The master plan, almost everyone seemed to agree, was breathtaking.

With an anxious crowd representing Fannin County looking on, Dr. Don Carleton, executive director of the Dolph Briscoe Center For American History and Dr. Patrick Cox, associate director at the Center, unveiled initial plans for a stunning new 6,000 square foot Sam Rayburn Annex that will replace the existing structure just north of the Sam Rayburn Library Museum and a master plan that includes redesigning the front plaza of the library to enhance the stately structure's visibility and appearance.

Dr. Don Carleton

David Peeler, project manager from the University of Texas, and David Chase, lead architect from Architexas, the largest preservation-based architecture firm in Texas, were pleased by the enthusiastic reception Fannin County residents gave this project at the official unveiling Monday evening.

H.G. Dulaney, the Ector resident that Speaker Sam Rayburn sent back home from Washington, D.C. to establish this historic library in 1957, was certain this concept would have appealed to Mr. Rayburn as well.

The master plan calls for replacing the original circle drive that once allowed visitors to be dropped off at the front door of the library, in addition to redesigning the front plaza so that nothing except the statue of Speaker Rayburn and two flagpoles are visible on the front lawn.

"That's what Mr. Rayburn would have wanted," Mr. Dulaney stated.  "He wouldn't have wanted anything to block the view of his library."

H.G. Dulaney and Dr. Patrick Cox look over the new plans.

The audience embraced a return to the original vision for the front of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, but it was the first glimpse of the structure that will replace the rather inconspicuous 1,500 square foot brick annex currently behind the library that created a buzz in the room.

One of the challenges of this particular project was to design a larger structure that would not compete in any way with the neo-classic marble library.  The architects came through with flying colors. 

Architexas lead architect David Chase looks on as Dr. Don Carleton answers questions following the presentation.

The new annex will be a 6,000 square foot contemporary glass structure that will illuminate a redesigned courtyard behind the library during nighttime events.  The two structures would seem to compliment each other in style and function.  The annex will feature a 100-seat auditorium specifically designed for intimate lectures, the viewing of documentary films and historical presentations.

Artist's concept of the Sam Rayburn Annex at night.

Architexas representatives David Chase and Felicia Santiago detailed many of the changes in the works.  Traffic bound for the Sam Rayburn Library Museum will still exit West Sam Rayburn Drive at the same location, but drivers will be able to circle the statue of Mr. Rayburn and drop off passengers at the front steps of the library.

The historic anchor now located on the southeast corner of the library will be moved to the northeast corner where it will be part of the rear courtyard.  Outdoor events can be held in the courtyard and a rainwater harvesting tank to store irrigation water will also be located in this area.

In addition to the 100-seat auditorium, the new annex will house staff offices, allow for additional storage space for exhibits and records.  Exhibit preparation areas and restrooms will also be located in the annex.  There is also an interesting and very accommodating plan to connect the basements of the annex and library.

Artist's concept of the courtyard planned for between the Sam Rayburn Annex and the Sam Rayburn Library Museum

The target price for this ambitious project is $1.5 million.  Estimates are that it will require two years to finalize plans and then go through the bidding process before breaking ground. 

"This is a great occasion for Bonham," remarked Dr. Carleton. 

Dr. Carleton also explained a bit of common ground between the Sam Rayburn Library and the Center for American History at the University of Texas---former Texas governor Dolph Briscoe has been an ardent supporter of the Center for American History and he admired Sam Rayburn's career in public service.  Governor Briscoe recently bestowed a 15,000,000 endowment upon the Center for American History and the decision was made to reward that generosity by renaming the organization the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

"Governor Briscoe continues to be an indispensable supporter," Dr. Carleton remarked, "and he worshipped Sam Rayburn.  It is one of the bonds that tie us---Sam Rayburn."

Carleton graciously thanked Congressman Ralph Hall for always remembering Speaker Rayburn's unique contribution to American history.

Carleton was also quick to compliment the work of Dr. Patrick Cox and his staff at Sam Rayburn Library Museum, Kim Burpo and Heather Trent. 

Dr. Patrick Cox

Dr. Cox also has administrative responsibilities for the Congressional History Collection, the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum in Bonham, the John Nance Garner Museum in Uvalde and historic preservation projects and programs at Winedale.