Interlochen to Raze Lodge Once Named for Epstein

An arts camp in northern Michigan is preparing to raze a lodge once paid for by Jeffrey Epstein, saying the building no longer aligns with its values. Interlochen Center for the Arts told Interlochen Public Radio that its board voted to tear down Green Lake Lodge, formerly named for Epstein, a onetime camper in 1967 who gave the funds for its construction.

CBS News reports Interlochen scrubbed Epstein's name from the lodge in 2009 after his conviction in Florida the year prior for soliciting sex from a minor. In a statement, the school said the lodge had "come to carry associations" inconsistent with the institution, and that demolition "in a safe and timely manner" is the appropriate move, though no date for doing so was disclosed.

Epstein, who donated to Interlochen over the 1990 to 2003 period, is accused of having met at least one victim during a 1994 donor visit to the camp with Ghislaine Maxwell. Interlochen says a records review turned up no complaints related to Epstein, but Michigan lawmakers have announced plans to investigate Epstein's activities at the camp.