operational efficiency will be improved and visitors of all ages and walks of life will have a quality, satisfying experience as they learn about the fascinating history of Texas, the city of Austin, and The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. By doing so, we will better meet our mission to perpetuate the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas. The French Legation Museum and grounds are centrally located in downtown Austin, immediately on the east side of Interstate Highway 35, accessible by a main downtown artery, E. 7th Street. It is easy to find by visitors, and is an area where we can easily construct a new facility, the Republic of Texas History Center, on land yet to be acquired, immediately adjacent to the French Legation on San Marcos Street. By moving our operations to this area, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas will become more efficient, more accessible, and more sophisticated overall. While we do have an initial architectural rendering of the proposed Center by Tom Hatch of Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects, Austin, we continue to revise and fine-tune the original floor plan. We are working closely with the Texas Historical Commission and the Heritage Society of Austin to ensure the new Center is properly situated and does not conflict with the historic nature of the French Legation site and historic homestead – which is the oldest structure remaining in Austin. The design will be 16,000 square feet in size (3 floors), and references the French Legation Museum building and the historic East Austin neighborhood nearby. The new Center is meant to compliment them from an architectural standpoint. This basic premise guides a Vision for the 21st Century. The new Center will also be a “green” building in keeping with environmental concerns of our state and nation today. The building we currently occupy in North Austin – containing the Republic of Texas Museum and the business offices of our organization – will eventually be sold and the proceeds applied to the Republic of Texas History Complex campaign budget.
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