Cedar Crest (mansion) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Cedar Crest
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Kansas
|
|
| Location | Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | William D. Wight |
| Architectural style | French Normandy |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002672 |
| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1982 |
The Kansas Governor's Residence, also known as Cedar Crest, is the official home for the governor of Kansas. It was built in 1928. This beautiful house was given to the state of Kansas in 1955. It officially became the governor's house in 1962.
Contents
What is Cedar Crest?
Cedar Crest is the special home where the governor of Kansas lives and works. It is located in Topeka, Kansas, the state capital. The house sits on top of a hill, offering great views of the Kansas River. It is an important building in Kansas history.
A Home for Kansas Governors
Before Cedar Crest, Kansas governors lived in another house. That house was bought by the state in 1901. It was located at 801 Buchanan Street in Topeka. This first governor's home was built in 1887. However, it was sold in 1963 and taken down in 1964.
How Cedar Crest Became the Governor's Home
Cedar Crest was not always the governor's house. It was first built as a private home for a wealthy newspaper owner.
Who Built Cedar Crest?
The house was designed in 1928 by a famous architecture company called Wight and Wight. They built it for Frank P. MacLennan. He was the owner of two newspapers, the Topeka State Journal and the Emporia News. The house was designed in a style called French Normandy. This style looks like old French country homes.
A Special Gift to the State
Frank P. MacLennan died in 1933. When his wife passed away in 1955, she made a very special gift to the state of Kansas. She gave Cedar Crest to the state. She had one important rule: the house had to be used as the official home for the governor of Kansas.
Her gift also included a large area of land, about 244 acres. This land is now a public park called MacLennan Park. Since 1962, Cedar Crest has proudly served as the home for Kansas governors.
Modern Updates
Cedar Crest is an old house, so it needs care. In the 1990s, the mansion had a big improvement project. About $4.4 million was spent to make sure the house stayed in good condition.
Cedar Crest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is recognized as an important historical building. The current residents are Kansas governor Laura Kelly and her husband.
