North Dakota Governor's Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor's Residence of North Dakota |
|
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | House |
| Architectural style | Prairie School Style |
| Location | 1151 N 4th St, Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Construction started | 2016 |
| Completed | 2018 |
| Governing body | Friends of the Residence |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 13,700 sq ft (1,270 m2) |
The North Dakota Governor's Residence is the official home of the governor of North Dakota. It is located in Bismarck, on the southwest side of the North Dakota State Capitol grounds. This is the third official home built for North Dakota's governors.
The First Governor's Home (1884-1960)
The very first governor's home was built in 1884. It was first a private house for a businessman named Asa Fisher. He made his money in banking and real estate. In 1893, the state bought the house for $5,000.
This house became the governor's residence from 1893 to 1960. Twenty different North Dakota governors lived there! In 1975, the state decided to turn the house into a museum. It was fixed up to look like it did in 1893. Today, you can visit it as a North Dakota State Historic Site. It opened to the public in 1983.
The Second Governor's Home (1960-2018)
By 1955, the first governor's home was getting old and needed many repairs. So, the North Dakota state government decided to build a new one. They approved $200,000 for the project.
Construction on this second home began in 1959 and finished in 1960. Governor John Davis was the last governor to live in the old 1884 house. He was also the first to live in this new residence. Interestingly, Allen I. Olson was the only governor who did not move into this home. He felt it was too small for his family.
In 2000, most of the house was updated. However, on May 18, 2018, this 1960s-era home was torn down. No one wanted to buy and move the building. The area where it stood is now a green space next to the newest governor's home.
The Current Governor's Home (2018-Present)
In 2015, the North Dakota state government decided to build a third governor's home. The second home had big problems with its structure and safety. It also wasn't easy for people with disabilities to get around (this is called ADA compliance). Fixing the old home would have cost almost $3 million, and it still wouldn't have been fully accessible.
So, the government decided it was better to build a brand new home. This new plan also included a special visitor's building for events. They set aside up to $4 million in state funds for the project. They also allowed up to $1 million to be raised from private donations.
Jack Dalrymple, who was governor at the time, signed the bill on April 29, 2015. Work on the ground started in September 2016. After some delays and budget changes, the governor's family moved into the new residence in March 2018.
