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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois First Family Is Moving Out For Executive Mansion Makeover

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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the estimated $15 million restoration project in January, and First Lady Diana Rauner leads a private fundraising campaign for the construction.

The mansion is closing to the public in January to allow the renovation work to be done. 

State Rep. Tim Butler says the building needs the work.

"If you walk into the mansion currently, you can see some real problems with it," Butler said. "Some of the balcony areas have floor boards that are pulling up. We’ve had issues with mold because of the water that has come in there. I think there’s a couple rooms that are off limits to people."

Butler says once fixed up, the mansion can become a focal point in Illinois. 

"... and to have something that’s a point of pride, not only for community, but for people around the state," Butler said.

When Rauner’s family is in Springfield during construction, they will stay at the Agricultural Director House on the State Fairgrounds.

The project is scheduled to be done in spring of 2018.