The Governor's Housing Committee and Residence Fund were created by statute in 1995 (Idaho Code 67-455). The Fund was set-up for the purpose of providing a Governor's housing allowance and/or the acquisition, construction, remodel, furnishing, equipping, or maintaining a Governor's residence. Currently, the Committee provides a monthly housing stipend of $4,500 to the Governor.
In 1999 the Legislature amended Idaho law to allow the Governor's Housing Committee to accept grants, gifts, or donations related to the acquisition, construction, remodel, furnishing, equipping or maintaining a Governor's residence. Further, the statute provides that the Committee may dispose of personal property held by the Committee. (Idaho Code 67-455A)
The five members of the Legislative Committee include:
The Committee last met on March 20, 2007.
On November 1, 2005, the state took ownership of J.R. and Esther Simplot's family home, donated to serve as Idaho's official Governor's residence. Successful Idaho potato entrepreneur and an original investor in Idaho-based Micron Corporation, Mr. Simplot had the home designed and built for himself and Esther in about 1980. Mr. Simplot, who is in his mid-90's, expressed that Idaho has been very good to him over the years and that he is pleased to know future state Governors will live in this home.
This very generous gift to the citizens of Idaho includes the 7,370 square foot house, 1,151 square foot garages, and 37.749 acres, and comes with one condition--that the 30-by-50 foot American flag continue to fly above the home, which sits on a grass-mowed hilltop overlooking Boise. The donation is valued at $2,110,000.
The current Governor does not reside in the House at this time, although it has been utilized for social events. Before a Governor and his or her family moves in, the Committee has determined that it needs to be reconfigured in order to function as a Governor's residence. Until that can be accomplished, the Committee has authorized funds out of the Governor's Residence Fund to maintain the grounds, pay utilities and insurance, and replace when needed the huge American flag.
A philanthropic gift fund was also established by the Housing Committee at the Idaho Community Foundation. Private sector fundraising efforts are underway and monies contributed to this Fund are intended to be used for remodeling, reconfiguring, or furnishing the home.
With these philanthropic funds, the Committee authorized Glancey Rockwell & Associates and Kreizenbeck Constructors to complete a preliminary reconfiguration design, and conduct preconstruction services. The Committee has determined that construction costs will be covered without the use of state funds. The project is now on hold until the project budget can be secured by private sector fundraising efforts.
Vision for the Idaho House
Under this design, The Idaho House will provide accommodations for future Governors and their families, and allow for the collection and establishment of history important for our heritage.
The vision for The Idaho House is to combine the requirements necessary for public gatherings, official state events, and a guest suite for visiting dignitaries, with comfortable living quarters for a Governor and his or her family.
The main floor, with its grand hall and terrace, would be the venue for state events. It would have a dramatic foyer and vestibule, and be equipped with a full-service catering kitchen. Future Governors would be able to host gatherings as large as 200 people with smaller, intimate meetings and events held in either the library or formal dining room.
A guest suite for use by national and international leaders, artists, scientists and other dignitaries would be located on the main floor. A separate entrance would provide secure and safe accommodations for guests of the Governor.
Private family quarters would be located on the second floor of the residence.
Frequently asked questions about The Idaho House:
How many states maintain an official residence for their Governor?
All states maintain an official residence for their Governor except Idaho, California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Why do states need an "official" Governor's residence?
As a state's chief executive officer, a Governor is often called upon to meet with business leaders seeking to expand in the state, and foreign leaders or other dignitaries visiting the state. A Governor's residence is an appropriate place to conduct meetings and is a safe and secure location to accommodate visitors.
If a newly-elected Governor is not from the Treasure Valley area, finding an adequate place to live in Boise is sometimes a challenge, particularly in light of the magnitude of the job facing the Governor-elect.
Has Idaho ever had a Governor's residence?
Yes. There have been several residences since Idaho gained statehood in 1890. The most recent was located in a residential neighborhood on North 21st Street in Boise, about 1.5 miles from the Capitol Building. In 1990, the antiquated residence was sold.
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