Herve Rousseau, owner of the Dery mansion, 520 Fifth St., Catasauqua, held an open house for developers and Catasauqua residents interested in the 25,000-square-foot grand property, billed as the largest residential property in Lehigh County.

The troubled property has been through several developers trying to bring it back to its glorious elegance. Rousseau’s experience with successful stylish nightclubs was to be Dery’s next iteration.

Unfortunately, the restoration costs are overwhelming.

“With all these people in the house, I can feel the energy and how alive it is,” he said.

Rousseau is reluctant to sell the property. He desperately wants to work with someone to bring the necessary finances to the project and make it work as a preferred destination.

“This would be a great wedding venue. We have the space,” he said.

Several of the guests at the property either had parents or relatives who held weddings at the Dery mansion. Everyone wanted to see the residence back to its former glory.

Stepping through the dust, one can see the possibilities and understand the enormous potential of the building. The wide-open spaces of the public rooms are mind boggling, yet the upstairs rooms have a certain classic hotel look for what could be cozy overnight stays.

It does not take much to envision elegance in this classic space.

Spare a couple million dollars, and it can become the most fantastic venue in the area. Rousseau can bring the charm and sophistication necessary; now somebody needs to bring the money.

The mansion is expected to be on the Catasauqua historical house and garden tour, presented by Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, 1-5 p.m. June 23.