The Texas Governor's Mansion

This premier historic home of Texas has served as the official residence of Texas governors and their families since 1856. It is the fourth oldest governor's residence continuously occupied in the United States and the oldest governor's mansion west of the Mississippi River.

On June 8, 2008, the Governor's Mansion was severely damaged by arson. The Mansion was empty and all its prized contents in storage, but significant structural and architectural damage occurred to the house.

There is broad agreement from preservationists, lawmakers, and Texans from all walks of life that the arsonist cannot be allowed to have the last word in the history of the Governor's Mansion. It is our shared goal to restore this Texas treasure and to make it usable for governors and their families for many decades to come. Those involved daily with the project want to assure Texans that the integrity of the preservation process, strong collaboration and transparency, and a high quality, cost efficient restoration are the top priorities for the Governor's Mansion restoration team.

Mansion Restoration Update

More than three years have passed since an arsonist set fire to the Texas Governor's Mansion. The 81st Texas Legislature appropriated $22 million and the Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund (Fund) has raised more than $3.5 million. The State Preservation Board (SPB) oversees the state's appropriation for the Mansion and acts as the project manager for the restoration design and construction. In February 2010, state funding for Mansion restoration was reduced as a part of the 5 percent across the board budget cuts for all state agencies. With the current state budget challenges, donations to the Fund have been crucial to this project. Private contributions are used for some of the important and costly historic features such as the column restoration, new Americans with Disabilities Act and code requirements, the addition, landscaping, and changes necessitated by security, as well as historical documentation. The Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund Board oversees the allocation of these private funds.

The State Preservation Board (SPB) selected a renowned preservation architecture firm, Ford, Powell & Carson as the Project Architect. Then White Construction Company was selected as the Construction Manager-at-Risk for the Governor's Mansion Restoration Project. For the first phase of the Governor's Mansion Exterior Restoration Project, SPB worked closely with the contractor to engage the most qualified craftsmen at the best value to the State through a public competitive proposal process. The construction of the Exterior project is nearing completion and includes repair of the exterior masonry, columns, and porches, production of the signature entablature, and construction of the new roof. The construction of the new permanent roof structure allowed for the removal of the temporary roof and the dry-in of the Mansion. The permanent roof is visible, exciting progress. Interior construction began in the spring of 2011. The interior project includes a restoration of the historic spaces, new addition on the west side, kitchen renovations, and new code compliant restrooms, which will be handicap accessible. While the building will have improvements to mechanical, electrical and other systems, the historic rooms will return to their pre-fire appearance.

The Governor's Mansion Grounds Project includes the landscape design of the historic grounds and the perimeter fence. The Landscape Architect, TBG Partners, in collaboration with the State Preservation Board, the Texas Historical Commission and Friends of the Governor's Mansion, continues to develop a design to ensure balance is reached between respect for historical elements and the introduction of native plantings as well as security adjustments to the perimeter wall. Additionally, the architects are designing a screening facility along Colorado Street to post DPS personnel and allow for security screening of visitors and packages. The State Preservation Board has worked closely with the City of Austin to finalize the transfer of responsibility for Colorado Street from the City to the State. The Historic Structures Report was completed by Volz & Associates, summarizing and documenting the architectural history of the Mansion and serves as an invaluable resource and guide.

The Mansion belongs to all Texans and in 2012 this "Texas Treasure" will reopen and be fully restored to its former grandeur -- preserved for generations to come.

Message From Texas First Lady Anita Perry

The Texas Governor’s Mansion suffered significant damage from arson in June 2008.  State leaders, concerned citizens, and preservationists were horrified and saddened by the damage to the historic Texas Governor’s Mansion.  These same Texans vowed to rebuild this grand house, a symbol of Texas pride and an irreplaceable part of our State’s history.  In July 2008, I founded the “Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund,” a nonprofit organization established to raise money to rebuild this National Historic Landmark.

Our Texas Governor’s Mansion pre-dates the Texas Capitol and is the oldest home for governors in continuous use west of the Mississippi.  Elisha Pease was the first occupant; Sam Houston roamed its halls; Governor Hogg’s children slid down the banister; President McKinley and Will Rogers and many heads of state visited; Wilbert Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel hosted radio shows with his band; Governor Connally recuperated from the gunshot he suffered while riding with President Kennedy in the motorcade; George W. Bush awaited news of the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.  The Texas Governor’s Mansion belongs to all Texans and has been home to 40 governors since 1856.  The Mansion is part of our proud State’s legacy, and the site of these and countless other historic events.

The 81st Texas Legislature appropriated general revenue funds to restore this Texas treasure.  Private funds were raised to restore the best and most historic architectural elements, as well as to ensure our Governor’s Mansion is safe, functional, and historically preserved for at least another 150 years.

Texans can make a difference and are encouraged to make donations - large or small - to restore the Governor’s Mansion to its former grandeur by contributing to the Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund.  Tax deductible donations may be made securely online at www.TexasGovernorsMansion.org or by sending check or money order to:

Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund
P.O. Box 12878
Austin, TX 78711-2878. 

Thank you for your support.