Inquiring minds want to know...what's happening at The Texas Theatre? Why hasn’t construction started yet?

Patience, dear readers, patience. The Koehler Company and the Texas Theatre Task Force are busily engaged in a pre-construction process called "value engineering." Virtually every aspect of the complex restoration and expansion project is being evaluated for its functional contribution to the goal of opening the theatre as a performing arts center for Seguin and the region.

Once the architect, Dan Castillo AIA of SITE Design, completed all the detailed architectural plans for the restored original building, the remodeled Chamber building, and the new in-fill building connecting the two, the Koehler Company engineers began soliciting bids from a multitude of subcontractors and vendors. It soon became apparent that the original cost estimates that we had based the Capital Campaign on were sorely out-of-date. Our $2 million dollar project cost estimates came in at nearly $4 million in today's construction prices!

So it was "back to the drawing boards," so to speak. The Task Force members are determined to use your donations and contributions most wisely, so the challenge has been to find the most practical and cost-effective options to restore the theatre prudently now, leaving opportunities for further enhancements after it has opened. Some cost-saving changes will be:

• Maintain the original foot-print of the building, and not extend the rear wall or build "fly space" above the stage.
• Install pole-rigging for lighting on either side of the stage, and not build a cat-walk across the ceiling.
• Retain the original balcony chairs.
• Maintain the existing configuration of the old Chamber Building for the dressing rooms, rehearsals, office and concessions.
• Reduce the size of the connecting building.
• Reduce the number of new restrooms planned.
• Construct the seating tiers with less-costly materials.
• Use standard doors and hardware.

"We are anxious to get this project started and at the same time we want to provide a facility that everyone will be proud of. The Task Force has worked hard to make sure we do not stifle the integrity of the project and yet, get the best value for the dollars spent," said Steve Tschoepe, Task Force chairman, "It's a tough process but we are almost there."

Although the value engineering process has delayed our start, the effect will be to minimize costs while maximizing the functionality of the theatre. Structural integrity, ADA compliance for disability access and safety features will not be compromised with the cost cuts. The goal of the Conservation Society is to restore, preserve and open the theatre with the money we have now, and with the patience, understanding and generosity of our donors and supporters, we will start construction...shortly.

Seguin is a unique city with an amazing story to tell about its place in history, its architecture and its diverse culture. But sadly, many of us don't know what that story is. Seguin's new Historic Landmark Preservation Program presents an opportunity to build civic pride and a greater awareness of who we are as a community. Homes, commercial buildings, churches and sites of importance can apply for official designation of local historic significance and receive a handsome bronze medallion.

Members of the Seguin Conservation Society are encouraged to apply. If you are proud of your historic home, ranch or vintage business location, you should complete an application. Participating will help make Seguin a tourism destination while serving to create more community interest in Seguin's colorful history and architecture.

The one-page application asks for a general description and a brief history of the property. If known, you should include the name of the original owner, builder or architect, names of subsequent owners and former uses of the building. Dates are helpful, as are any anecdotes concerning the property or its owners. Photographs are appreciated. It's not difficult to go to the Guadalupe County Courthouse Recorded Deeds office and ask the helpful staff to assist you in finding the names and sale dates of all the previous owners of your home or business.

You can download an application from the Main Street page of the City of Seguin's website at www.ci.seguin.tx.us or contact Mary Jo Filip at 401-2448. There is no fee to apply. Medallions vary in cost. Let's recognize our history with lots of medallions all over town!

Hosting a monthly luncheon in a historic home is not for the faint of heart. A dedicated group of volunteers works hard to make each Moore House luncheon a delightful experience for all who attend. Can you see yourself joining the Moore House committee to handle one of the many monthly tasks? Could you give an hour or so once a month - and take the summers off?

In the days before each luncheon, could you be the one who calls HEB to reserve flower bouquets? Makes the seating chart from the reservations made at Cascades Gift Shop? Compiles the hostess list? Shops for supplies? Picks up the welcoming poster from Lone Star Printing? Sets up for the luncheon by placing tables and chairs in the correct places? Sets the tables? Arranges the flowers? Takes coolers to Tri-County A/C to fill with donated ice? Cuts up lemons and limes for tea?

On the day of the luncheon, would you come to the Moore House at 9 AM to make coffee and tea? Sweep the porches? Arrange the welcoming poster on an easel? Set up ice chests in various rooms? Count out plates to be warmed in the oven? Put dishes on tables? Cut up desserts? Serve meals from 11:00 AM until 12:30?

After each luncheon, how would you like to enjoy lunch with that day's helpers and servers? Then clear the tables and clean the Moore House kitchen. Clean the floors, empty the ice chests, and gather equipment to be picked up by All Occasions Catering. Perhaps you'd be the one to collect all the towels and aprons and take them home to wash them for the next month's luncheon.

Moore House luncheons are an important fundraiser for the Seguin Conservation Society to provide the means to maintain one of Seguin's stateliest historic homes. If any of these volunteer jobs appeal to you, please call Mary McDonald at 401-4543 and join the Moore House team.

Dear Fellow Conservationists,

2009 will be a year of change and opportunity for the Conservation Society. As you have heard, the Texas Theatre is about to start its restoration! Visit with any member of the Texas Theatre Task Force, and they will gladly share the exciting changes that are coming. Be sure to ask about the many opportunities to give of your time, talents or treasures to help make this highly-anticipated project a success.

Serving times for the monthly Moore House luncheons have changed. Lunches are now served at 11 AM and 12 PM. With this change comes a wonderful opportunity for you to participate in a long-standing Seguin tradition. Contact Mary McDonald at 401-4543 if you are able to serve as a volunteer at one of the Moore House luncheons.

The Seguin birthday party is also changing. We will continue to celebrate in August, but the format will no longer include the BBQ supper. Instead, we will have an ice cream social prior to our annual membership meeting. Contact Audra Schulz at 372-0149 to help with the birthday celebration.

These positive changes will fuel us to make Seguin a better place to live and work, and don't we all want to be a part of that? And if you have not sent in your membership renewal, I urge you to do that this month and be a part of the Seguin Conservation Society.

Preserving Seguin Together,
Cristin Ledbetter, President