U of M, State Consider Agreement for Governor Walz and Family to Temporarily Use Eastcliff

(KNSI) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will consider a proposed lease agreement Monday, allowing Governor Tim Walz and his family to temporarily live in Eastcliff following President Joan Gabel’s departure.

Eastcliff, located in St. Paul, was donated to the University in 1958 and has been home to eight University of Minnesota presidents since 1961.

The State would pay $4,400 in monthly rent, with the State responsible for direct costs such as utilities, snow removal and lawn care. The University will use rent payments to cover maintenance and operation costs for the 10,000 square foot, 20 room mansion, during the lease period. No capital costs related to Eastcliff are associated with the rent. The State will also arrange and pay for internet, cable, telephone, custodial and security services at Eastcliff throughout the First Family’s time there. Pending Board approval, the two sides would finalize the proposed lease, which is currently written to begin following President Gabel’s departure and run through September 2024, with three one-month options for renewal to extend the term through the end of 2024.

“Timing is everything and as the Governor’s Residence undergoes scheduled renovations, Eastcliff will be vacant following the departure of President Gabel this summer. That timing presents a great opportunity to continue to use this public asset for a public purpose during the University’s presidential transition period. We’d be happy to welcome Governor Walz, the First Lady and their family,” said Myron Frans, U of M senior vice president of finance and operations.

The meeting gets underway at 3:00 p.m. Monday.

The governor and his family were going to live in a home in Sunfish Lake owned by a wealthy Twin Cities businessman turned U.S. Senate candidate, which would have cost around $17,000 a month.

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