Hasta La Ideas

The still under construction George W. Bush Presidential Library at Southern Methodist University in Texas is going dark for a little while, with the last tour being given before its planned opening in early 2013. D Magazine was on hand for this recent and final middle-of-building tour, held to commemorate when the “building’s topmost steel beam [was] hoisted into place.” The tour leader was none other than the architect behind the project, Robert A.M. Stern, the Yale dean who landed the commission way, way back in 2007. Saying that he’s enjoyed the multi-year process, he reportedly showed off all the various bits and pieces of the large space, which grew by two-thirds from its originally-planned size back in 2009. Both President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were also on hand, clapping along with the crowd as the top beam was delivered to its permanent new home. D notes that the former President made note that “he likes the fact that Manhattan Construction is putting up the Center” because they had also served as the construction company behind the Texas Ranger’s ballpark (the baseball team which Bush was a one-time part owner of).

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