Insulating Government Buildings: The Indow Solution for Historic Preservation

Preserving the Historic Oregon Governor's Mansion with Indow Inserts

Mahonia Hall, the stately 1924 Tudor-style Oregon Governor's Mansion, is more than just a residence; it's a significant piece of Oregon's history, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, this grand old building faced a common problem for historic homes: severe drafts, so much so that it was once jokingly nicknamed "Pneumonia Hall".

The original windows, while integral to the mansion's character, were also the source of significant heat loss and discomfort. For Governor John Kitzhaber and First Lady Cylvia Hayes, preserving the historic integrity of Mahonia Hall was paramount, making traditional window replacement an undesirable option. Their goal was to lead by example in energy efficiency, especially since the mansion frequently hosts out-of-state and international guests.

The Solution: Innovative Energy Upgrades with Indow Inserts

To tackle these challenges, the Governor and First Lady partnered with home performance experts Neil Kelly. Their comprehensive energy upgrade initiative included insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, and critically, the installation of 29 Indow window inserts.

Indow inserts provided an ideal solution for Mahonia Hall's historic windows.

• Preservation of Historic Integrity

  Unlike replacement windows or exterior storm windows that can alter a building's appearance, Indow inserts are designed to preserve original windows. They do not require damaging tracks or magnetic systems.

• Patented Compression Fit

  Indow inserts rely on a patented silicone compression tube that simply presses into place within the existing window frame, ensuring a snug fit without permanent modifications. This method was highlighted by First Lady Hayes as an "innovative approach".

Enhanced Comfort, Energy Savings, and Preserved Heritage

The combination of energy upgrades, including the Indow inserts, dramatically transformed Mahonia Hall.

By choosing Indow inserts, the Oregon Governor's Mansion not only became a more comfortable and energy-efficient building but also set an example for how historic properties can embrace modern energy solutions while honoring their past.

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• • Increased Comfort

    The inserts effectively eliminated the notorious drafts, making the mansion a much more comfortable space.

  • Significant Energy Savings

    The improvements allowed the Governor and First Lady to keep the thermostat lower than before, leading to tangible energy savings. First Lady Hayes noted, "We can keep the thermostat lower than we could have a year ago with these improvements".

  • Historic Preservation

    The most crucial outcome was the achievement of energy efficiency and comfort without compromising the historic integrity of this Oregon state treasure.