JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is in nowhere near the tattered condition that forced a twoyear, $15 million rehab of its counterpart in Illinois.
But documents show the 146-year-old house here needs some pricey repairs.
According to a briefing paper produced when former Gov. Eric Greitens was elected in 2016, the mansion needs up to $4.3 million in repairs, including replacement of columns on the home’s sun porch, electrical upgrades, and replacement of the heating and cooling system.
At the time, the document said the repairs could be made in one year if the governor and his family were to live somewhere else.
“By delaying occupancy, this ensures the least disruption to the family, given the complexity of some of these projects,” the briefing paper, written by the administration of Greitens’ predecessor, Jay Nixon, said.
But neither Greitens nor his successor, Gov. Mike Parson, vacated the premises in order to keep the condition of the residence from further deterioration.
And, according to the Office of Administration, which oversees building repairs in the Capitol complex, there are no plans to move the governor and First Lady out of the home anytime soon.
The three-story brick building was first occupied by Gov. Benjamin Gratz Brown in 1872. The first floor includes a 17-foot high Great Hall, two parlors, a library and a divided dining room. It has 13 bedrooms on the second and third floors.
In Missouri, some work on the mansion was done while Greitens and Parson resided in the building. The money paying for the fix-ups comes from a bond issue the state conducted in 2014. Parson was the sponsor of the legislation.
Office of Administration spokeswoman Brittany Ruess said the state paid $252,000 to install boilers in the basement. The previous boilers had been hooked into the Capitol’s antiquated steam heat loop. The original estimate, according to the document, put the cost at $200,000.
Other projects are in the works, including the possible replacement of the sun porch columns and windows, replacement of the heating and air conditioning system and replacement of the underground sewer piping in the basement.
“Once the designer has completed the design, the state will have a construction schedule finalized as part of this effort,” Ruess said.
But there are no plans for Parson to move out after taking office June 1 to replace his scandal-plagued fellow Republican.
“There have been no logistical discussions at this time,” Ruess said. “Every effort is being made to keep the First Family comfortably within the residence while repairs are being made.”
How long that might last remains unclear.
According to the briefing paper, the interior plaster, paint and flooring of the mansion need to be repaired at an estimated cost of $500,000.
“This is a necessary project as the interior plaster on the first floor is flaking and falling,” the document says. “In addition, the existing paint is lead-based and would require a hazardous remediation project. While this work would be occurring, it would be necessary for the family to not be in the residence.”
In a statement, Ruess said, “Despite the challenges, these repairs are imperative to preserving the Governor’s Mansion for years to come and we are looking forward to making these repairs so the mansion can continue to be enjoyed by many.”