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                                                                  H.R. No. 1553



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Architects Robert Jackson and Michael McElhaney of 
Austin received a prestigious honor when their design of the Warren 
Skaaren Environmental Learning Center (ELC) at Westcave Preserve 
received the Award of Excellence at the National American Institute 
of Architects/Committee on Architecture for Education Conference 
in Washington, D.C., on February 9, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Awarded by an established group of architects, 
professionals, and educators concerned with the design of 
educational facilities, the award considers three criteria in its 
selection: a design's integration of form and function, its 
enhancement of the client's educational program, and its 
collaborative and educational support of the school community and 
its students; and
	WHEREAS, Owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority and 
operated by the nonprofit Westcave Preserve Corporation, the ELC is 
a learning center located in western Travis County at the Westcave 
Preserve, which hosts public programs and sponsors integrated 
exhibits demonstrating the relationships between living things and 
their environments; and
	WHEREAS, The 30-acre natural preserve is a unique 
geographical environment and home to a number of plant and animal 
species, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler; to 
respect this delicate habitat, the award-winning design team 
created a facility using sustainable materials, including recycled 
steel, rainwater collection, and a concrete floor made of recycled 
power plant fly-ash content; the 3,000-square-foot building serves 
as a visitors center, a classroom facility, and a gateway to the 
nature preserve; and
	WHEREAS, Shaping our environment while respecting existing, 
natural surroundings requires an acute sensitivity to the way 
living systems thrive; Mr. Jackson's and Mr. McElhaney's design 
respects the client's needs and maintains a happy relationship 
between the natural and man-made worlds, and it is a pleasure to 
join their peers in recognizing this extraordinary work; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Jackson & McElhaney Architects for 
the award-winning design of the Warren Skaaren Environmental 
Learning Center at Westcave Preserve and extend to these talented 
architects sincere best wishes for continued professional success 
and achievement; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Jackson and Mr. McElhaney as an expression of high 
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                            Keel

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1553 was adopted by the House on May 
20, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House