Illinois Governor's Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Executive Mansion
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Mansion in 2012
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 410 E. Jackson Street, Springfield, IL |
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| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | John Murray Van Osdel |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000728 |
| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1976 |
The Illinois Governor's Mansion is the official home for the governor of Illinois. It is in Springfield, Illinois, the state capital. The mansion is close to the Illinois State Capitol building and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
This beautiful home was finished in 1855. It was designed by Chicago architect John M. Van Osdel. The mansion has an Italianate style, which means it looks like old Italian villas. It has 16 rooms and was first used by Governor Joel Aldrich Matteson in 1856. It is one of the oldest homes in Illinois and one of the oldest governor's homes in the United States that has always been lived in. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Contents
What is the Governor's Mansion?
The Governor's Mansion is more than just a home. It is used for important state events, like dinners and meetings. It is also a house museum that the public can visit. Many rooms, like libraries and parlors, are kept in a 19th-century style. This means they look like they did a long time ago. The governor and their family have a private apartment on the second floor. They can choose to live there or not.
How is the Mansion Used?
During the Christmas season, the mansion is decorated with many Christmas trees and other festive items. This makes it a very special place to visit. When you tour the mansion, you can see how governors and their families lived in the past. It helps people learn about Illinois history.
Renovations and Updates
Over the years, the Governor's Mansion has had many updates to keep it beautiful and safe. These projects often use private donations.
Early Renovations
In 1898, the outside of the mansion was changed to add neoclassical elements. This gave it a more grand and formal look. In 1972, a group called the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association was started. This group helps take care of the mansion and plans events there.
Modern Updates and Repairs
From 1999 to 2003, Governor George Ryan and First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan updated much of the mansion's furniture. They used money given by private donors. In 2011, there were plans for a big renovation. The last major repairs had been done in 1971.
In 2014, cold weather caused water damage to the mansion. Governor Pat Quinn spent about $40,000 on emergency repairs. Later, Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana Rauner, decided to invest their own money to fix up the mansion. They wanted to live there during his time as governor.
Major Renovation Project
On July 18, 2016, First Lady Diana Rauner announced a large renovation project. This project cost $15 million, and all the money was raised privately. The work was finished in 2018, just in time for Illinois's 200th birthday.
After this renovation, Governor Rauner signed an order to officially rename the "Executive Mansion" to the "Illinois Governor's Mansion." This change happened on July 1, 2018. The renovated mansion also got a new visitor center. It was also made easier for people with disabilities to visit, following the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Recent Improvements
More updates were done in the fall of 2019. These included changes to guest rooms, new fixtures, and plumbing. In 2023, First Lady M.K. Pritzker worked with designer Michael S. Smith to update the inside of the mansion. They also wrote a book about the home's history and design called A House That Made History: The Illinois Governor's Mansion.
Images for kids
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The Illinois Governor's Mansion in 2012.
