After Edward passed on in 1915, Mrs. Walker did not care to keep living in the big home alone, and she deeded the house and grounds to the town of Walkerville.

In the years after its use as a residence, Willistead served as the Walkerville Town Hall, Art Gallery of Windsor and as a public library branch.

[2] In the late 1970s early 1980s, the City of Windsor, afraid of the repairs and upkeep on the mansion, wanted to demolish the structure.

In 1976, Windsor City Council designated Willistead Manor and Park as a heritage property.

[2] Today the 36-room mansion is used as a banquet hall, and the fifteen-acre (62,888 m2) grounds are incorporated in a larger public park.