University of Minnesota Leaders to Deliberate Future of Eastcliff

Nestled above the Mississippi River gorge and just minutes from the Twin Cities campus, the Eastcliff property has served as the official residence of U of M presidents for more than 60 years, as well as a central location for hosting and honoring students, faculty, alumni and guests from around the world. At its July meeting, the Board of Regents will review recommendations from the Eastcliff Property Task Force about the property’s future.

The Task Force’s recommendation balances the historic significance of Eastcliff and its important place in the University’s past — and future — with the goal of aligning the University’s budget with mission-oriented goals and activities. The key aspects of the recommendation include:

• Retain Eastcliff as the University’s presidential residence and an event venue;
• Raise sufficient philanthropic support to support Eastcliff capital and most operating costs;
• Redirect resources currently expended on Eastcliff to high-priority systemwide goals; and
• Streamline governance oversight of the facility.

With support from the University of Minnesota Foundation, the recommendation outlines a plan for private donations to pay for capital costs and much of Eastcliff’s operating costs, a fundraising plan that will be implemented over the next five years. The Foundation completed a feasibility study that demonstrated philanthropic support for Eastcliff’s day-to-day operations, as well as repairs and renovations necessary in the century-old home and gathering space. While most operating and capital expenses would be supported through philanthropy, the University would continue to fund some of the operating costs to reflect its continued commitment to Eastcliff.

With the bulk of expenses transitioned out of the University’s operating budget, this proposal would free up additional funding to directly support students, faculty, researchers and community engagement programming — an outcome that aligns with Board policy and the Task Force’s initial recommendation from December 2022.

Eastcliff was built in 1922 by Edward Brooks, Sr., and was donated to the University by the Brooks family in 1958. The property has provided a home for U of M presidents since 1961, one that is easily accessible to the Twin Cities campus and has the versatility to also be an important University event space. The property is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Board is anticipated to act on recommendations at a subsequent meeting.

Also during its July meeting, the Board is expected to:

• Recognize outgoing U of M Duluth Interim Chancellor David McMillan.
• Act on a resolution related to expanded alcoholic beverage sales at Huntington Bank Stadium, Williams Arena/Maturi Pavillion and 3M Arena at Mariucci on the Twin Cities campus.
• Receive the annual report on Twin Cities intercollegiate athletics with Mark Coyle, director of Gopher Athletics.
• Receive the annual report from the University of Minnesota Alumni Association with Lisa Lewis, president and CEO of UMAA.
• Review amendments to University policies related to sex discrimination.