Gov. Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry said the Texas Governor's Mansion is fully restored
The mansion was reopened for reporters and special guests on Wednesday after it was nearly destroyed by a 2008 fire started by an unidentified arsonist.
"It's hard not to become personally invested in this place when you're living among the mementos," Gov. Rick Perry said.
Perry's family moved out in 2007 for a $10 million renovation project. Police said the fire was started after an unknown arsonist threw a Molotov cocktail onto the front porch. The historic furniture and art work collection were not damaged because they had already been removed. No one was injured.
"I think it's a great thing that Texas did choose to build it back exactly the way it was," firefighter Travis Blasingham said.
The restoration cost $25 million and took more than four years to complete.
"I think the vast majority of Texans are really proud of the rebuilding back to it grandeur of the Texas Governor's Mansion," Gov. Rick Perry said.
"I knew that this building, and what it meant to Texans, would survive," Anita Perry said.
The project includes a new roof and repairs to the exterior. Part of the restoration project focused on enhancing security, including installing a new surveillance system.
PHOTOS: Texas Governor's Mansion Fire Damage
See how badly the Texas Governor's Mansion was damaged in a four-alarm fire in June 2008.
Comments