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Jun 11, 2008 1:30 pm US/Central
Perry Heartbroken Over Charred Governor's Mansion
AUSTIN (AP) ―
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View of the Governor's Mansion, second floor view to the east from the top of the grand staircase.
Texas Governor's Office
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday he's heartbroken over the burned Governor's Mansion and vowed the 152-year-old landmark where he raised his children will be rebuilt.
"Whatever it costs, we will find the resources to do that," Perry said, speaking publicly for the first time since the fire destroyed much of the home in an early morning Sunday fire. Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers mingled around the mansion behind Perry, still investigating the fire believed to be arson.
Perry had been out of the country since the fire left the home charred and partially collapsed. He returned late Tuesday night and went straight to the house, which sits across from the Texas Capitol.
He seemed sentimental as he talked about Christmas decorations and parties at the mansion and the generations of children who have slid down the banister and played in the yard.
"As a Texan I'm angry. I'm angry that part of our state's heritage has been attacked," he said. "As governor, I'm saddened that a place that my family has called home, that our children literally grew up in, has been so badly damaged."
But he said no matter the costs, he was committed to restoring the mansion. Texas first lady Anita Perry will likely lead the restoration effort, he said.
"As the current governor of this great state I'm committed to making sure that this tragedy will be but a small mark on the timeline of our state's most remarkable history," he said. "We'll restore this house. We'll renew this property. We'll rebuild this magnificent structure so that future generations can stand where we stand today in awe of an extraordinary history of a powerful and interesting tradition of Texas independence and freedom."
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from the night of the fire and believe they have identified a person of interest in some of the footage. The mansion was surrounded by Department of Public Safety troopers when the fire broke out. Perry refused to discuss details of the investigation.
Asked if some of the security cameras were not operational at the time of the fire, as reported Wednesday by the Austin American-Statesman, Perry said "until this criminal investigation is brought to the point in time where we can talk about what was working and where it was working or whether there was something that was inoperable, it's just inappropriate for me to make those statements."
A day earlier, Perry's office released photos from the inside of the mansion that showed just how extensive the damage was: collapsed ceilings, a charred staircase and scorched walls were covered with black soot.
Perry spokesman Robert Black said standing water had been removed to prevent further damage to the mansion's foundation, but efforts had not yet been made to dry the floors.
While restoration experts had not yet been allowed inside the mansion to assess the damage, Perry said he believed the house is "salvageable."
Perry said some of the money to rebuild the mansion may be raised from private sources.
An official with the National Trust for Historic Preservation also offered to help the rebuilding effort.
"I am confident that the remarkable energy of Texans will be directed to the complete restoration of this irreplaceable landmark -- and to that end, the National Trust is ready to lend all possible assistance to our partners" in Texas, said Richard Moe, president of the Washington-based preservation group. "This is a place that truly matters -- not only to Texas but to America -- and we'll work together to raise it from the ashes."
Also Wednesday, The Heritage Society of Austin announced a special 'Save the Mansion Fund' to receive public donations. Call 512-474-5198 for more information.
"We have heard from numerous citizens who are heartsick over the tragic destruction of this beloved structure and who want to see it restored to its traditional glory," said John Donisi, the group's president.
The Perrys had moved out of the mansion last fall for a renovation project estimated to cost $10 million. Antique furniture and other relics had been placed in storage.
Besides a sprinkler system, the renovation project was to include new plumbing, lead paint abatement and restored windows and shutters. It was to have been completed by next spring.
Inside, paint and wallpaper had been stripped from the interior walls and experts had begun efforts to preserve the home's ornate crown molding. Massive plumbing repairs inside the house had not been completed.
The two-story Greek Revival style house has been the official home of every Texas governor since it was completed in 1856, including Sam Houston and George W. Bush.
"I think if most Texans are like me ... they want the individual that did this brought to justice," Perry said "and they want that house in all of its glory brought back, so that when a visitor from another state, or a visitor from another country drives by this mansion, they understand the powerful story of Texas."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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