A private fundraising campaign to restore the governor's mansion in Springfield has received about $4.5 million toward its estimated goal of $15 million.
The goal is to complete the work at the historic Illinois Executive Mansion before Illinois statehood's 200th anniversary in 2018.
Gov. Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana Rauner, began the campaign last year, pledging that no taxpayer dollars will be spent to restore the 161-year-old home after decades of neglect.
Diana Rauner serves as chairwoman of the Illinois Executive Mansion Association, the nonprofit that serves as the fundraising organization for the project. She says that there are also plans to create a public entrance on the north side of the mansion grounds.
The last major renovation of the governor's official residence occurred from 1970 to 1972.
Effort to restore Executive Mansion raises $4.5 million
