Minnesota Governor's Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Horace Hills Irvine House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1006 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | William Channing Whitney |
| Part of | Historic Hill District (ID76001067) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001034 |
| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1974 |
The Minnesota Governor's Residence is the official home for the governor of Minnesota. People often call it the Governor's Mansion. It is located at 1006 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. The house sits on about 1.5 acres of land. The building itself is over 16,000 square feet in size.
A famous architect named William Channing Whitney designed the house. He was from Minneapolis. The house was built for a lumber businessman named Horace Hills Irvine and his family. It is an English Tudor style house. It has 20 rooms, including nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and nine fireplaces.
The Irvine family lived in the home from 1912 until 1965. Then, Horace Irvine's youngest daughters, Clotilde Irvine Moles and Olivia Irvine Dodge, gave the house to the people of Minnesota. They wanted it to be the official home for the state's First Family.
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The Governor's Official Home
In 1965, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law. This law accepted the gift of the house. It also named the house the State Ceremonial Building. This meant it would be used for important state events and as the governor's home. The law put the house under the care of the Minnesota Department of Administration.
From 1965 to 1980, governors could suggest changes to the house. The Legislature provided money for these improvements. The Department of Administration oversaw the work. A special committee helped furnish the house from 1965 to 1967. However, the governor still had the final say on changes.
A Historic Landmark
In 1974, the Governor's Residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historic places in the United States. This special title means that any changes to the outside of the house must be approved. The State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society must review them. The house is also part of the Historic Hill District, which is another important historic area.
Every year, during the holiday season, a large Christmas tree is placed on the front lawn. A forester from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources chooses this tree. It comes from a Minnesota State Forest, often from near Pine City.
Managing the Governor's Residence
In 1980, a new group was created to help manage the house better. It was first called the State Ceremonial Building Council. In 1983, its name changed to the Governor's Residence Council.
Who is on the Council?
The council has 19 members. These include the Commissioner of Administration, the governor's spouse, and the leaders of the Arts Board and the Minnesota Historical Society. There is also one member from the Minnesota House of Representatives and one from the Minnesota Senate. The governor appoints 13 other members.
The council helps plan how to restore the house. They also approve any changes and ask for donations. These donations help pay for improvements or new furnishings for the public areas of the building.
Staff at the Mansion
The Governor's Residence has five staff members. These include a manager, an assistant manager, a chef, a housekeeper, and a groundskeeper. During the summer, the Minnesota Historical Society sometimes offers free tours of the house to the public.
