THE FUTURE OF THE EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
As a citizen of the State of Montana, we invite you to complete a short survey on the future use of the Executive Residence.
As part of the Capitol Complex, the future use of the Executive Residence is significant to State employees and Montana taxpayers. If you participate in this survey, the information submitted will be collected, reviewed, and noted as public comments.
PLEASE NOTE: The Executive Residence is located at 2 Carson Street, Helena, MT 59601.
FEATURES:
- 12,000 Sq. Ft. Residence
- 1.2 acres / green space (includes half of Capitol Park)
- Two-level steel and brick house
- Lower level: 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, two 1/2 baths
- Upper level: 4 bedrooms, 5 full baths, two 1/2 baths
- 350 sq ft kitchen, two ovens
- Ballroom
- Hosting/Dining Space
- Two Fireplaces
- Three-car Garage
CURRENT CONDITION NEEDS:
Built as a single-occupant residence, it is not compliant with building or fire code for commercial or institutional use.
- Asbestos abatement
- Roof replacement
- Extensive exterior repairs are needed (e.g., soffits, trim, etc., have rotted)
- Complete demo and replacement of the mechanical / HVAC / plumbing systems (including exterior sewer lines)
- Complete demo and replacement of the electrical systems
- All bathrooms, kitchen area, etc. have damage and need upgrades
- No ADA access or ADA-compliant restroom on the lower level (one ADA-compliant ½-bath on the upper level)
RESIDENCE HISTORY
The Executive Residence began operation as the governor's residence in 1959 and has been home to 10 governors. The residence is located two blocks from the Montana State Capitol building, designed by architect Chandler C. Cohagen of Billings, Montana.
The split-level rancher that vaguely resembles a ship pointed toward the Big Bell Mountains but is anchored on a sloping triangular lot in a post-WWII subdivision. Cohagen described the mansion's design as "western, naturally," adding that the roof pitch approximated the mountain slopes within view of the house.
Initially, the mansion was slated for a level lot just north of the Capitol. But the Helena Chamber of Commerce and others thought the location at Sixth Street and Montana Avenue was too small for a proper mansion and surrounding grounds.
In 1913, Montana acquired what was known as the William Chessman Mansion (built in 1888 by William Chessman) to serve as the official residence for the governor. The house and carriage house were built in 1888 by William Chessman. The original Governor's Mansion housed governors and their families from 1913 to 1959.
This three-story, Queen Anne-style home was designed by the St. Paul, Minnesota, firm of Hodgson, Stem, & Welter. The building is built from pressed brick, terra cotta, and stone. The interior has seven fireplaces and 20 rooms. Said to have cost $85,000 to build, the listing includes two contributing buildings still standing, the house and a two-story brick carriage house, on an area of 1 acre.
The home now functions as a museum on Helena's historic west side (information on tours of the Original Governor's Mansion).
Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte announced their private purchase of the historic Samuel T. Hauser House in January of 2024, which they will donate to the State of Montana. The home will serve as their primary residence in Helena.
"Susan and I are fortunate to have achieved the American dream, and with that, we believe we have an obligation to give back. To whom much is given, much is expected," Gov. Gianforte said. "We purchased the beautiful and historic Hauser House to call our home here in Helena, and to provide a space for the people of Montana to come together. Following my service, we will donate this home to the State and the people of Montana."
It has been a residence for various bishops and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. In 1969, the mansion was purchased by former Governor Tim Babcock and his wife, who restored it to its former grandeur.
The mansion is now a historic site and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.