Before Emporia State University President Allison Garrett has even officially moved into her new residence, local media were given a private tour of the new ESU Breidenthal University House Saturday morning.
The 6,638 square foot residence — located at 1701 Highland Street, behind the Sauder Alumni Center — replaces the former President’s home which was constructed in 1960 when Dr. John E. King was still at the helm of the university. Construction on the Breidenthal home began in 2015 after the original home was found to be “unacceptable” for housing the university’s leader and their family.
The home is 100 percent funded by private donations, however, as it is located on university property it is still designated as a state-building. The home is separated into two areas, a 2,043 square foot public area and a 3,778 square foot private residence area containing four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a kitchen, living room and storm shelter.
ESU Foundation Director Shane Shivley says the residence was constructed to not only accommodate current and future university presidents, but also as an extension of the president’s role as a builder of relationships.
Shivley says not only will the home serve this purpose, but it will also stand as a testament to the legacy of long-time ESU Facilities Director Mark Runge who sadly passed away just last month.
The total cost of the house is between $1.3-$1.4 million. President Garrett is expected to begin moving in by early December. Additional landscaping work will be taking place around the property beginning in the spring.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}Breidenthal University House Tour{/gallery}
