PIX OF THE DAY
Better than ever: Governor's Mansion reigns again as one of the great Texaslandmarks
After an arson attack in 2008, The Governor's Mansion has reopened and is fully restored to all it its 156-year-old glory after a controversial, big dollar renovation made at the same time as Texas undergoes severe state budget cuts.
As CultureMap's Pix of the Day shows, Gov. Rick Perry seemed unbowed by the critics at the mansion's highly-publicized reopening in Austin.
The mansion had been set for renovation by Perry since 2007, so luckily none of its prized treasures were inside at the time of the fire, but there was significant structural and architectural damage. Four years later the restoration is now fully complete.
The $24 million dollar update (which ballooned up from the original $10 million estimate) includes a new roof, restoration of columns and even the installation of a new geoexhange system to create a more energy-efficient cooling and heating process.
This landmark has been a home for governors and their families since 1856 and is the fourth-oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the country.
Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Or just a fun photo that shows why Houston is so unique? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.
