[2][4] The Wendt Mansion, recognized as being in need of major renovations in 2003,[2] has deteriorated greatly in recent years.

It was the victim of vandalism in 2007, when thieves used a blowtorch to remove copper piping from the building.

This caused major flooding in the mansion's basement, which went unnoticed for several days due to a non-functioning alarm system.

A 2012 study of the mansion sought to determine the costs of restoration, although at that time the prospect of demolition was mentioned as a possibility for the structure.

County officials noted that they were focusing limited resources by staffing lifeguards at the nearby Bennett Beach Park.