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Proposed Governor’s Mansion Addition Rebuffed

New Proposal Expected

In response to a chorus of protest from across Texas, on January 15 the State Preservation Board (SPB) withdrew the proposal for a 3,000 sq. ft. addition on the north side of the Governor’s Mansion. The Heritage Society of Austin was the first voice to call for the restoration of this majestic landmark after the disastrous arson fire in June 2008. In fact, we presented the first $10,000 contribution to the First Lady for the Mansion restoration. Because of the value of the integrity of the Mansion, we are in full support of its restoration. However, we could not support the proposed expansion that would violate the 153-year-old profile and frontal view of the Mansion, and would also destroy a beautiful heritage live oak tree.

The Heritage Society mobilized its membership and the preservation community to oppose the plan (read more here). The Heritage Society salutes its members for being on the forefront of the groundswell of opposition to the plan. Our members directly affected the outcome when speaking strongly and clearly in opposition to the unsympathetic expansion through e-mails to decision makers and signing the Heritage Society’s on-line petition.

While the retraction of the north addition concept is good news, all who care about the Mansion should join in maintaining a vigil on the ultimate outcome of this important issue. The SPB has announced that it still intends to explore other ways to meet their stated space concerns for the Mansion. SPB officials indicated they will continue to work closely with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and Department of Public Safety on design solutions and an alternate proposal. "I look forward to working with Preservation Board officials for a better plan," said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe.

Moving forward, there will be a two step review process when the SPB issues a new proposal for the Mansion. First, the Antiquities Advisory Board, a citizen advisory committee of the THC comprised of experts in the fields of architecture, archeology and history, will review conceptual plans and make a recommendation on the appropriateness of a proposed addition’s location and size. Final approval on the specific design details will be in the hands of the THC when the SPB submits a formal application for a permit to undertake work on the Mansion. The decision on approval will be issued after the plans are reviewed by the Texas Historical Commissioners, who are 17 citizens appointed by the governor. The agendas for both these meetings will provide opportunity for public comment.

The public response to the initial proposal was clear -- Texans simply don't want the architectural or historic integrity of the Mansion to be destroyed. The Heritage Society will continue to monitor and report developments and will alert its membership to action if needed. We firmly believe that any future proposal to change the mansion in any way should be developed in a public process with provision to allow the people of Texas, who are the true owners of the mansion, to participate in decisions affecting the “People’s House.”