‘Governor's mansion' won't be studied, but legislators have input on residence
Should the 'governor's mansion' be converted into a roller rink? What about a dorm for legislators with children?
Those were a couple of ideas legislators brought up in the Senate on Monday before the body voted 23-27 against Senate Joint Resolution 45, which called for a study to determine a use for the vacant executive residence.
Historically, the governors of Montana have resided in the 'governor's mansion,' a 12,000 square foot home at 2 N. Carson St. that's part of the Capitol Complex.
But Gov. Greg Gianforte has his own residence in Helena, the official executive residence has been vacant for at least three years, and it's in disrepair, according to reports to legislative committees.
In 2019 and 2021, the Montana Legislature appropriated a total $2.3 million for upgrades, but bids for upgrades came in higher, as much as $3.6 million instead, according to state officials.
In the meantime, resolution sponsor Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, said maintenance is costing taxpayers $100,000 a year, and it's time for a plan.
Legislators have said interest in the property is high, at least among the citizens of Helena and some history lovers.
'We have, as you recall, $2.3 million sitting in an account that's not being used to renovate, in some way, this building,' Dunwell said.
In a separate bill that didn't pass earlier this session, Dunwell had suggested the residence be used as a rental for legislative staff, with priority for those with disabilities.
At the time, at least one member of the Senate State Administration Committee suggested a study might be in order instead.
On the floor Monday, Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, said it's clear the building just needs to be torn down, and he shared one idea to save maintenance money.
'I'll do the maintenance for $50,000 a year,' Hertz said.
Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, reminded the Senate of another related plan.
In January 2024, the Governor's Office said Gov. Greg Gianforte and Susan Gianforte bought the historic Hauser Mansion in Helena, and they plan to donate it to the state 'following my service.'
But Morigeau said legislators can help the governor decide what to do with the Carson Street mansion, and she encouraged senators to vote yes on the study.
'I want to see it turned into – I don't know – a roller rink?' Morigeau said.
Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, said he thought a dorm for legislators would be great, and he'd call dibs on a room.
Although the Senate opposed the study, Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-Great Falls, said the Capitol Complex Advisory Council already meets about the area, the group includes legislators, and the question doesn't require an entire study.
'It's not like the legislature does not have a voice in this. We do,' McKamey said.
However, in committee earlier this month, McKamey also noted the history contained in the house.
She mentioned some 'two dozen hand needle-pointed chairs,' which she said need to be preserved. Dunwell said she had been advised the chairs were in storage.
In the hearing about the resolution, the Senate State Administration Committee heard the cost of getting the residence in shape — between $3.2 million and $3.6 million.
Director Misty Ann Giles had offered a piece of advice for anyone walking around in the unoccupied 'governor's mansion' owned by the state.
'If you do go over there, please don't take off your shoes,' said Giles, head of the Department of Administration.
The carpet is from the 1950s, the plumbing is shot, the kitchen is 'barely functional,' it needs $180,000 worth of asbestos abatement, and the committee learned more about the general 'disarray' at the hearing.
In response, Sen. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, had a question of his own to state officials.
'So how much would you take for it?' Phalen asked.
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