Can you “unhaunt” a location by renovation? The Spreckles Mansion restoration is under way

By: Bonnie Vent

Developers are proposing major changes for the landmark Coronado,CA home linked recently to tragedy.

The investment group that owns the Spreckles Mansion has proposed a restoration project on its original 1907 design.

The oceanfront mansion made national headlines after Rebecca Zahau, girlfriend of millionaire Jonah Shacknai, was found hanging naked from a balcony at the oceanfront property last year. Investigators ruled her death a suicide. The attorney’s representing the Zahau family do not agree and are attempting to re-open the investigation. Due to the renovations of the interior, the locations leading to Rebecca’s tragic death can no longer be examined. If the spirit of Rebecca Zahau remains at the mansion seeking justice, there is the potential this will cause activity not cover it over.

Real estate broker Scott Aurich .says “It’d be nice to change the conversation, less sensationalism about the recent tragedies and more about what the house represents as far as a significant piece of architecture here in Coronado,.

Aurich is working with the firm that is selling the remodeled home. Under California disclosure laws the tragic deaths will have to be disclosed in writing to any potential buyer.

The Spreckles mansion is a significant historical property. It was built by John D. Spreckles, who was once an owner of the Hotel Del Coronado and survivor of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Strangely the Hotel Del Coronado has received a haunted reputation due to an 1892 case deemed as a suicide with a similar amount of skepticism that the entire truth is known. This case is greatly disputed even today.

It may be easier said than done to completely renovate the Spreckles Mansion. The sight is protected under the Mills Act, which means the city’s Historic Resource Commission has to approve any changes to the exterior. This would also include the balcony where Rebecca Zahau died.

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You said the tragic deaths would have to be disclosed to potential buyers.deaths is plural,s

Hi Julian, The laws vary from state to state. In California you have to disclose if the death(s) occurred in the past 3 years. The 3 Years has passed so disclosure is no longer required. However, it is still commonly known.

You said the tragic deaths would have to be disclosed to potential buyers.deaths is plural,so does that include the death in 1892,or where there others?

Hi Boo, Nice to see you here. The deaths currently associated with the Spreckles mansion are: Rebecca Zahau who died on the property and Max Shacknai who died a few days after a fall from the 2nd floor landing. The 1892 death I was referring to is at the Hotel Del Coronado which is a block or so away from the mansion. In general you have to report a death if it occurred within 3 years of the sale. These laws vary from state to state. More info: http://www.wwlaw.com/death.htm

Appears to be an expensive elaborate attempt to eliminate the scene of the crime... Bulldoze (in this case renovate), it and distroy forever any clues that might remain that would enlighten any detectives working on the case. That has been done before. Think twin towers.. Oklahoma City... Waco Texas...

It does seem if you are powerful enough you can make anything or anyone disappear. I noticed this when working on the Michael Jackson case as well. It is disturbing.

Yes it is Bonnie. I hope this will change and soon.

There seems to be mostly a green light for the strong push to make changes to the home now, while I recall reading that the previous owner was struggling to get the permission of the town authorities. At least that is how it was reported. Interesting.

I think you are fantastic Ms. Vent!! Read "The Connection"....Great Read! I am an Intuitive...but at my age/family it has to be a 'hush hush' situation. My feeling on this case (if you're interested) is a cover up. Amazing what people with money can do. However, in the 'end'...everybody has to own up. This is a tragedy that has been 'quieted'...for now. In my opinion, there was no accident and there was no suicide. I will leave it at that. Wonder why restorations began so quickly? Hmmm....

Hmmm... is right. I agree Bethany.

And yes, Bethany, I think Bonnie is fantastic too. :)

Hi Bethany, I am glad you enjoyed the book. I understand your situation. I am glad you are not letting it get in the way of who you are. I did get some impressions of what happened at the Spreckles Mansion and I have shared them with the Zahau family's attorneys. My impressions cannot be used as evidence but they can provide guidance to those who are investigating the case. My heart goes out to the families. They want answers and they should be allowed to have them.