The California Governor's Mansion recently underwent a $4 million remodel to bring it up-to-date in order to house current Governor Jerry Brown. But, who paid for those fancy railings, the exquisite dining room and the over-the-top archways?
Follow the money back to 1903, when the historic home and property on 16th and H Streets were purchased for $32,500.
California's governors called the property home for decades, making changes as necessary. Fast forward to 1967, when newly-elected Gov. Ronald Reagan decided after three months not to live at the mansion. According to state historical records, at that time the Department of Parks and Recreation took over control of the mansion.
A new governor's mansion was constructed in Carmichael in 1974. However, Reagan left office in 1975, having spent his time in office living in a home in Sacramento's Fab '40s neighborhood.
The next governor was Jerry Brown, who was elected to his first terms in the executive office in 1975. Brown had gained a reputation as a fiscal conservative and refused to live in the newly completed mansion in Carmichael. Instead, he opted to live in a modest apartment at the corner of 14th and N Streets.
Following Brown, governors chose to live in different Carmichael residences or make alternative arrangements, including Governor Schwarzenegger's hotel suite at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
The Carmichael property was eventually sold by the state of California in 1982.
The money was set aside, and gained interest. Finally, in 2015 it was used to renovate and remodel the historic Governor's Mansion at 16th and H Streets in Sacramento.
