Governor's Mansion, Little Rock

The Arkansas Governor's Mansion, located on Center Street in Little Rock, serves as the official residence of the governor of Arkansas and the First Family. Since its completion in 1950, the mansion has been the focal point of numerous public events, including state dinners, luncheons, and official celebrations. Over the years, eleven governors and their families have resided in the mansion, each contributing to its rich heritage. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee once lived here. A bust of Clinton stands on the mansion’s grounds, marking its history.

The mansion was built on the former site of the Arkansas School for the Blind, which had relocated to Pulaski Heights. Architects Frank J. Ginocchio, Jr. and Edwin B. Cromwell designed the residence in the Georgian Revival style, with brick as the primary exterior material. The mansion’s construction incorporated 300,000 bricks from the old school structures, blending historical elements into the new design. The first governor to reside there, Sidney S. McMath, moved in on February 3, 1950.

Significant renovations and additions were made during Governor Mike Huckabee’s tenure (1996-2007), further enhancing the mansion’s structure and functionality. Beyond its role as a political and historical landmark, the mansion has also found a place in pop culture. From 1986 to 1993, it was featured in the television series Designing Women, serving as the on-screen home of Suzanne Sugarbaker and later, Anthony Bouvier. In 2008, it appeared in 30 Rock as the residence of a character played by Steve Martin.

The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion anchors the Governor’s Mansion Historic District, a diverse neighborhood south of downtown Little Rock. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district features Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes, once home to both affluent residents and middle-class workers. The mansion and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral have played key roles in the area's revitalization.