Seven politicians living under one roof sounds like a reality-TV show, but it soon could be real life in Denver.
Gov. John Hickenlooper has invited state Cabinet members who live outside the metro area to bunk at the now-vacant governor’s mansion.
Hickenlooper chose not to move into the seven-bedroom house, officially known as the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, instead deciding to live with his wife and son at their home in the Park Hill neighborhood in northeast Denver.
With a geographically diverse Cabinet — 11 of the 26 members are from outside the metro area — the governor is hoping communal living for his trusted advisers will increase productivity.
“The governor said he wanted a geographically diverse Cabinet, and this is him walking that talk,” said Reeves Brown, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs. “He sees that there are complications that go with that in terms of balancing family and work.”
Brown, who hails from Grand Junction, has been staying in a friend’s spare bedroom in Aurora, and since the spare bedroom is unfurnished, a bed would be a welcome change.
“I told the governor that if it’s more than a cot and a sleeping bag, it’s an upgrade,” said Brown, who added that staying at the mansion would allow him to spend another hour in the office working instead of in his car.
“I certainly think the proximity to downtown is much more eco-friendly,” said Sue Birch, executive director of Health Care Policy and Financing. “I plan on walking or biking and being less taxing on the roads and the environment.”
Birch, who lives in Steamboat Springs, said she was hesitant until after a tour of the historic mansion.
“There is enough privacy that we can refresh and recover from busy days, but there are common areas that can facilitate professional discussions,” Birch said. “I think that for those of us from rural areas who make a significant time commitment, it creates an opportunity to say, ‘Let’s have dinner on Tuesday. Lieutenant governor, you make the salad. Sue, you make the main entree and let’s talk.’ “
Birch said that her three college-age kids loved the idea. “They said, ‘Get with the times, Mom. People our age do this all the time. It’s just modern-day couch surfing. It’s a great use of resources.’ “
The mansion, which was built in 1908 as a private residence, has housed governors and hosted public events since it was donated to the state by the Boettcher family in 1959.
Taxpayers would not be responsible for any of the Cabinet members, as all of the tenants would do their own cooking and cleaning.
Most of the upkeep of the mansion, including utilities, is paid for by the nonprofit Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund started by former first lady Jeannie Ritter. Health and safety repairs are paid for with state tax dollars.
Brown said that because of busy schedules, he doesn’t expect the house to turn into the set of “Jersey Shore.”
“I’m not interested in spending a lot of time where I lay my head at night,” Brown said. “I suspect my fellow Cabinet members look at it much the same way. It’s not going to be as fun as summer camp.”
Mitchell Byars: 303-954-1698 or mbyars@denverpost.com
