The name "Oheka" is an acronym using the first several letters of each part of its creator's name, Otto Hermann Kahn, which Kahn also used to name his yacht Oheka II and his ocean-front Villa Oheka in Palm Beach, Florida. While Melius was well known in the community and respected for his charitable donations, he was also involved in a local controversy last year, playing a role in the political scandal that led to the ouster of Nassau County's police commissioner at the time. The owner, who also lives there, was shot by an unknown assailant Monday. Whatever precipitated the shooting, it was likely connected to business not politics, Jacobs said Monday. The property was also the site of Kahn's daughter's wedding, which became the first of many wedding ceremonies hosted at Oheka Castle. [8] They were unable to sustain the property themselves, so Melius reacquired it under a long-term lease and later re-purchased the estate, operating it as a weddings and events venue, luxury hotel and conference center.[9]. Melius, a major political donor deeply involved in Long Island politics, was shot in the head Monday around 12:30 p.m. According to its current owner Gary Melius, the property "looked like something from a horror movie" when he first bought it in 1984. 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. The cost of restorations and improvements to Oheka Castle over 20 years reportedly cost about $37 million, making it the largest restoration project in U.S. history, according to the estate's website. "He said he had evidence of witness tampering and other crimes," the source said. The historic Oheka Castle in Huntington is brimming with stories that would fill any bride's fantasies. Melius's friends are just amazed at his resilience. He was sitting in his Mercedes-Benz in the parking lot of his sprawling Huntington estate, Newsday said. The castle is now a hotel with 32 guest rooms and suites. Suffolk asks FBI to assist in Oheka Castle shooting On Feb. 24 of last year, a masked gunman drove up to the renowned catering hall and opened fire. Was Typhoid Mary A Reckless Superspreader Or A Tragic Victim? Not one phone call, not anything," Gary Melius said, according to the paper. "One of the problems in our society is sometimes we try to look for a reason in the victim for the horrible criminal acts of the perpetrators who have no justification and whatever sick motive they may have is not a reflection of the victim," Rosenberg said. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW. (Courtesy Paul Prince). It has been two years since Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius was shot in the head and the FBI now says it is getting involved. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Link to logo, AAA Four Diamond Award Logo, Link to logo, Historic Hotels Worldwide Logo. 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. Melius political dealings have also resulted in some controversy. It took 18 months to scrape off the original paint from the railings during initial repairs. MacKidNPascack/TwitterThe castle was allegedly the inspiration behind the 1925 novel The Great Gatsby. Melius has changed his security procedures since the incident, but doesn't give the shooting a second thought. . Visitors can tour other Historic Gold Coast Mansions, such as the Vanderbilt Museum, Old Westbury Gardens, Mill Neck Manor, and Coe Hall, which collectively were the inspiration for the classic novel, "The Great Gatsby"; relax on one of Long Island's beautiful sandy beaches; enjoy a classical music concert by the LI Philharmonic at the Tilles Center; or indulge in a wine tasting in Long Island's Wine Country on the North Fork. Views of the garden from the hotel's restaurant. What is The Best Tex-Mex Restaurant on Long Island? Otto Kahn bought the land for $1 million $158 million in today's currency. 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. But the estate was no longer the playground for the rich and famous it once was. "Did you ever directly ask your son if he had any involvement?" The FBI has also offered assistance, an agency spokesperson tells the Press. Was the hit related to the castles multi-layered financing? After the shooting, Rosenberg says, he managed to stagger back to the castle and call for help. Developer Is Shot in the Head Outside His Long Island Castle Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. By 2003 he was its rightful owner again, having bought it back for $30 million and spending almost an equal amount over the years on its upkeep and restoration. But the owner of the mansion, Gary Melius, lived through a much darker experience there. The whole thing is awful, Jacobs told the Press shortly after the shooting. SYNPSH Company Profile | CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE, France | Competitors The financier had created the 109,000-square-foot manor in 1919. Then, read about the European fugitive who faked his own death and was found living in his lavish French castle. 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. "They wanted to help some way and felt, you know, really helpless," Melius said. Castle Owner's Connections Investigated in Shooting - WSJ Gary Melius exited a side door of his palatial mansion estate and entered his Mercedes-Benz parked in its back courtyard. He was rushed by a family member to nearby Syosset Hospital and was said to be alert and conscious after being transferred to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. If this near- death experience has done anything it is a reminder to live each day, celebrate life and embrace your family. The academy bulldozed the mansion's gardens and divided its luxurious rooms into smaller classrooms and dorms. Devils shutout rival Rangers in Game 7 for 1st series win since 2012, Manhattan subway argument turns deadly: NYPD, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at age 84, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. If you look closely, the estate is peppered with the symbol of the Linden tree. 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. "We've had our differences in the political realm," he said. [2], Kahn built Oheka in response to Jews being forbidden entry to clubs and golf courses in Morristown, New Jersey and because in 1905, a previous country home of Kahn's, Cedar Court, was virtually destroyed by fire. Proposed condo projects pit neighbor against neighbor as court fights Gary Melius | New York Post 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. Gary Melius told the paper that he believes police spent several months looking into his son, 34-year-old Thomas Melius, because of his problems with drugs, but could not connect him to the crime. The Gold Coast estate routinely hosts celebrity events, including a May 2012 benefit for pop star Debbie Gibson's charitable foundation. 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. They just shot him. The famous Gatsby mansion has also hosted 1920s-style parties, where the wealthy once again sip champagne while dressed in period-garb. Melius is a prominent developer and political contributor and is well-known and well-liked. Was it related to politics, as one source with close ties to Melius who did not want his name used adamantly tells the Press? Melius has engaged in political skirmishes with some of Long Island's most powerful officials, a high-ranking political source told the Daily News. Our Fabulous Variety Show Open Level Tween + Adult Tap Dance for Ages 11+ at Project Most! Who Makes The Best Margarita on Long Island? Melius boasts of friendships with King and Democratic Rep. Steve Israel. Melius, whod worked as a bowling alley pin setter and a plumbers helper before striking it rich in real estate, acquired the property in 1984 for $1.5 million and reportedly contemplated tearing it down because vandals had had the run of the place for several years. Infamous (and possibly haunted) Long Island home. Oheka Castle is the United States' second largest private home, and a hot spot for celebrity weddings including Kevin Jonas, Hillary Clinton's aide Huma Abedin, and media personality Megyn Kelly . 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]. Gusoff asked. "I feel good we're going to catch him, and hopefully, he'll get what's coming to him," Melius said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Melius said he has recovered from his injuries. AUCHAN RETAIL INTERNATIONAL - Dun & Bradstreet A receiver has been appointed to oversee operations at Oheka Castle in Huntington as part of the ongoing foreclosure case brought by its lender. In 2016, then-Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini released. from the school with a concentration in business and economics. Suffolk County Detective Sgt. "When I first bought the property, it looked like something from a horror movie," Melius said. The shooter fled and has not been captured. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. In 1914, he purchased 443 acres of land in Cold Spring Harbor, which is the highest point in Long Island, for a cool $1 million. Thomas Melius is the biological son of Gary Melius' wife. ", 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. "To realize that he was able to recover from the shot, go back into Oheka, call the police," Rosenberg said. Investigators will review surveillance footage. Its massive size once made Oheka Castle the second largest private residence in the U.S., behind only the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. In 1905, his country home burned to the ground in a devastating fire. Did a Long Island wedding lead to an attempted murder in Florida? The moment the Oheka Castle's owner was shot in his Mercedes February 25, 2016 | 3:25pm. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. in Journalism with a specialization in investigative journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and was an inaugural member of the schools Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman. "I not only don't know -- I can't think of why anybody who would kill me," Melius said. Police stand in front of Oheka Castle on Long Island after owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises Monday. A family member drove Melius to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for a bullet wound to his forehead. Gary Melius shooting still shrouded in mystery 4 years later. "I don't know who would ever want to hurt someone so nice and generous and thoughtful. Then, 222 new windows and doors were purchased to reseal the property as well as 4,000 new roof slates to fix the damaged roof. Kevin Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, married Danielle Deleasa there in 2009. Oheka Castle owner and poker player Gary Melius 'extremely lucky' to Gary Melius adopted him. The castle, built in 1919 by financier Otto Kahn, was used as a setting in the classic 1941 film "Citizen Kane.". It has since been converted into a 32-bedroom luxury hotel featuring a grand ballroom, restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, and more. 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. Oheka Castle, which is also a hotel offering $1,095-a-night suites, says on its website that it can accommodate up to 1,000 wedding guests. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota after visiting shooting victim and Oheka Castle Owner Gary Melius at North Shore University Hospital on Wednesday. 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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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? Gary Melius, 70, is reportedly adamant that his son had nothing to do with it. Toute l'actualit et les dernires informations sur la rgion Hauts-de-France, qui a t cre suite la rforme territoriale de 2015. "They have not one thing to physically connect him to this. Police initially believed Melius was shot was he tried to climb into his car and got a lucky break when two bullets missed. "I don't know if you ever can ever get your reputation back," Melius said. This case is the biggest whodunit to hit Long Island in recent memory. As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, Melius had raised the stakes for solving the crime a year after he was wounded. In December, Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice, a Democrat, found no criminality in White's arrest. Unfortunately, the castle fell into disarray after Kahn's death in 1934, changing owners several times before finally standing vacant for over a decade.