AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Newly revealed plans propose a two-story addition to the north of the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin.
The plans revealed to the Texas Historical Commission meeting in El Paso today are part of the restoration plans for the arson-gutted mansion near the Texas Capitol.
Project officials say the addition would make the home "more livable" for the state's first families and add much-needed space.
Project manager Dealey Herndon says the addition would add approximately 1,000 square feet of space, most all of it to be used as private quarters for the first family.
The addition would be connected to the house only by an enclosed walkway, not built onto the historic building.
Cost for the addition is expected to be about $1.2 million, to be paid for through a private fundraising campaign that has been under way for more than a year.
The mansion was heavily damaged by an arson fire in June 2008. Gov. Rick Perry and his wife had moved out for a $10 million renovation project to fix safety problems and structural degradation, so nobody was injured in the pre-dawn blaze.
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