The Department of Administration is dropping a request for money for kitchen renovations at the executive residence. The proposal to borrow $478,000 to make upgrades to two kitchens at the governor’s mansion was set to go before the state Building Commission today, but has now been withdrawn from the agenda.
The move comes after the Wisconsin Executive Residence Foundation announced it would try to raise money to fully fund the project. DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch says the agency wants to give that option a chance before turning to taxpayer dollars.
Officials say the renovations are needed to modernize a commercial kitchen at the residence and update a kitchenette in the living quarters. The mansion hosts thousands of visitors each year and food for many of those events is prepared in the main kitchen.