OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission has given unanimous approval to the construction of a new Governor’s Mansion, a project that will be privately funded but is already stirring debate about long-term taxpayer obligations.
The decision came during a special meeting on Aug. 28, where Commission chair Trait Thompson confirmed the approval.
“The role of the CPC is to ensure the new structure meets the standard for being architecturally appropriate for the grounds of the governor's mansion,” Thompson said, noting that the Commission does not oversee budgets or financing.
The new residence will be designed by Wade Scaramucci, whose plans aim to complement the existing Capitol campus buildings in both architectural style and materials. The Governor’s Mansion property, located at Northeast 23rd Street and North Kelley Avenue, has been home to Oklahoma governors since the original 14,000-square-foot mansion was completed in October 1928.
While the current mansion will remain in use for meetings, official functions, and public tours, Thompson said it could also house visiting dignitaries overnight. However, he emphasized that the second floor — the only private residential space — is not ADA accessible, and renovations could risk damaging the building’s historic character.
“When the costs of doing a major renovation to the mansion were considered, along with the potential damage to the historic nature of the building, the idea for constructing a new residence began to take form. The current mansion has served for almost 100 years and it will continue to serve the people of Oklahoma. The new residence offers future governors a modern family home in a secure environment and it will be constructed without taxpayer dollars,” Thompson said.
Bob Ross, executive director of the Inasmuch Foundation, told the Commission that private funds have already been raised to cover construction. Renderings of the new design were shared with FOX23, though the total cost has not been made public.
Still, questions remain about the financial implications for taxpayers. On Sept. 4, Representative Andy Fugate (D-Del City) formally requested an opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond on whether the state can move forward with a privately funded mansion without legislative approval.
“Specifically, I am seeking clarity on whether the Commission can commit the state without legislative approval to the long-term financial obligations associated with operating, maintaining, and securing access to an additional government-owned residence,” Fugate wrote.
He argued that while private funds may cover construction, maintenance, insurance, staffing, and security would inevitably fall on taxpayers.
“Under Article V, Section 55 of the Oklahoma Constitution, no public funds may be spent without legislative appropriation. While the Capitol Preservation Commission may be acting with good intentions, it is not empowered to make law. That responsibility lies solely with the elected members of the Oklahoma Legislature,” Fugate said.
Fugate estimated that upkeep would cost between one and four percent of the mansion’s value annually. If construction costs reach $6 million, that would mean $60,000 to $240,000 per year in taxpayer funding, in addition to insurance and security costs.
He also questioned the necessity of a new mansion, saying:
“Those pushing for a new mansion because of its age should consider the example that exists in our nation’s capital. The White House is more than a century older than our own Governor’s Mansion. It continues to serve as both a residence and a powerful emblem of American democracy. At a time when fiscal responsibility and transparency are more important than ever, we must ensure that any decisions involving public dollars are made lawfully, thoughtfully, and with respect for the people of Oklahoma.”
The Attorney General’s office has confirmed it is reviewing Rep. Fugate’s request. Meanwhile, construction is expected to be completed by November 2026.
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office has not yet commented on the project.
Originally reported by Joseph Mahan in FOX 23 News.
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