Neighbors Protest Governor's Mansion Move

A state commission will seek proposals on how to make the governor's home more accessible to those with disabilities, whether it's at the current site or a new location.

But neighbors turned out at Friday morning's meeting at the official residence to reiterate their opposition to the governor moving.

"Today we're asking the Governor's Residence Commission to keep the governor's residence here on Meridian Street," said Casey Cronin.

Referring to three potential locations for a new governor's residence, another neighbor, Roberta Ross, said, "If you hide at St. Maur, if you hide it at Fort Ben, if you hide it at the Girls School, you take from every citizen of Indiana the visual aspects of this residence they have today."

A survey conducted by the Office of the First Lady found Indiana's governor's residence the least accessible of any in the Midwest, and the smallest. It's one of only nine in the country smaller than 10,000 square feet.

A commission subcommittee had suggested on March 6 that the panel sell the current residence in Indianapolis' Meridian-Kessler neighborhood and use the proceeds to help buy a new home for Indiana's first couple.

But commission members assured distraught neighbors on March 16 the governor's residence would not be moved without determining whether the current residence can be remodeled.

In a news release Friday, the commission indicated that the other site has not yet been determined.

RTV6 learned that there are specific sites being considered. Two sites are already owned by the state, at the Girls' School on the West Side and Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park in Lawrence. A third is St. Maur Monastery on Michigan Road, which is up for sale. There are also one or two other private properties which haven't been identified yet. Protesters don't like any of those options.

Jonathan Swain, press secretary for Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon, confirmed that those locations are being considered, but said the commission will consider other options as well.

Swain said that the commission will narrow its choices to the current residence and one other alternative site within the next few weeks.

"This site that we're on is still the number one choice, if we can get something that works here," Swain said.

Greg Fehribach, chairman of the commission, said the members were appreciative of the opportunity to hear from neighbors of the governor.

"This residence is a unique residence, and we're going to move forward on the plans to create an accessible residence that will meet the best requirements," Fehribach said.

Beginning May 8, the Indiana Department of Administration, on behalf of the commission, will release a request for qualifications to accept notification from interested architect-builder teams.

Those teams would have to prove they're licensed, and the commission would be looking for those experienced with adapting old buildings to fit modern needs, Swain said.

The commission will then select six teams. Three of the teams will submit plans for the current residence, while the other three will offer plans for another site.

Swain also noted that any renovations to the current residence would have to be approved by the Meridian Street Preservation Commission, which has jurisdiction over any renovations, construction or additions to property between 40th Street and Westfield Boulevard along Meridian Street.

Swain said that Department of Administration chairman Glenn Lawrence reviewed government-owned property within Marion County to develop the commission's requirements.

They include a site that is at least four to six acres and has parking for 75 cars and buses. The site also should be on main roads, and the commission wants it to be within 20 minutes of the Statehouse.

Swain admitted that might rule out Fort Benjamin Harrison, but noted that the criteria fit the current governor's residence.

On the Net: Indiana Governor's Residence.