Morrison unveils 'Governor's Mansion'

Jon Morrison of Las Vegas, Nev., speaks Tuesday about his plans for the former West Ward school building. Morrison, the son of the late former Nebraska Gov. Frank Morrison and Maxine Morrison, plans to turn the building into a place for conventions, wedding receptions and a restaurant. (Michelle Walkenshaw-Herrera/McCook Daily Gazette)

Through an emotional presentation Tuesday at the weekly Rotary Club meeting, D. Jon Morrison revealed his plans for a multi-purpose reception, convention center and restaurant in the former West Ward building on the 300 block of West Fourth in McCook.

Named "The Governor's Mansion," the former elementary school building will be a tribute to all people who have had a part in making what McCook is today, a dynamic town, rich with heritage, according to Morrison.

"Bringing history to life was my father's last dream. I believe this project brings history to life and will stand as a tribute to so many people who dedicated their lives to public service," Morrison said in a letter about his plans.

The front view of the Governor's Mansion project.

Choking back tears, Morrison recalled his greatest inspiration for his idea behind the renovation of the building -- his father, the late former Nebraska Gov. Frank B. Morrison.

He told the Rotarians and their guests that the structure will commemorate some of Southwest Nebraska's greatest people in history, including "four governors, the greatest U.S. senator ever and some of America's greatest industrialists."

Preliminary plans drawn up by architect Randy Stramel (a McCook native who also went to West Ward) and engineers, Gary Loop and Marty Kasl, all of Lincoln, include ample parking, landscaping, dining areas, a courtyard, reception/convention area and five hotel suites.

He gave no timeline for the project to begin.

Morrison feels "The Governor's Mansion" will fill a void in McCook, providing a place for people to gather and enjoy good food.

The first floor plans of the building include a new entry way that faces west designed to resemble the governor's mansion in Lincoln, with tall columns. The entrance opens to a lobby area with a courtyard to the south and a full service kitchen to the north. Towards the northeast of the first floor is an area called "the state dining room."

According to Morrison this will be a more formal dining area. To the southeast is "the press club" an informal dining area where Morrison envisions people being able to enjoy lunch on a daily basis. The press club will house articles and memorabilia on some of Nebraska's statesmen, including Morrison's father, the late Ralph Brooks, the late Jack Gage (former Wyoming governor) and U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson.

Some of the second floor highlights include a reception area with a stage, that opens out to a balcony. The second floor also includes the five suites.

Morrison estimated that the mansion will cost around $1.7 million. He also plans on making donations to The Governor's Mansion tax deductible, as a donation to McCook.

Excited about his ideas, Morrison hopes McCook is equally excited about his plans for the old school building.

He purchased the building for $65,000 from McCook Public Schools in March, through Re/Max Property Center and real estate agent Jeannette Reed.

Morrison is one of three children of the former governor and First Lady of Nebraska. Each of the Morrison children were students at West Ward when their parents lived in McCook.