Utah Governor's Mansion, Salt Lake City

Completed in 1902 for U.S. Senator and mining magnate Thomas Kearns, this elegant house was designed by notable Utah architect Carl M. Neuhausen, who also designed the nearby Cathedral of the Madeleine. For its construction were used the finest materials by the finest craftsmen available, resulting in a quality and style similar to that of Eastern mansions like those of the Vanderbilts and Carnegies. The mansion also served not only as a home and a place for the Senator to conduct official business, but also as a venue for entertainment where guests would dance and enjoy the music of live orchestras. During this period many political and religious dignitaries were guests in the Kearns mansion, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a personal friend of Senator Kearns.

With the Senator passing away in 1918, his wife donated the mansion to the State of Utah, with the condition that it serve as the Governor's Residence. In December 1993, a fire, caused by faulty wiring on the Christmas tree in the main hall, destroyed much of the structure. Governor Mike Leavitt was not at home at the time, but the First Lady and her staff were quick to notify the Fire Department, and their response prevented more significant damage. A long and painstaking restoration was begun, to return the building to its original state and salvage as much of the historical interior as possible.

The $7.8 million restoration brought the home back to its original 1902 style, while providing many current safety standards, such as a fire sprinkler system, new wiring and plumbing, new heating and cooling, a security system, and seismic upgrades.