Wvared Investment Guild|Montana governor, first lady buy mansion for $4M for governor’s residence, will donate it to state

2025-05-02 17:50:43source:Thurston Cartecategory:My

HELENA,Wvared Investment Guild Mont. (AP) — Montana’s Gov. Greg Gianforte and first lady Susan Gianforte have purchased a historic Helena mansion for $4 million that they eventually plan to donate to the state for use as the governor’s mansion, the governor’s office announced Monday.

Gianforte, a Republican, is a multimillionaire who founded a cloud computing company that sold to Oracle in 2011 in a $1.5 billion deal.

“Susan and I are fortunate to have achieved the American dream, and with that, we believe we have an obligation to give back,” Gianforte said in a statement.

The Hauser House was built in 1885 by Samuel T. Hauser, an entrepreneur and one of Montana’s territorial governors. It was also once owned by former Montana Gov. Tim Babcock.

Other news Arrest warrant issued for Montana man accused of killing thousands of birds, including eaglesSouth Dakota State repeats as FCS champs with 29th consecutive win, 23-3 over MontanaDon Read, the former Montana football coach who led Griz to first national title, dies at age 90

The nine-bedroom property, which is on the National Register of Historic Homes, was listed for sale for $6.18 million in June. Its assessed value with Lewis and Clark County is nearly $1.36 million.

The Gianfortes purchased the home last week and it will be their primary residence in Helena, his office said.

“Following my service, we will donate this home to the State and the people of Montana,” Gianforte said in a statement.

The existing governor’s mansion has near the Capitol has been closed since 2021 for renovations.

The Legislature has appropriated more than $2 million for the work. The Department of Administration, which maintains the house, said the renovations have been put on hold because of supply chain delays and a worker shortage that kept increasing the costs.

The Department of Administration will decide whether to accept the donated mansion and, if so, what the state would use it for. The agency would also decide what to do with the current governor’s mansion. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email Monday seeking comment.

Gianforte “is committed to ensuring future First Families have a governor’s residence that is in good repair, safe, healthy, and family-friendly, all while ensuring the state is a good steward of taxpayer resources,” the statement said.

Gianforte’s first term in office ends in January 2025. He has not said whether he will seek reelection, though he is widely expected to.

More:My

Recommend

PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Why was it a surprise? Biden’s debate problems leave some wondering if the press missed the story

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden’s fitness to serve a second term in office has been a top story

Jason Derulo Recalls Near-Death Experience After Breaking His Neck in the Gym

Jason Derulo is giving insight into a harrowing experience.The "Whatcha Say" singer shared how he br