State plans next round of repairs for Governor's Residence

Another phase of construction work is being planned for the Minnesota Governor’s Residence, according to a notice posted Monday.

The Minnesota Department of Administration asked for consultants to draw up new restoration plans for the Summit Avenue mansion, originally built in 1912.

It was donated to the state more than 50 years ago and governors have lived there at least part of the time during their terms. Gov. Tim Walz and his family moved in this January and have since sold their longtime home in Mankato.

The stately mansion is also frequently used by groups for special events, and periodically opened for public tours.

The agency intends to spend $75,000 on an updated scope of work toward a multi-phase renovation that could ultimately cost $3 million. The Legislature has yet to allocate money for the construction, but the design report due in January will be used to make the case for funding.

The 27-room, brick Tudor home has had defects attributed to older plumbing, inefficient mechanical systems and a deteriorating exterior.

“Many of the building components and systems are beyond their life expectancy and therefore have become dilapidated to the point where they must be replaced,” the project description reads.

An earlier renovation phase led to perimeter fence repairs, waterproofing and roof work.

The goal is to complete the next fixes by fall of 2021.