Rear addition will be replaced as part of long-term plan to restore and activate historic landmark

Farmington, MI (March 11, 2026) – As the nation celebrates America’s 250^th anniversary, the City of Farmington is launching a $1 million project to preserve and invest in one of its most treasured historic landmarks — the Governor Warner Mansion.

Built in 1867, the Warner Mansion has stood at the heart of our community for more than 150 years. It was the home of Fred Warner, the Farmington cheese factory entrepreneur who served as governor of Michigan from 1905-1911. It was donated to the City by his descendants in the 1980s.

This spring, thanks to a $1 million grant from the State of Michigan, the City will begin improvements designed to preserve the historic home and ensure it can be used and enjoyed for generations to come. The grant is a state appropriation secured by Farmington’s state legislators — Sen. Mary Cavanaugh, Rep. Jason Hoskins, and Rep. Kelly Breen — in 2023, which the City has until the end of 2026 to use.

PROJECT DETAILS
The project will start this spring as the first in a multi-phase long-term vision plan for the Warner Mansion house and grounds. First to be addressed is the house itself, where a rear addition — not part of the original 1867 structure — will be replaced.

“Back in 1867, indoor plumbing was not yet standard,” said Farmington city manager David Murphy. “Over the decades, additions were attached to the back of the house to make it usable, including bathrooms and a kitchen. Those additions served their purpose, but they were built without proper foundations, and they’re failing structurally.”

The original 1867 mansion itself will remain intact and is not being demolished. The renovation will remove the additions and replace them with modern kitchen and restroom facilities — the same functions those additions were always meant to provide.

The new addition won’t ‘match’ the painted white wood siding like the rest of the house — and that’s the point.

“It’s not part of the original Mansion, and we’re not trying to pretend it is,” said Farmington city councilmember Steve Schneemann, who volunteered his services as an architect to assist with the project. “Rather than build something faux-historic, the goal is for the addition to fade into the background so the historic house remains the focus.”

Minor interior modifications will create more flexible space for seating and programming.

While events and gatherings will bring people into the space, history will remain front and center. Warner family artifacts are being preserved and incorporated into the décor so that everyone who walks through the doors will come away knowing a little more about Farmington and Governor Warner’s legacy than when they arrived — whether they’re attending a history-themed event or not.

“What makes the Warner Mansion special is its authenticity, and this renovation is being done very deliberately not to strip that away,” said Farmington city councilmember Maria Taylor, who serves on the Warner Mansion ad hoc committee along with Schneemann.

A COMMUNITY SPACE
These updates will allow the Warner Mansion to host more robust events and community programming, along with rentals that will help support its long-term upkeep.

“The goal is to activate the mansion as a living community space — a place where programs, gatherings, and events become part of everyday life in Farmington, just like our Library or Riley Park,” said Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa. “This mix of history and the future is Farmington at its best.”

Phase 2 will focus on restoring the historic carriage house, while Phase 3 envisions a glass-walled indoor/outdoor pavilion, landscaping improvements, and updates to the adjacent City-owned parking lot. This year’s project and the $1 million grant will be focused on the original 1867 house; later phases hinge on securing additional funding.

LONG-TERM STABILITY
The project has the support of multiple Farmington history associations, including the Farmington Historical Commission.

“The Historical Commission is very excited about the upcoming renovations planned for the Governor Warner Mansion,” the group said in a statement. “The renovations and reconstruction of the main house this year will put the Mansion on the map to be a destination for gatherings, weddings, galas, and so much more. We're so proud of the city for investing in this Farmington historic gem.”

For the Friends of the Governor Warner mansion 501(c)3 nonprofit board, just as important as the preservation aspect is its sustainability long-term. Right now, the Warner Mansion relies 100% on City funding, and the opportunity for more robust rentals will create an independent funding source for the property.

“We feel that the restoration of the house is necessary for the longevity and preservation of the building,” the Friends board said in a statement. “By creating a usable community-oriented property, it honors the legacy of both Governor Fred and First Lady Martha Warner. This will set the mansion up for long-term viability. This renovation protects the original 1867 home by replacing a crumbling addition with modern facilities that allow the building to be properly maintained, actively used, and financially sustainable. The Warners opened their home to people from every walk of life, and restoring the Mansion as a place where the community gathers honors that legacy. We, as the Board of the Friends of the Governor Warner Mansion, do therefore support and welcome the renovations as planned by Farmington City Council. We feel this is the best course to protect the jewel of Farmington’s history long-term.”

Construction will begin this spring, with a grand reopening anticipated late 2026 or early 2027. Updates and project information will be posted at https://farmgov.com/city-services/public-works/construction-projects. As work gets underway, the City will share updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the renovation process so residents can follow the progress of this historic preservation project.

A schematic of the long-term plan for the Warner Mansion site. 

 

Rendering showing the area of the new rear addition behind the historic Governor Warner Mansion.

 

The “Toast To Farmington” bicentennial gala on the grounds of the Warner Mansion. The City anticipates the renovation to enable more events onsite, both for private rental and for the general public.

 

Movie night on the lawn at the Gov. Warner Mansion in 2024. Increased community programming, both indoor and outdoor, will be a big focus of the reopened Warner Mansion.