The Capitol Grounds Planning Commission has endorsed the general design for the new Governor’s residence.
It will be built just north of the existing residence. It is a one-story house, with two entrances – one facing Fourth Street, and the public entrance, which is on the Capitol mall.
"Humble where it needs to be, and grand where it needs to be," said Fargo architect Chris Hawley, who was hired to design the new $5 million residence.
Hawley says that design is generally a one story structure, but with two stories on the Capitol Mall side. He says it separates the First Family’s private quarters from an area designed more for public events.
"A lot of people saw that as having some merit," said Hawley. "Having everything together, the family having all the bedrooms together and living all on one level -- the convenience of that outweighed a number of other things."
State Sen. Lonnie Laffen (R-Grand Forks), who is an architect, said he wasn't excited about the single-story preferred option.
"I would suggest that anybody who is going to build a house in Bismarck right now -- anybody that has goals of stately and grand in their stated goals, would never build a one story house," Laffen said.
But State Rep. Jerry Kelsh (D-Fullerton) said at a previous Commission meeting, the discussion centered on practicality versus grandeur.
"We want it to look practical," Kelsh said. "We want it to look pretty much like North Dakota. Not many North Dakotans will build a $5 million house."
The vote was unanimous.
Hawley says the next step is to hire a construction manager – and get bids. He says the plan is to start building the new residence early next summer. State facility management director John Boyle says the plan is to have the house ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving 2017.
Supporters have to raise $1 million – and construction can start once $500,000 is raised from private sources.