Plans for a First Family Residence are in the works again
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - A state commission meeting Thursday brought to light plans for a First Family Residence, a home that was planned to be built on the Governor's Mansion grounds.
"If we have donors put in money and we have them build some fancy building that we're going to have to pay to maintain. I think the public should have a say in that, and what I'm seeing is another surprise," said Senator Julia Kirt (D-OKC) after she was told it was on the agenda.
The attempt was tried years ago and involved Friends of the Governor's Mansion, but this time, they said they are not involved. Which could mean that much of the information won't be public.
The plans from 2019 and after involved millions of dollars in private funds to build the home.
Sources close to the current ideas for the First Family Residence told News 4 that it was said to be constructed in the next two to four weeks and would be built by November 2026.
"Maybe something will start getting built beginning of the next month or so, and that's not public input," said Senator Kirt.
Thursday's State Capitol Preservation Commission had an item on the agenda titled 'Discussion and possible action on approving conceptual rendering of First Family Residence. [Duane Mass, State Capitol Architect and Curator; Erin Yen, Registered Architect, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris].
News 4 reported on the previous attempts, and a major roadblock in reporting previously was the fact that the donor list was never given. News 4 tried again with the Governor's Office to try and get details of any, including a possible donor list this time around, but didn't hear back Thursday.
"We need conflicts of interest analyzed so the Speaker, Pro Tem, and the Governor can work together to make sure no one has too much power to make decisions for the people. Right now, we don't have that," said Senator Kirt.
Sources close to the current possible project have told News 4 that the cost could be anywhere from $5 million to $8 million.
News 4 reached out Thursday afternoon to the architecture firm listed on the agenda for Thursday, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, and a person said they would get back to us.
The meeting on Thursday was canceled because not all of the members were present, but the Chair said that a Special Meeting would be held in the coming weeks.