The Governor's Mansion, one of Utah's architectural treasures, is especially festive during the holidays as professional designers donate their time to decorate the home.
The public can tour the decorated mansion every Tuesday and Thursday from Dec. 2-18. (See box for details.)
Docents from the Utah Heritage Foundation will lead the tours and will answer questions.
The home was built in 1902 by Sen. Thomas Kearns, who earned his fortune during the Park City mining boom and was an owner of The Salt Lake Tribune. Carl M. Neuhausen, who also designed the Cathedral of the Madeleine, was the architect.
Listed on the National Register of Historic sites, the mansion was restored in 1996 after a fire swept through the property.
Nine Utah governors have lived in the home: Henry H. Blood, Herbert B. Maw, J. Bracken Lee, Scott M. Matheson, Norman H. Bangerter, Mike Leavitt, Olene S. Walker, Jon Huntsman Jr. and Gary Herbert.
Here are some other key dates in the mansion's history:
1899 • Mining magnet Thomas Kearns and his wife, Jennie, buy the lot on the corner of G Street and South Temple for construction of "a palatial residence."
1901 • Kearns is elected United States Senator from Utah for a four-year term.
1902 • Sen. and Mrs. Kearns move into the mansion.
1903 • Theodore Roosevelt is entertained at breakfast in the mansion.
1937 • After Thomas Kearns' death, Jennie Kearns gives the mansion to the state.
1955 • Utah Legislature approves a bill to turn the mansion over to the State Historical Society.
1970 • The mansion is placed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
1977 • Utah Legislature passes a bill to sell the governor's residence on Fairfax Avenue and convert the mansion into the Governor's Mansion.
December 1993 • Fire sweeps through the mansion after starting at the base of the Christmas tree. There are no injuries.
1996 • After several years of renovation, the mansion reopens for public tours.
2014 • Crews restore the west portico and attach it to the main building, making it earthquake safe.
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Governor's Mansion Holiday Tours
Take a tour of the Governor's Mansion while it's decorated for Christmas.
When • Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 2-18, 2 to 4 p.m. (Last tour starts at 3:30 p.m.)
Where • 603 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City; 801-538-1005
Parking • Available east of the Governor's Mansion behind the Utah Arts Council building. The lot is accessible from H Street.
Cost • Free
Jim Dalrymple | The Salt Lake Tribune Members of the media were allowed to visit the Governor's Mansion Dec. 4, 2013.
Jim Dalrymple | The Salt Lake Tribune Members of the media were allowed to visit the Governor's Mansion Dec. 4, 2013.
Jim Dalrymple | The Salt Lake Tribune Members of the media were allowed to visit the Governor's Mansion Dec. 4, 2013.
