Bush library plans unveiled

DALLAS (KXAN) - Former First Lady Laura Bush chaired the design committee and unveiled the plans on Wednesday for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the Southern Methodist University campus. She was joined by architect Robert A. M. Stern.

The building will be modern brick and limestone, similar to the American-Georgian architecture of other structures on the university campus. The landscape calls for plenty of Texas wildflowers.

Inside, visitors will see a replica of the George W. Bush Oval Office. However, Mrs. Bush said the Center will not be a monument to the former president.

The entrance will feature a large open space called Freedom Hall with an exhibit space and a ceremonial courtyard. The 225,000 square-foot building will also include classrooms and an auditorium.

The architect said the Center will also be environmentally friendly with solar panels and recycled materials.

The price tag tallies around $250 million.