-esteemed diplomats to famous film stars attended the lavish events. Gary Melius, owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot on Monday. There is plenty to do during your visit to Long Island. It's believed that during this time Oheka Castle provided inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald's famed novel The Great Gatsby which depicts opulent parties at an estate very similar to Kahn's summer home. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota after visiting shooting victim and Oheka Castle Owner Gary Melius at North Shore University Hospital on Wednesday. The owner of Oheka Castle, Gary Melius, was gunned down in his car, authorities said, by a suspect who may have been wearing a mask. He rebounded and bought it back for $30 million in 1998. Theyve vowed to investigate every aspect of Melius life. But the estate was no longer the playground for the rich and famous it once was. First published on August 29, 2014 / 11:47 AM. "When I first bought the property, it looked like something from a horror movie," Melius said. The castle's parties were so famous that they allegedly inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, which features opulent ftes at a lavish estate. Hed make his case that the two major parties had failed the republic and then move on. They have reviewed the castles video surveillance footage, but it reportedly did not catch the face of the would-be killer. It's been nearly four years since someone shot Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius in the face, and the assassination attempt is still . HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - The politically connected owner of a storied mansion-turned-wedding palace who survived being shot in the head by a masked assailant earlier this year says his son was being investigated as a person of interest in the shooting, according to Newsday. 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