HELENA, Mont. — The former executive residence in Helena has sat empty for years and would need millions of dollars in work to return it to use. But now, with the state moving forward with a new residence, leaders have decided what is next for the property.
Learn more in the video below:
“I move that the Capitol Complex Advisory Council hereby approve and authorize the state of Montana to proceed with the demolition of the former executive residence located at 2 Carson Street and the subsequent conversion of the property to an indefinite green space,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Ken Bogner, a Republican from Miles City.
The path to tear down and repurpose the residence passed 8 to 1.
The home has served as Montana’s governor’s residence for more than 60 years and housed 10 governors. But deferred maintenance has left the property in need of millions of dollars in repairs.
“It would be safe to say what the house doesn’t need is a new foundation,” said Steve Baiamonte, Montana Department of Administration general services administrator.
The state previously asked the public for input through open houses and surveys. One hundred forty-seven of the 258 survey responses supported a remodel.
“The survey really was based on limited information, just generally asking people, what do you think? Should we sell it, should we keep it, should we plant trees on that space?” Baiamonted said.
Conversations shifted after Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte shared they would donate the historic Hauser Mansion to the state after his term.
The state plans to use that property as Montana’s future executive residence.
The council says demolishing the property and reclaiming it as green space is the most cost-efficient method and will sit at about a $1.2 million price tag.
The department estimates that historical property mitigation documentation will cost approximately $72,000 and could be completed in three months.
A timeline for the demolition and green space construction has not been determined.
