This article from the Austin American Statesman notes that Federal stimulus money has been secured to finalize the restoration of the Governor's Mansion. I'll let the article speak to the details. Almost as interesting, however, are the comments posted at the end of the article. Even with this building, you will see caustic commentary to the effect that fixing the mansion is a waste of taxpayer money. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it's just that I thought that this project would be as close as we get to one that could be immune to such complaints.
The comment I find the most concerning, however, was posted by CommonCents on 5/23. In it, a plea is made to discard the historic concerns and construct the building to "...the highest of LEED Green building certifications." I point this out because I am convinced that we are only just beginning to see the coming struggle between the value of historic integrity and what some will view as the social responsibility of sustainable practices. Supporters of sustainable design are clearly ready to match supporters of historic preservation, passion for passion, blow for blow. I have already experienced this first hand.
While I remain convinced that these issues are not mutually exclusive, I forsee a time in the near future where the arguements will obscure the common ground that we should be seeking.
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