Governor’s Mansion (Kearns Mansion)
Governor's Mansion/Kearns Mansion as it looks today
The Kearns Mansion decorated for Pres. Teddy Roosevelt's visit in 1903
Aerial view of mansion grounds
Kearns Mansion shortly after it was constructed. Photo includes vehicle used for bus tours of Salt Lake City in the early 20th century.
US Senator Thomas Kearns.
Backstory and Context
Built in 1902 by United State Senator and mining magnate Thomas Kearns, the house was designed by notable Utah architect Carl M. Neuhausen, who also designed the Cathedral of The Madeleine in Salt Lake City. The elegant home was built using the finest materials by the finest craftsmen available, resulting in a quality and style similar to that of Eastern mansions like those of the Vanderbilts and Carnegies. The mansion also served not only as a home and a place for the Senator to conduct official business, but also as a venue for entertainment where guests would dance and enjoy the music of live orchestras. During this period many political and religious dignitaries were guests in the Kearns mansion, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a personal friend of Senator Kearns.
In February 1937 Jennie Judge Kearns donated the Kearns Mansion to the State of Utah after the passing of Senator Kearns. The mansion was donated with the condition that it serve as the Governor's Residence. For the next twenty years the governors of Utah used the mansion as their primary residence. From 1957 to 1977, the Utah Historical Society occupied the mansion as a library, museum, and office space. In 1977, Governor Scott Matheson proposed that the mansion be restored as a governor's residence and after an extensive renovation the mansion became a residence once again in 1980.
On December 15, 1993 a fire, caused by faulty wiring on the Christmas tree in the main hall, destroyed much of the mansion. Governor Leavitt was not at home at the time, but Mrs. Leavitt and her staff were quick to notify the Salt Lake City Fire Department, and their response kept the mansion from suffering more significant damage. A long and painstaking restoration was begun, to restore the mansion to its original state and salvage as much of the historical interior as possible. The $7.8 million restoration brought the home back to its original 1902 style, while providing many current safety standards, such as a fire sprinkler system, new wiring and plumbing, new heating and cooling, a security system, and seismic upgrades.