Montana’s State Land Board voted Monday to accept a donation of the historic Hauser Residence in Helena from Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte, clearing the way for the 141-year-old Victorian mansion to serve as the official executive residence. The governor recused himself from the vote as a trustee of the property; the remaining four board members — Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Jim Brown, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and Superintendent of Public Schools Susie Hedalen — voted unanimously in favor.

The Property

The Hauser Residence, located at 720 Madison Avenue in Helena, was constructed in 1885 and blends Victorian Queen Anne and Romanesque architectural styles. The property spans more than 12,000 square feet across 29 rooms and features nine original fireplaces, parquet floors, black walnut wainscoting, a carved oak grand staircase, and a set of German stained-glass panels commissioned in 1915 by Bishop John P. Carroll. An independent appraisal placed the property’s value at $5 million.

Although the mansion is historic and largely intact, officials estimate it will require roughly $2 million in upgrades before it is ready for use as a functioning executive residence. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers authorized $270,250 specifically for the Hauser property upon completion of the transfer.

Why the Move

The previous governor’s residence at 2 Carson Street has sat empty since at least 2022 and would require an estimated $4.5 million in repairs to make it habitable again. The state currently spends approximately $100,000 per year simply to maintain the vacant structure. Supporters of the donation argued that accepting the Gianfortes’ gift avoids a costly rehabilitation of the Carson Street property while providing the state with a landmark building of comparable or greater historic significance.

Brown framed the decision in straightforward terms, calling the Hauser property “not only beautiful, but also historic and befitting the importance of the office of the Montana governor.” He also urged future legislatures and land board members to commit to consistent funding for operations and maintenance, warning that neglecting the new residence could eventually recreate the same problem the state faces with Carson Street. “It is my hope and my plea,” Brown said, “that they fund the operations and maintenance on this property so 20 years from now, 30 years from now, members sitting on this land board aren’t facing the same questions.”

Brown referenced Idaho’s experience, noting that state’s governor’s residence sat unused for roughly a decade as a cautionary example of what deferred investment and maintenance neglect can produce.

What Happens Next

The Department of Administration will now work alongside the Capitol Complex Advisory Council to develop policies governing the mansion’s use as an executive residence. The advisory council is also expected to determine the future of the Carson Street property within the next four weeks, with options likely to include sale, repurposing, or continued maintenance.

State Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, a Democrat, urged the board to retain the Carson Street property rather than allow the state to cede control of a public asset. Her remarks reflected a broader concern among some lawmakers about the disposition of state-held real estate, a debate that has gained traction in Montana as federal and state land-management decisions draw increased scrutiny. The Public Lands Integrity Act, currently under discussion at the federal level, reflects similar questions about how public properties are transferred or sold — sometimes with limited public visibility.

Broader Context

The donation places Governor Gianforte in the unusual position of having contributed a multimillion-dollar private asset to the state he governs, a gesture his allies described as civic-minded but one that drew questions from Democrats about precedent and ongoing public costs. The $2 million in required upgrades and the long-term maintenance burden mean the state’s financial commitment is substantial even with a zero-cost acquisition.

Montana’s Capitol Complex has faced recurring questions about deferred maintenance and capital investment across multiple administrations. Whether the legislature follows through on long-term funding for the Hauser property — the concern Brown flagged directly — will likely determine whether Monday’s vote resolves the executive residence problem or simply defers it.