[2] As noted by the New York Times and Newsday, the house was used as a residence by visiting Catholic dignitaries, including Eugenio Pacelli (the future Pope Pius XII) as a Vatican diplomat in 1936.

[8] The letter noted "The model of maintaining retreat houses is no longer financially viable or consistent with this new vision", and advocated "that we become more flexible and agile in the ways we share the Exercises".

[8] The closing process was the result of two years of discernment and study by "directors and board members of retreat centers, province leaders and many others.

[11][12] The Town of North Hempstead historian Howard Kroplick stated "It is another sad day for preserving Long Island's history.

It is a shame that Village of North Hills officials, in the name of 'progress', made little attempt to save this historic and unique building.

[15][16] The Manhasset Bay Group plans to build a subdivision on the property, with 46 homes on lots ranging from a 0.5-acre (0.20 ha) to one acre in area.