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79R15337 MAM-D
By: Keel 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.