https://kfor.com/news/local/kfor-exclusive-stitts-secret-plan-to-build-a-new-governors-mansion/


OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The State of Oklahoma has a website devoted to the Oklahoma Governor’s mansion. As of this month, paragraph 12 of the website states: “Governor Stitt and his family live in the five rooms on the second floor.”


Screenshot of paragraph 12 on the About page on Oklahoma.Gov as of October 11, 2022.
We know that’s not true.

News 4’s Ali Meyer has been digging for the truth.

She unearthed a secret plan to build a brand new Governor’s mansion on the grounds of the capitol complex.

Very interesting story. Interesting timing as well.

Will have exactly zero impact on the election.

Will have exactly zero impact on the election.

Probably true, there are plenty of other scandals to choose from.

I'd hope folks can veer away from the political aspect of things. The story pretty much speaks for itself and you can reach your own conclusions and vote accordingly. Politically speaking, if this is what pushes you to vote one way or the other, you haven't been paying attention.

That said, from a development aspect, and from an apolitical perspective, what does this say about the current governor's digs? That they are insufficient to attract a ruling class governor? We haven't built a governor's mansion in over 100 years. Maybe it's time?

I've known about this for several years but it never occurred to me that the plan wasn't public knowledge.

I've known about this for several years but it never occurred to me that the plan wasn't public knowledge.

Well, from Myer's reporting, it appears the committee either ignored the Open Records/Open Meetings acts or they formed a public-private partnership with the intent of avoiding public disclosure requirements. Internal memos pressed the need for secrecy. I really don't understand the need for secrecy. Surely they don't think so little of Oklahomans that we wouldn't understand that at some point, a historic home becomes historic and creates a challenge for the State to attract top talent to the governor's office.

I do think the aspect that this was to be a project funded by individual donors would be a bit troubling. I think folks can venture why that might be, so I won't venture into a political argument there. Major public projects should be publicly funded. Maybe if we wanted to be a top-10 state, we'd need a top-10 governor's mansion?

It's important that the governor reside close to the capitol and that the Highway Department security detail consult closely with the security aspects of the grounds. From that perspective, I think it was a mistake for the State to permit a governor to reside elsewhere.

And maybe, had the governor's mansion been a more generous 10,000 sq. feet or so, Christina Fallin wouldn't have felt the need to park a trailer in the driveway.

Wait, so quality candidates don't run for governor because the mansion is not new/big enough? I don't think I want a governor whose so worried about the digs, afterall, they are still a public servant. Now, if the mansion needs expansion for public servants' offices, then I understand rebuilding/expanding to keep up with the needs of the state executive branch.

Now, from a design/historical viewpoint, I like over governor's mansion. It has a lot of character, it would be a shame to see it stripped of its use.

Good reporting. Looks to me like there is actually a problem that the governor has gone about trying to fix in the completely shady way he's done some other things. When he couldn't get buy in from prior First Families he pressed ahead. I have a real problem with not using the Governor's Mansion as the residence. If it isn't sufficient, and it appears maybe it isn't, then have an open and honest conversation about it. Raise funds, or ask the legislature, to add on a wing (in the appropriate architectural style-- not contemporary-- ugh) that will make it meet the needs of the State and today's families.

Ah look, more Bull Stitt

I've known about this for several years but it never occurred to me that the plan wasn't public knowledge.

i have as well ..

According to Wiki, the mansion has 5 bedrooms.

How many kids does stitt have ? Maybe they can't double up in a bedroom ?

^

He has six kids.

I've known about this for several years but it never occurred to me that the plan wasn't public knowledge.

Were you solicited to contribute to this venture?

Were you solicited to contribute to this venture?

No, I just heard about the plan not long after Stitt took office.

I don't have a problem with building a new home. If I remember right there seems to have been a lot of repairs recently and we even had a former governor with a trailer on site. There are many people who like living in super old homes and there are many people who don't. Personally, I would think it'd be cool to completely gut the mansion to the studs or even more and retrofit it to modern luxuries. I'm not a homebuilder so I'm not sure of the costs so I'm good with whatever. Vegas-style living and luxury, no, but I do think a governor should have some nice digs to live in. I mean, it is the governor.

Anyhow, I'm interested in that rail line that runs right behind the mansion in that photo on the KFOR link!

A good time to compare and contrast with other states.
This link has pics of where other Governors live.
Some states do not have this perk.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/governors-mansions-in-the-us-photos-2019-8%3famp

Not much a secret I guess. He said he would do as much in 2019. https://www.news9.com/story/5e3471d8527dcf49dad6f95e/gov-stitt-to-consider-building-private-governors-residence-if-repairs-are-too-costly#.Y0NRs0W23pE.facebook

This has been a thing since the start of Fallin's 2nd term. The Governor's Mansion is in an impressive state of disrepair. The basement floods anytime there is a decent rain storm, the outside limestone hasn't been properly sealed in decades, causing mold and a plethora of other problems. One of the main bedroom's has a wall mount A/C unit since the A/C barely works...

Why not build a new 'wing' and just call it an expansion? Like another famous home of executives. Renovating the existing building can be a future phase.

Don't know why we can't have the best of both worlds.

He's such a slimey piece. This is just another example of his corrupt nature.

I wonder if Prater will indict him over the Swadley deal before the election.

Several years ago, the legislature appropriated $2 million for repairs to the mansion, which would seem to be more than enough for a residence of that size. Bull Stitt claims the estimates he received for repairs were 3 to 4 times that amount, which seems to me to be asinine, so he came up with this harebrained scheme to build an entire new residence on the property.

He knew this proposal would appear elitist, especially during an election year, or else he would have publicly requested a larger appropriation from the legislature. The man is a putz.

Wait, so quality candidates don't run for governor because the mansion is not new/big enough? I don't think I want a governor whose so worried about the digs, afterall, they are still a public servant. Now, if the mansion needs expansion for public servants' offices, then I understand rebuilding/expanding to keep up with the needs of the state executive branch.

Now, from a design/historical viewpoint, I like over governor's mansion. It has a lot of character, it would be a shame to see it stripped of its use.

I thought the same thing.

I'm no fan of Stitt or Joy, but this was 100% a hit job on Stitt. Esp when it went to commercial after the segment, a Joy commercial ran lol

I'm no fan of Stitt or Joy, but this was 100% a hit job on Stitt. Esp when it went to commercial after the segment, a Joy commercial ran lol

Whenever the powerful are exposed over an issue that was being kept from the public those individuals will claim " hit job" or "witch hunt". What is relevant is was the reporting accurate, was Stitt afforded a chance to respond, why the secrecy if it was ethical.

I'm no fan of Stitt or Joy, but this was 100% a hit job on Stitt. Esp when it went to commercial after the segment, a Joy commercial ran lol

Uh, no. If it is true, it is a news report. Some politicians think that truth in a news report if it is an ugly look for them it is a hit job.

At 14,000sf, surely this house can accommodate larger families? Why not raise money to do a major remodel and keep using what is a beautiful home from the outside? What do you do with the current home if you build another? Seems like a maintenance and money suck. The capitol is very old and it just got overhauled, do the same to the current house.

I dont think its much of a hit piece because the story isnt that big of deal. Its just odd with the secrecy and NDAs, thats the only reason it looks suspicious.

If I recall correctly, two of his offspring are either attending college or have graduated, so why are they living there, if they are?

^ Agreed.

Solid reporting. And as reported, over $2 million was spent updating the mansion to address the issues Stitt said kept him from living there and bring the mansion current. If he'd said "I have 6 kids and we need more bedrooms" I'd at least respect that a bit but the public shouldn't have to take him at his word (only after being outed by solid reporting) that the current mansion isn't sustainable. Also, the fact the governor's website lies regarding his living situation is silly but typical of how Stitt seems to operate.

Completely unacceptable and unethical way to go about this, even if you believe a new mansion is necessary. As noted in the report, the secrecy makes the situation ripe for corruption - and given Stitt's track record I'm sure that's exactly what happened (even though he "doesn't pander to big business and special interests" as quoted in the story). Also, the fact there's a general plan out there to build a new mansion is one thing, but secretly fundraising and seemingly going it about it and taking the steps they did to keep this under wraps the way they did is something entirely different. And it seems they knew it's an issue given how they've gone about it and by the fact they were going to wait until after the election to announce - recognizing their actions are politically problematic at best. Also, the fact that republican law makers didn't know anything about it and wouldn't go on the record because they fear Stitt's reprisals is amazing but unsurprising given Stitt's character and today's political climate.

But most importantly, assuming the renderings in the video were accurate, Stitt should get read for filth for the design of the new house. While design is of course subjective, public buildings should be inspirational, have meaning, and be a symbol of the state - not look like an east Edmond stucco'ed modern farmhouse.

Also, if Joy does happen to actually pull it off (I'm still very skeptical), I'll bet all of my dollars that this little plan is suddenly scrapped and we never know what happens to all the money that has been raised.

Edit:

I enjoyed the back and forth between Ali and Storme Jones on twitter this morning:

https://twitter.com/amanchor/status/1580185636056678401?s=20&t=fhbc7I-RPL669UZG4K4wow

Ali to Storme: [Are you] highlighting an old "report" that turned out to be a lie. Or...we're [sic] you bragging about having a four-year heads up & still getting scooped."

From the top rope! Predicting a second round KO - best not to come for Ali and miss.

The NDA part is what makes this smell funny to me.

Here is what I know about this...

Back in 2018/2019 I became aware the governor was interested in building a new mansion. I was told at the time that he was working on raising private funds. I didn't get any impression this was 'secret' any more than any project at this stage would be. In other words, they were hoping to do it but it was far from being ready for public consumption (or for me to report).

Subsequently, the pandemic hit and the fundraising stopped and my understanding is the project died at that time.

I don't know how much money was raised and what was done with it but do know they hired and paid an architect and I believe they also solicited preliminary construction bids.

BTW, the plans called for a stone exterior similar to what is found on the current mansion and many of the surrounding state buildings, but obviously the new mansion would have a slightly modern design.

Also, the group that commissioned these plans is Friends of the Mansion, headed by Sarah Stitt. On their website they solicit donations for preserving and enhancing the current mansion. I'm not sure they have shown or referenced plans for a new mansion but obviously that has been mentioned in previous news reports. To be fair to all involved, it could simply be that they pivoted back to making improvements to the current mansion once they decided not to press forward with plans for a new building.

https://fomok.org/

All of this is meant to present information rather than pass judgment in any way.



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I dont think its much of a hit piece because the story isnt that big of deal. Its just odd with the secrecy and NDAs, thats the only reason it looks suspicious.

Secrecy seems to be the MO around any kind of development. This situation should have been treated differently than, for example, a downtown MAPS improvement project being handled through the Alliance. Yes, it's how things are done in OKC now, but handling this project in secret was a mistake--and a really stupid mistake at that.

Even I--someone who can't stand Stitt--would freely admit that residing in a 100 year old residence with HVAC issues and potential mold isn't everyone's cup of tea. Needing a new executive home is a pretty easy sell.

I'll also agree with the criticisms of the architecture. This looks like something you might find at the Wheeler District, or for sale at a pricepoint of $14,000,000 at The Lark development in Edmond. I'll bet it even has a gas range in a color selectable by the first family and Pella windows.

BTW, Stitt's two oldest kids are 22 and 20, so I doubt they are living with the family. His oldest daughter is registered to vote in Tulsa; his 20 year-old son is a student at OSU.

The other four are 16, 15, 12 and 8.

Secrecy seems to be the MO around any kind of development. This situation should have been treated differently than, for example, a downtown MAPS improvement project being handled through the Alliance. Yes, it's how things are done in OKC now, but handling this project in secret was a mistake--and a really stupid mistake at that.

Even I--someone who can't stand Stitt--would freely admit that residing in a 100 year old residence with HVAC issues and potential mold isn't everyone's cup of tea. Needing a new executive home is a pretty easy sell.

I'll also agree with the criticisms of the architecture. This looks like something you might find at the Wheeler District, or for sale at a pricepoint of $14,000,000 at The Lark development in Edmond. I'll bet it even has a gas range in a color selectable by the first family and Pella windows.

Then he should have never spent the 2M+ that was appropriated for the current mansion to make it "habitable".

Pete, who was the architect for the proposal?

pete, who was the architect for the proposal?

ahmm

I'm pretty sure the swimming pool was a private donation. Though that's not close to the same scale, there's a precedent. The NDAs are a separate issue and that's never going to appear above board.

I find it interesting that there's so many things being referred to as October surprises. Do people really believe that the news must stop reporting on anything that might make a particular candidate or party look bad? That's silly but is obviously a huge talking point in some media circles.

BTW, that proposal above was very early on and was preliminary.

From what I understand there was a later version that was more traditional.

Well, from Myer's reporting, it appears the committee either ignored the Open Records/Open Meetings acts or they formed a public-private partnership with the intent of avoiding public disclosure requirements. Internal memos pressed the need for secrecy. I really don't understand the need for secrecy. Surely they don't think so little of Oklahomans that we wouldn't understand that at some point, a historic home becomes historic and creates a challenge for the State to attract top talent to the governor's office.

I do think the aspect that this was to be a project funded by individual donors would be a bit troubling. I think folks can venture why that might be, so I won't venture into a political argument there. Major public projects should be publicly funded. Maybe if we wanted to be a top-10 state, we'd need a top-10 governor's mansion?

It's important that the governor reside close to the capitol and that the Highway Department security detail consult closely with the security aspects of the grounds. From that perspective, I think it was a mistake for the State to permit a governor to reside elsewhere.

And maybe, had the governor's mansion been a more generous 10,000 sq. feet or so, Christina Fallin wouldn't have felt the need to park a trailer in the driveway.

Yeah, I don't have a problem with the apparent need for renovations, or even a new mansion. The secrecy is troubling to me, and the fact that KFOR made requests for information and was turned away doesn't help. If it were all totally above board, why the secrecy? Why not appeal to the public and show us what's wrong with the mansion that it requires building an entirely new structure?

The whole thing doesn't feel right, but Stitt will do whatever he wants, regardless.

The Oklahoman reporting $6 million has been raised and that construction could start after the election.

A spokesperson for Stitt said he has no plans to live in the new residence so it will not benefit him. Also said this has not been a secret.


However, there is no mention of a new residence -- only upgrading the existing mansion -- on the Friends of the Mansion website. That foundation is the group that has raised $6 million.

https://fomok.org/


The article was in today's print edition but not on their website for some reason, so I can't provide a link.

The Oklahoman reporting $6 million has been raised and that construction could start after the election.

A spokesperson for Stitt said he has no plans to live in the new residence so it will not benefit him. Also said this has not been a secret.


However, there is no mention of a new residence -- only upgrading the existing mansion -- on the Friends of the Mansion website. That foundation is the group that has raised $6 million.

https://fomok.org/


The article was in today's print edition but not on their website for some reason, so I can't provide a link.

No secrecy if all 47 print subscribers read the article. lol.

Being out of state I have no horse in this race, and those who know me know I can’t stand Stitt. This story doesn’t really bother me a whole lot, aside from the secrecy of it. There are bigger and better scandals to focus on if that’s the goal.

Badly needed, paid for with (DONATIONS), this is a non-issue if there ever was one!!!!!!!!!

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

maybe those that donated had no interest in giving to renovate the old building ..

maybe those that donated had no interest in giving to renovate the old building ..

Then why are the “friends” raising money under that guise?

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

Not to mention the ongoing operation of 2 "mansions" doesn't really help cut costs anywhere, either.

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

Very wild, especially with all of the projects and updates the mansion has seen over the years.

Adding a few ramps and elevators should have definitely been in the cards at some point.

Very wild, especially with all of the projects and updates the mansion has seen over the years.

Adding a few ramps and elevators should have definitely been in the cards at some point.

I've known the Governor since he was a sophomore at OSU.

I'm skeptical his mother in law would have ever visited the mansion. When he was elected, she was living in a mental health facility in Tulsa.

As for the project itself, I can attest to the fact this idea was in the works prior to him being sworn into office. I have a relative who received a phone call in January 2019 soliciting a donation on behalf of Sarah, and that would have been just few days after his inauguration.

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

It's not a building for public accommodation, and I'm pretty sure it'd be grandfathered if it was, so I don't think the ADA applies.

The secrecy is troubling to me, and the fact that KFOR made requests for information and was turned away doesn't help. If it were all totally above board, why the secrecy? Why not appeal to the public and show us what's wrong with the mansion that it requires building an entirely new structure?

That part I don't understand either. I'll admit I have a strong bias against the guy as I have a low opinion of his character, but putting that aside, even if I try to give the benefit of the doubt, it doesn't make sense.

And I don't really buy the idea that somethow this place, after a $2 million renovation is uninhabitable. There are older homes in Heritage Hills, some even larger than the governor's mansion which are perfectly fine--and considering the amount we just invested in renovating the capitol building and the Supreme Court, showing a little love to the executive mansion doesn't seem too off-putting. Honestly, if I'd have read a sum of $10 million was needed to update the mansion and grounds, I probably wouldn't have batted an eye.

That this is being done with private funds considering all of the problems with private funds surrounding this administrative is pretty problematic though and I'd love to discuss that matter further, but I am restraining myself from delving into what might be considered political, thus ruining the fun for everyone.

Important to note, the gentleman who has helped raise 6MM for this project, who happens to be mentioned in the article in today's Oklahoman was recently appointed to the OU Board of Regents.

Of course, he was appointed by Governor Stitt.

See how it works?

There are older homes in Heritage Hills, some even larger than the governor's mansion which are perfectly fine.

Looking at the list provided above, most governor's mansions are older than Oklahoma's, and many are much older.

In most places, 100 year old structures are not nearly the oldest in the city.

And then, of course, there's Europe, where the 100 year old homes are the new ones. lol

Looking at the list provided above, most governor's mansions are older than Oklahoma's, and many are much older.

In most places, 100 year old structures are not nearly the oldest in the city.

And then, of course, there's Europe, where the 100 year old homes are the new ones. lol

I haven't ranked them, but at 1928, we look like a kind of middle on the road/a little on the older side compared to a lot of governor's mansions.

Regardless of the propriety of this effort, the attempts to keep this news under wraps -- and Sarah Stitt not being truthful to the KFOR reporter -- indicate they at least knew this would be unpopular. Otherwise, what is their to hide?

There have been numerous improvements / renovations to the Governor's Mansion over the years by multiple administrations, and they were conducted in the open.

Regardless of the propriety of this effort, the attempts to keep this news under wraps -- and Sarah Stitt not being truthful to the KFOR reporter -- indicate they at least knew this would be unpopular. Otherwise, what is their to hide?

There have been numerous improvements / renovations to the Governor's Mansion over the years by multiple administrations, and they were conducted in the open.

Because we live in a polarizing time, where he would have been lambasted either way. Better to ask forgiveness than seek permission.

So much for the non-ADA compliant excuse. Former governor throwing some shade.

https://twitter.com/DavidLWalters/status/1580636827639160833

All this Mansion hubbub makes me nostalgic. Remembering my wheel chair bound brother visiting frequently. I wonder how we got him in this “non ADA compliant” home? Wait, is that a wheel chair ramp?

Because we live in a polarizing time, where he would have been lambasted either way. Better to ask forgiveness than seek permission.

I have a different view when it involves matters of the state, but that's OK. We can agree to disagree.

I haven't ranked them, but at 1928, we look like a kind of middle on the road/a little on the older side compared to a lot of governor's mansions.

I haven't ranked them either, but you can sort the wiki list of governor's mansions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_governors%27_residences_in_the_United_Stat es)by "dates of use" where that data is available. That definitely puts it about "middle of the road". But several of the ones that weren't being used as governor's mansions until the 50s or 60s were built decades earlier, many before Oklahoma's was built.

I'm not saying whether the current governor's mansion can be used or not. I don't know enough about it, or construction in general for that matter, to have an opinion on that, but it's always funny to me what qualifies as old in Oklahoma when there are perfectly functional buildings everywhere much older than the oldest buildings in the state's inventory.

I haven't ranked them either, but you can sort the wiki list of governor's mansions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_governors%27_residences_in_the_United_Stat es)by "dates of use" where that data is available. That definitely puts it about "middle of the road". But several of the ones that weren't being used as governor's mansions until the 50s or 60s were built decades earlier, many before Oklahoma's was built.

I'm not saying whether the current governor's mansion can be used or not. I don't know enough about it, or construction in general for that matter, to have an opinion on that, but it's always funny to me what qualifies as old in Oklahoma when there are perfectly functional buildings everywhere much older than the oldest buildings in the state's inventory.

In the UK built in 1928 is "new".