Texas Ranger Museum

Status as of:

• May 5, 2008 - The City Council Council approved the draft concept for the project and granted permission to proceed with detailed design and cost estimates so as to prepare a bid package.
• April 1, 2008 – Architects for the project, George Jezek of Wallace Group, have submitted second-draft floor plans with an elevation. Several features that are not immediately evident bear comment:
• Wrap-around windows extend down the river-side wall to the front of the building
• Floor space increases from 8,900 sq. ft. to 12,760 sq. ft. and capacity rises from about 500 to ~750
• The antique bar will be relocated and built-in to the rear of the hall

After City Council approves this concept after a presentation planned on May 6, 2008, the interior details, fixtures, furniture and equipment will be specified. Catering advisory people will be asked to review the kitchen equipment.  
At that point a cost review will occur and any modifications will be made to fit the project within budget. Plans and bid documents will then be drawn up and we will bid the project to determine whether it remains within budget.

The Wallace Group (Waco, Dallas, Round Rock, and Killeen) was selected as architects for the remodel on December 4, 2007. Wallace has completed preliminary plans to be submitted to the Waco City Council on May 6th. The illustration at the top of this page shows the proposed new main entrance with the same orientation as the present banquet hall. Please note the proposed green metal roof and arched windows.

The illustration above shows the proposed floor plan---the bottom of the illustration faces the Brazos River and the left side is the current entrance. Restrooms have been enlarged and moved to the back of the hall. An airlock has been placed at the front "Entry" to shield the interior from wind and inclement weather. Floor space has expanded from 8,900 sq ft to 12,760 sq ft and capacity has expanded from ~500 persons to 700+ persons. Windows stretch from the Riverside around the front improving the views of the park and riverfront. All of the kitchen and storage facilities have been moved outside of the current building footprint.

The illustration above shows the proposed view from the river towards Knox Center. The entrance is at the left. Currently this face of the building is a solid wall. Everything left of the red line is new construction.

This work has been done with the advice of a committee of caterers, clients, board members and experts from the Waco Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Its realization will depend upon the bidding; the budget will be adjusted accordingly.

• December 4, 2007 – Wallace Group (Waco, Dallas, Round Rock and Killeen) was named project architects.