In the early 1970s, California Governor Ronald Reagan envisioned a new, modern residence to replace the aging Sacramento governor’s mansion. However, his political career took him to the White House before the project could be completed. His successor, Jerry Brown, ultimately decided against occupying the luxurious home, fearing public backlash.
Key Takeaways
- Ronald Reagan commissioned a new governor’s mansion in Sacramento.
- The mansion was unfinished when Reagan left office.
- Governor Jerry Brown never moved into the residence.
- The property was later sold to a private owner and is now on the market.
A Vision for a New Residence
During his tenure as California’s governor in the early 1970s, Ronald Reagan initiated plans for a new official residence. The existing governor’s mansion was deemed outdated, and Reagan sought to provide a more contemporary and fitting home for the state’s chief executive.
An Unfinished Chapter
Construction of the new mansion began, but Reagan’s political aspirations led him to the presidency in 1981. He departed California before the residence was completed, leaving the project in limbo. The unfinished state of the mansion became a symbol of his departure from the governorship.
A Successor’s Decision
Upon taking office, Governor Jerry Brown faced the decision of whether to occupy the newly constructed mansion. Concerned about the potential for negative public perception regarding the perceived extravagance of the home, Brown opted not to move in. This decision further cemented the mansion’s status as an unoccupied, symbolic structure.
A Private Sale and Current Market Status
Following Brown’s decision, the property was eventually sold to a private individual. The unique history of the residence, once intended for California’s governors, has now led it to be listed for sale on the open market, with an asking price of $7.5 million.