North Dakota Governor's Mansion: If You Buy It, Plan To Move It

BISMARCK, ND — Those interested in buying North Dakota's 10,000-square-foot governor's mansion in Bismarck — and it's leaky roof — will have to figure out how to move it by September.

The state hopes to preserve the home that has served its first families for more than half a century, while making room for a larger $5 million mansion. That means the sprawling house has to go.

Unpretentious and sturdy, the prairie-style brick Governor's Residence has stood since 1960 as a metaphor for the state. Lawmakers have tried to replace it for years, saying it doesn't dazzle visiting dignitaries, has security issues, isn't handicapped-accessible and probably contains lead paint, mold and asbestos. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Still, at least two people have shown interest in moving the home, Capitol Facilities Manager John Boyle said: a local physician and an unnamed "elected state official." Proposals will be accepted through Aug. 2. If the home isn't moved by the end of September, it will be razed, he said.

"It's got to be the right person and the right situation," Boyle said.

A home that size — and old — could cost at least $250,000 to move, said local house mover John Schmidt, who's business has been around for four generations. He noted the home's location in the heart of Bismarck could present a logistical nightmare in part because there are so many trees in the area.

"A structure like that, you're talking blocks, not miles," Schmidt said.

The new 13,500-square-foot mansion should be completed by Thanksgiving. Built of limestone, granite and brick, it's designed to last a century. Much of furniture will come from the old home, as will massive entrance doors. Anything not used will go to the state museum or be held in state surplus, Boyle said.

The new home will be the third official residence built for North Dakota's governors. The original was built in 1884 and still stands a few blocks south of the Capitol.

By James MacPherson, Associated Press

Photo credit: James MacPherson, Associated Press