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06/22/2026
With donation of the Hauser Mansion finalized, fate of governor’s former residence still unknown
Helena’s historic Hauser Mansion is on track to become the next executive residence for the state after the Montana Land Board last week accepted it as a donation from Gov. Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte. The state, though, has yet to determine what to do with the former executive residence at 2 Carson St., which has fallen into disrepair.
Last year, the Montana Department of Administration, which oversees the Capitol properties, conducted a survey asking Montanans what they wanted to see happen with the 67-year-old executive residence for Montana governors: demolish the building and turn the property into a park, remodel it and use it as a meeting space for the state or sell it.
The decrepit property needs millions of dollars in maintenance and has been vacant since 2022, when the Gianfortes moved out. Then, in 2024, Gianforte purchased the Samual T. Hauser Mansion, at 720 Madison Ave., and has been living there when he is in Helena, with plans to donate the home to the state after he leaves office. The house was built in 1885, and its namesake was a pioneer entrepreneur and the Montana territorial governor. This week, the state officially accepted that donation.
But the future of the Carson Street property remains undetermined, and the survey results have not been publicly announced, according to the Department of Administration.
DOA director Misty Ann Giles spoke at a Hometown Helena meeting in December to talk about the status of the executive residence, describing it as in “critical” condition. During the 2019 and 2021 sessions, the state Legislature allocated about $2.4 million for renovations that never occurred.
“[Past governors] have prioritized other state infrastructure over their own house,” Giles said during that meeting.
The advisory committee had waited to make a decision on the Carson Street mansion until the Land Board approved the Hauser Mansion donation, according to KTVH.
A DOA spokesperson told MTFP last week that the department’s Capitol Complex Advisory Committee will gather to review the survey results and determine next steps for the Carson Street house. That meeting hasn’t been scheduled.
Public Notice
The city of Helena will close two trailheads this week for routine maintenance. The Mount Helena trailhead will be closed Tuesday, June 23, from 7 a.m. to noon. The Beattie Street trailhead will be closed Wednesday, June 24, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
5 Things to Know in Helena
Last week, Helena City Manager Alana Lake and Helena Chamber of Commerce President Callie Aschim presented the inaugural Spirit of Helena award to long-time resident Helen Bunkowske. Over the last 50 years, Bunkowske, who just celebrated her 100th birthday, has volunteered at St. Peter’s Health, helping caregivers and patients in recovery and in end-of-life care.
“It’s been a long journey for me, but I tell you, I have enjoyed it every single minute,” Bunkowske told the commission.
The city commission approved a $797,782 bid to a Texas-based company for a major water meter replacement project last week. The commission selected DB Utility to replace more than 6,800, or about one-third, of city water meters for both residential and commercial customers. Nearly 100 meters fail each month, which takes up staff time and resources to address, city engineer Jamie Clark said during the meeting.
Additionally, the commission approved the first reading of sidewalk code revisions, which included changes to the city’s sidewalk deferral policy, clarifying language on who is responsible for sidewalk repairs and updates to snow and ice removal requirements. The city will hold a public hearing during a July 6 meeting.
Last week, the Helena Fire Department and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation responded to a fire on the northeast face of Mount Helena. Responders were able to fully extinguish the fire shortly after it was reported and had burned about a quarter of an acre. The official cause of the fire is listed as undetermined, according to city staff.
The city will host an event celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday at the state Capitol Wednesday, July 8, at 3:30 p.m., featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a call back to the document’s first public reading on July 8, 1776.
“This event offers our community an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history and celebrate the principles that unite us,” Mayor Emily Dean said in a press release last week.
Might Be Fun
The Helena Indian Alliance will host a “Steeped in Fashion” high tea and fashion show Saturday, June 27, featuring the work of Indigenous designers Rebekah Jarvey, Brocade Stops Black Eagle and Gina Still Smoking. The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Helena Indian Alliance Gym. Participants are encouraged to RSVP here.
Desperate Electric will perform Thursday, June 25, at the Myrna Loy, featuring its funk-disco-themed songs. The duo’s music is self-described as “where Marvin Gaye meets Daft Punk for cocktails,” and it uses both electronic and acoustic instruments. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $18.
Eye on Helena
Last week, the Helena Public School District began the next phase of construction for new buildings at Helena High and Kessler Elementary, along with major renovations at Capital High, as officials gathered at Helena High for a groundbreaking ceremony.
The construction comes only nine months after voters approved over $280 million in school bonds. The district aims to have all three schools operational in the fall of 2028, with ground-breaking for Kessler Elementary scheduled for October. Some demolition has already begun at Capital High, with other renovations planned for later this year.
