Work crews managed to take down most of the Dean House by Tuesday afternoon. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Work crews began demolishing the Sam and Dorothy Dean House, 115 Canterbury Lane, Tuesday morning. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

The Dean House is located on what is now the Dorothy and Sam Dean Nature Sanctuary, dedicated to the preservation of the natural flora and fauna of the greater Oak Brook area. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

In 1995, Dorothy Dean set up a life trust for the property and the Oak Brook Park District acquired it as part of a transaction involving the Conservation Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation and the Harris Trust and Saving Bank. | Joe Cyganowski

Samuel E. Dean Jr., a former Oak Brook village president and chief executive officer of Dean Milk Co., had lived in the home with his wife Dorothy since moving to Oak Brook in 1940. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Oak Brook Park District officials have said retro-fitting the house for use as a nature or education center could cost up to $1 million. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

A member of the work crew assists with the demolition of the Dean House Tuesday in Oak Brook. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

The Deans had left their home in Oak Brook by 2005. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Norm Russell watches the demolition of the Dean House Tuesday morning. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Members of the Dean family have said they have no objection to the Dean House coming down, so long as an open nature sanctuary is preserved on the site. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Work crews tear into the remains of the Dean House Tuesday morning. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Norm Russell walks the property to be demolished Tuesday morning. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

A member of the work crew helps with the destruction of the Dean House Tuesday morning. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media