Dennis Cawthorn, who served on the Mackinac Island Commission is quoted as saying in a 2003 Freep article that he "believes" there "may be" a deed restriction, but acknowleges that the mansion could probably be leased.

Governor Granholm's spokesperson is quoted as saying that there IS a deed restriction, and has also been quoted as saying that there "is likely" a deed restriction.

I'll try to find out the facts on a restriction, since no one seems to really know.

However, if there is a restriction, the mansion could be leased for a period of years (a 99-year lease is the same as a sale in practical terms).