The Governor's Residence Foundation is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization. It was established in December 2002 to restore, repair, and refurbish the executive residence of the Governor of Michigan that is located in Lansing; and, to assist in the preservation and enhancement of the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark. Both Residences are state-owned properties.

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The Governor's Lansing Residence was built in 1957 for Howard and Letha Sober, who donated it to the state in 1969. The Sobers were the founders of one of the nation's leading automobile transporting firms, Howard Sober Inc. American Architect Wallace Frost, who was known for traditional architecture, designed the Residence. The contemporary Residence was a departure from his usual style. A garden room was added in the mid 1970s. The Residence sits on approximately four acres in the Moores River Drive neighborhood of Lansing. Prior to Governor Granholm, former Governors Milliken, Blanchard and Engler occupied the Residence.

In early 2003 the private non-profit Governor's Residence Foundation announced plans for the renovation and long-term preservation of the Governor's Lansing Residence.

The renovation initially addressed major structural problems, accessibility issues and floor plans shortfalls. The infrastructure flaws included a roof that leaked throughout, an inadequate electrical system and a lack of insulation and windows that allowed an unacceptable loss of energy. Further, the Residence did not meet many accessibility standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A person in a wheelchair could not easily access the sunken living room, nor did restrooms accommodate wheelchair access.

The Residence floor plan made simultaneous use of the property for business and family purposes extremely challenging. The Living Room/Dining Room/Library - the primary business meeting spaces of the Residence, separated the family bedrooms from the kitchen, laundry and garage. Other than individual bedrooms, there was no private family space in the Residence. The entrance in and out of the Residence was in the public area making it impossible for a family member to come and go or have a meal while a meeting was taking place without interrupting the business gathering.

Once construction began, more serious problems that could affect the health and well being of its residents were uncovered. The Residence was found to have black mold, asbestos, mercury and PCBs, which were removed and abated thereby complicating and extending the repair work.

With repairs close to complete, the Residence now features 1100 square feet of new living space that includes a separate family entrance, a kitchenette and two additional bedrooms. Space in the garage is being converted to accommodate an ADA compliant restroom and an exercise room - making the four-car garage a two-car garage. Michigan products and materials were used whenever possible, and include a Garden Room cedar ceiling milled in the Upper Peninsula, a Michigan walnut floor in the Living Room and KitchenAid appliances manufactured by the Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation.

Cash and in-kind contributions to complete the project came from private sources raised entirely by the non-profit Governor's Residence Foundation. State dollars covered some of the ADA and security requirements.

Built in 1902, the Governor's Summer Residence is now in its second century as a Michigan landmark. The three-story structure is perched high on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and is a favorite of visitors. Mackinac Island is one of North America's most historically significant places, one of Michigan's most popular travel destinations as a site rich in American history.

The structure was built as a private residence for Chicago attorney Lawrence Andrew Young, and later owned by the Hugo Scherer family of Detroit. In 1944, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission purchased the home for its original cost of $15,000. Since then, the Commission has provided for the care and maintenance of the residence and surrounding gardens. In 1996-97 the Governor's Summer Residence was renovated and restored with the help of generous donors to protect his historic house for future generations.

The turn-of-the-century home has eleven bedrooms, nine and one-half bathrooms and a full basement. The interior features George yellow pine, while the exterior is constructed of Michigan white pine. The house retains many original fixtures and furnishings including the Young family crystal in the leaded-glass china cupboard and the tall case clock in the living room.

Since the first official function in 1945, Michigan's governors have used this beautiful and functional home to host important events with national and state leaders. In recognition of its beauty and history, the house was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1997.

The Governor's Summer Residence is open for tours during the summer. In 2005 tours are available every Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., June 8 - August 24