The Governor's Residence
In the early '50's, Governor C. Norman Brunsdale was forced from the original Governor’s Mansion to a local hotel in order to keep warm during the winter months. The need for a new home for the state's First Family was of urgent importance.
The 1955 Legislature approved funds for a home to be built on the north end of the Capitol Mall, but it was later decided the southwest corner would be a better location. Construction on the residence began in 1959.
Completed in 1960, the home was first occupied by Governor John Davis. Since then, it has served as the official residence for North Dakota governors and their families. Governor John Hoeven and First Lady Mikey Hoeven are the seventh family to call the residence “home.”
The home has 10,000 square feet of floor space, which is somewhat deceiving from the outside. The brick used on the exterior was all manufactured in Hebron, N.D. Full windows provide a grand view of the grounds behind the residence.
First Lady Nancy Jones Schafer spearheaded a major renovation, completed in 2000, involving a complete remodeling of the state living and dining areas, the foyer and hallway, the guest bedroom and bathroom, and public bathrooms.
Highlights of the remodeling include an inlaid marble "area rug" found in the foyer. The main entrance was reconstructed and now features stately, cherry wood doors. A master craftsman restored the original dining area furnishings including a dining table which seats 16 comfortably, china cabinet and side table.
Additional accents include a black ebony Steinway B Grand Piano, and paintings that were donated by artist Andrew Hofmeister in memory of his mother who was born in Kulm, N.D. Hofmeister is the uncle of First Lady Nancy J. Schafer.
Just off the main foyer on the north end of the house, the State guest bedroom has been the resting-place for many famous figures, such as Governor and Mrs. Rockefeller, Robert Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. Lawrence Welk, Angie Dickinson, Harold Schafer and many other Rough Rider Award winners have also stayed here.
Centrally located, the kitchen serves both state and family needs. A major remodeling of the kitchen was completed in the summer of 1992. Facilities include state of the art kitchen equipment and a large bay window looking out to the Capitol Grounds.
Across the hall from the kitchen are the Residence Manager's Office, which was originally designed as a governor's study, and an office for the First Lady, which connects to the family area. In these offices, the First Lady's schedule and residence functions are coordinated with the Governor's office.
The First Family has four bedrooms available for their use, two on the main floor and two on the lower level. Remodeled in 1993, the master suite, with a connecting bath, includes a private sitting area. The south end of the house also contains a private living-dining space for the family.
The Dacotah Room on the lower level was completed in 1972 and refurbished in 1989. It is used as a multi-purpose meeting room for the Governor's staff and cabinet, and as a family room for the First Family, when needed. Private corporations donated the audio-video equipment and furnishings. The fireplace is of antique bronze Idaho stone, featuring a copper hood.
The physical structure of the house has not been changed since it was built. In 1988, a wall on the east balcony was partially removed and replaced with a railing, enabling the back yard to be visible from the State living room. The same year, a new roof was added to upgrade the original pitch and gravel roof.
Former First Lady Jane Sinner formed a non-partisan, non-profit foundation called Friends of the North Dakota Governor’s Residence in 1987. The foundation’s purpose is to raise the funds needed to offset the on-going costs of updating and maintaining the Residence.
Enjoy the beauty, structure and history of the North Dakota Governor's Residence -- the place where First Families, dignitaries and North Dakota citizens have been "at home" for decades.
