Texas Governor’s Mansion Almost Back in Business

Restoration of the fire-damaged Texas Governor’s Mansion is nearing completion with the return of pieces of the building’s historic furniture collection.

Gov. Rick Perry’s office said Wednesday the first phase of a move-in had started after years of restoration work. The furniture was removed for a building makeover in 2007 before an arson fire nearly destroyed the mansion in 2008.

The collection includes state-owned antiques from the earliest dates in Texas history, including the bed used by Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin’s writing desk.

Perry’s office says the governor and his family are expected to move back into the mansion in late July when the $25 million project is complete.

No arrest has been made in the fire despite a $50,000 reward from the Texas Department of Public Safety.