Eastcliff (mansion)

Eastcliff is a mansion sitting on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the state capital. Consisting of 20 rooms, Eastcliff is the official residence of the President of the University of Minnesota. Located across the river from Minneapolis, the mansion is within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which is operated by the National Park Service. Noted for its historic value, the mansion and the estate's other buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Edward and Markell Brooks House
University of Minnesota's Eastcliff residence
Eastcliff (mansion) is located in Minnesota
Eastcliff (mansion)
Eastcliff (mansion) is located in the United States
Eastcliff (mansion)
Location176 N. Mississippi River Blvd.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Coordinates44°56′47″N 93°11′54″W
Built1921
ArchitectClarence H. Johnston Sr.; Clarence H. Johnston Jr.
Architectural styleColonial Revival
NRHP reference No.00000689
Added to NRHPJune 15, 2000

The estate was built in 1921 for local lumber magnate Edward Brooks. After Brooks' death, his family donated Eastcliff to the University of Minnesota to be used as the official residence for the university president. Since 1960, every U of M president has resided in the mansion. It is currently being used by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the temporary governor's residence as the official home under goes maintenance for two years.[1]

History and architecture

Eastcliff was first built in 1921 by local lumber magnate Edward Brooks Sr. The building was designed in the Georgian colonial style by Clarence H. Johnston, a close friend of Brooks and an architect who had designed many of the buildings at the University of Minnesota. Edward and his wife, Markell, had many nationally known guests at Eastcliff. Those who visited the mansion included Helen Keller, Katharine Hepburn, Noël Coward, and Clark Gable.[2]

The home was donated to the university by the Brooks family in 1958, beginning its service as the president's official residence in 1960 when O. Meredith Wilson took the position. In 2000, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is the most-visited public residence in the state (outpacing the Minnesota Governor's Residence), often hosting events five days a week. 6,800 people were recorded attending 159 events in 2005.

Numerous renovations took place over the years, though repair efforts did not keep pace with wear and tear. In 1988, extensive repairs began on the house, but unforeseen problems caused costs to double. The ensuing outcry contributed to the exit of president Kenneth Keller from office.

The following is a list of university presidents who have resided at Eastcliff:

See also

References
  1. "U of M approves agreement for Gov. Walz to use president's residence". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  2. "Eastcliff - National Register of Historic Places Application". National Park Service. May 18, 2000.

Sources
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