Posted on 06/08/2008 2:50:44 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
AUSTIN, Texas -- Arson is suspected in the fire that struck the historic Texas Governor's Mansion early today, causing damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic," the state fire marshal said.
No one was inside the 152-year-old mansion at the time, said Robert Black, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation, and Perry and his wife, Anita, had moved out last fall.
"We have some evidence that indicates that we do have an intentionally set fire," said state Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado. "So we believe that we may be looking at a criminal act here."
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was sending in a team to help investigate, Maldonado said. He did not give details on how the fire may have been set or whether there was a suspect, but said there were security cameras on the premises.
State officials said they hoped the Greek Revival-style mansion had not been destroyed, but the damage clearly was extensive.
"It is bordering on catastrophic. The roof has not yet collapsed. The structure is still intact," said Allison Castle, a Perry spokeswoman.
However, the roof had buckled in places and the building was blackened, including parts of the six 29-foot columns standing at the front. In some places, white paint had burned away to reveal the original color of the brick.
"They built them pretty sturdy back then," Black said. "Nonetheless, it's taken quite a beating this morning."
Black said some interior ornamentation was damaged beyond repair. Two white front porch swings appeared to be unscathed.
The mansion is a national historic landmark.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
ping.
bkmark for later. thanks
I am very sad about this.
Me too, Ditter. Are you in Austin? I’m going there next Thursday and will try to drive by the mansion if time allows.
This makes me sick. I can’t imagine why anyone would do this to a historic landmark.
Because W used to live there?
Someone needs to find out where Willie Jessop was at the time the fire was started...
Find out if the perp. hates Bush. If so, proceed to prosecute as a hate crime. Liberals can't have it both ways.
Maybe Perry can outsource the rebuilding to some company in Spain; seeing as they will be here already working on the TTC.
Gabz, I am thinking of a tag line, how about “The nose knows”?
I got a small look at the damage on yahoo..It sounds bad..I hope you get a look.
I am,too.
Governor Perry says that the LDS group should move somewhere else and they must have gotten offended.
Plano, TX: "Officials lay bricks in symbolic start for Muslim center" Dallas Morning News
PLANO – The Ismaili Muslim community announced Tuesday that it is building a $6.5 million worship and community center in Plano, where it has found a warm welcome.
Gov. Rick Perry flew in to lay the first ceremonial brick for the center's foundation. It was a symbolic gesture since the site for the new center will be a few miles northeast of the Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, where the foundation ceremony was held.
The governor, who is friends with the Ismaili Muslims' spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, said he was honored to participate.
Ditter, I read about your nose on another thread. You would be a very handy person to have around. It’s been years since I went to the mansion and I’ve always thought the exterior is gorgeous. Not sure if I will be able to get a look this week but I have to admit I’m curious and I know it will sadden me.
Sorry. I’m having to do this in 2 posts. Texas...the Governor probably has many enemies for whatever reasons. Not to mention the walking disturbed. It may even turn out as accidental. Let’s just wait and see what the investigation turns up, ok?
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