Illinois REALTORS® staff and their family and friends got a private tour of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday, Sept. 5. The association’s headquarters is across the street from the mansion, and staff members have had a front row seat to see the construction work over the past several years to return the building to its original glory.

After months of watching renovations, Illinois REALTORS® staff members and family and friends got a tour on Wednesday of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion.

The state trade association’s headquarters is located across the street from the mansion, which was built in 1855. The multi-million project to restore the mansion over the past few years included an overhaul of the roof, grounds and interior of the building. The state is now providing tours to the public seven days a week.

Leading the tour was Governor’s Mansion Curator Justin Blandford, who shared stories about some of the famous historical figures who have visited the mansion, from Frederick Douglas to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The mansion’s renovation occurred as Illinois REALTORS® was completing Bicentennial Plaza, a REALTOR Community Partnership, and coincided with the earlier demolition of an old YWCA building. Several of the people featured on interpretive panels lining the plaza have ties to the mansion’s history.