The State Preservation Board has quietly shelved plans for a controversial addition to the Texas Governor’s Mansion. The Austin American-Statesman reports that John Sneed, executive director of the State Preservation Board, issued a brief written statement that the proposed addition “has been withdrawn from further consideration.”

The proposal to construct a 3,000-square-foot addition to the 9,000-square-foot National Historic Landmark mansion sparked intense opposition. The Preservation Board’s announcement does not necessarily mean the project has been halted. An altered version of the addition could be brought back for consideration.

Preservation Board representatives have not been available for further comment. The statement was released Friday night after state offices had closed; Monday was a state holiday.

For background information on the controversy, see GHPA's continuing coverage of the issue.

Thanks to all the GHPA members who contacted the Governor’s Office and the State Preservation Board regarding this issue. GHPA will provide its members with additional information as it comes available.

Photo: Texas Governor's Mansion before the 2008 fire (flickr: mhowry / license)