Indiana Spends About $185K On Governor’s Home Renovations

The official residence of the Governor of Indiana
The official residence of the Governor of Indiana Creative Commons
The official residence of the Governor of Indiana
The official residence of the Governor of Indiana Creative Commons

Indiana Spends About $185K On Governor’s Home Renovations

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The state of Indiana is spending about $185,000 for renovations on the governor’s residence.

Gov. Eric Holcomb and his wife, Janet Holcomb, hope to move into the 1928 English Tudor by the end of the month, The Journal Gazette reported.

About $87,000 of the funds is going toward installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Other updates include electrical work, buffing hardwoods, fixing thresholds between rooms, painting and new windows.

The Holcombs have a home in Marion County, but are choosing to stay at the governor’s residence to help reduce security costs for the state.

“The governor’s residence is truly a special place — full of so much history,” Janet Holcomb said. “Eric and I feel honored to be a part of it.”

The residence has more than 10,000 square feet, almost 25 rooms and more than 10 bathrooms.

Former governor Mike Pence and his family left the residence in January. The gap between then and when the Holcombs are scheduled to move in has allowed for the updates to make sure everything is functioning well, said Jessica Robertson, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration.

Additional private funds may be spent on redecorating, cosmetic updates and smaller projects, such as adding a basketball court and mud room, said Marianne Molony, Janet Holcomb’s chief of staff.

In 2003, the house underwent a million dollar expansion project to make it more accessible for people with disabilities. In 2006, then-first lady Cheri Daniels led a $1.2 million project focused on plumbing, roofing and general aesthetics of the house. In 2014, wrought iron gates were added to the property as well as an independent security building and additional security cameras.