The Los Laureles Ranch House project is expected to be complete by the end of 2015. It will serve as a museum to interpret the history of south Texas ranching families and community-use building for special events during the day or evening. The wraparound porch provides shade and protection from rain all year round. Because it sits well above the ground, visitor's are given a wider vantage point for views of the park.
You might recall when the house arrived from Los Laureles (King Ranch) and sat for a period of time it sparked controversy from a few well-meaning but very misinformed individuals. Check this blog for the most accurate information and updates on Los Laureles Ranch House.
The house did not originally have brick porch steps and air conditioning. A significant amount of attention is being paid to it's reconstruction, design, purpose and overall functionality. Original cedar roof shingles have been replaced with modern long-lasting and durable asphalt roofing shingles.
A 1930's aerial photo of Los Laureles shows the original ranch house with added structures surrounding it. The house was built c1852. The house is being restored as close to it's original form when it was a stand alone house in the 1850s. Charles Stillman did not spend as much time as other families that lived there after the 1860s.
Here's a closer look.
The house and surrounding buildings will be painted in blue with green ceilings and white trim.
Ricardo Carlos and Pedro are installing original shutters found by chance in San Antonio while Larry Lof was visiting that city. Hinge hardware was purchased online from antique restoration supply stores.
Overview sketch of ranch house to show landscape pattern which allows for functionality and beauty. Sketches by Alexander Stillman.
The trees to be planted within the fencing surrounding the ranch house will include Goldenrain trees, jacaranda, royal poinsettia, pecan and laurel (two of each). When these trees mature they will add lively color to the surroundings.
Miniature storage and stable building (bell housing not included in sketch)
The storage building will hold gardening tools and artificial horses. Bell installation photos courtesy of Oscar and Ana Duran.
The bell will be an implement that can be rung and heard throughout the park. The rope will hang low enough for small children to ring it unassisted.
Restrooms will be separate from the ranch just like outhouses would have been and will be ADA compliant. The rectangular design will allow user to use commode on one end and sink on other. The sink will be baseless so users with wheelchairs can have easy access to it.
The aim (purpose) is to have easily accessible restrooms at the park. The only recourse at present is for park visitors to use the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts restrooms. Hopefully this will work out as a feasible solution to that problem.
Thank you for your interest. Please share this information with anyone who may want to have an update on Los Laureles and please check Bronsbil Estacion blog for more updates on this and other news happening in Brownsville, Texas. Photo courtesy of Gilbert Velasquez.
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