For Immediate Release: 11/19/2014
Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park to Close to the Public for Renovations
Contact:
Vicky Waters
(916) 653-5115
SACRAMENTO, CA.—The Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, located in Downtown Sacramento, will close to the public beginning on Thursday January 1, 2015 for an extensive renovation project. The Mansion will undergo preservation work, which will include necessary upgrades to aging electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, heating and air conditioning systems.
“This is an important renovation that will preserve and protect the Mansion for future generations, prevent future damage, and integrate upgrades that will better protect this historic structure,” said Lisa Mangat, Acting Director, California State Parks.
The renovation is being made possible through $2.5 million allocated in the 2014-15 State Budget. The work, being undertaken by the Department of General Services (DGS) with support from California State Parks, will be conducted in phases.
This is the second major renovation to the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park. Last year, California State Parks with the generous support from the California State Historic Governor’s Mansion Foundation, finished renovating and opened the third floor of the Mansion—which had been closed for years—and installed electrical lighting on the exterior. Currently, there is painting and floor restoration being done on the inside of the house, which will be completed by the time the other renovations begin in January. Since these projects were already underway, most of the furniture, pictures, and artifacts from the Mansion has been removed and placed in a safe, secure and climate controlled State Parks facility, until the Mansion is ready for use.
The Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park was purchased by the State in 1903, and housed thirteen (13) Governors from that time, until it was turned into a historic house museum in 1967 by then California Governor and First Lady Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
The Mansion gets an average of 30,000 visitors per year. During the Governor’s Mansion closure, California State Parks encourages visitors to visit these other historic Sacramento-area State parks, including:
- The Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park: After a 14-year, $20 million restoration and renovation, the Stanford Mansion is open to the public. It also serves the citizens of California as the state's official reception center for leaders from around the world. The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. For more information visithttp://www.parks.ca.gov/stanfordmansion.
- The California State Capitol Museum: Home of the California Legislature since 1869, the State Capitol underwent a major renovation that restored much of the building's original look. The building features exhibits and tours - and possibly an opportunity to watch the legislators debate a bill or cast a vote. For more information visit http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.
For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.