Repair work under way at governor’s mansion

SPRINGFIELD — Renovations are under way at the Illinois governor’s mansion, even though the 158-year-old home hasn’t been used much during the past two administrations.

Lee Enterprises newspapers’ Springfield bureau reported the state’s awarded almost $339,000 for three contracts on work to the 16-room Georgian-styled home.

Contractors are spending the summer replacing climate control systems and an emergency generator at the Springfield manor.

The home hasn’t undergone a major renovation since 1971.

The property’s been mostly unoccupied for the past two administrators. Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his family continued to live in Chicago and Gov. Pat Quinn said he’d live in the property, but the newspaper says he spends most nights in Chicago.

The work is paid for by liquor taxes, license plate fees and video gaming proceeds.