The National Park Service is undertaking an extensive rehabilitation of the Texas White House.On August 2, 2018, the Texas White House closed due to health and safety concerns arising from structural issues. Since the Texas White House closure, the park has coordinated numerous environmental and structural investigations, mold remediation, conservation of historical artifacts, as well as a value analysis to confirm optimal solutions for the home's rehabilitation. A year-and-a-half long design process, coordinated with the Texas Historical Commission to ensure compliance with all historical regulatory requirements, also took place. The construction phase of the Texas White House Rehabilitation Project began January 2, 2024. Texas White House Rehabilitation TimelineAlthough the process takes time, the goal is to rehabilitate and restore the Texas White House and historic Hangar so these structures will be preserved and can be enjoyed for many future generations of visitors. Park staff recognize how significant the Texas White House complex is and are working to address all structural and safety concerns. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to restore access to this important site. Reopening the Texas White House to the public remains a priority. Once construction is completed the buildings will be restaged in preparation for reopening. Updated interpretive experiences, new exhibits for the Hangar, and new wayfinding signs are planned. Due to the complexity of the historic preservation and structural work needed, the project may be extended. The Big Picture: Texas White House Complex Preservation and Renovation
Texas White HouseThis was a beloved home for Lyndon Johnson and his family, and a place they returned to often during his presidency. The building needs to be stabilized, restored, and brought up to modern code requirements. Significant structural and environmental issues are being resolved. This part of the project includes updating utilities, installing a security system, conserving furnishings and wallpaper, and improving accessibility. When the Texas White House reopens it will reflect the 1960s style of the family’s home during Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. 
Hangar BuildingThe Johnson Family had many uses for the Hangar Building — airplane hangar, garage, event hall, press room, and movie theater. Like the Texas White House, the Hangar needs to be stabilized and made structurally sound. This part of the project also includes updating utilities, installing a security system, expanding restroom facilities, and improving accessibility. The NPS Visitor Center in the Hangar Building is being completely remodeled and new interpretive exhibits will engage visitors when it reopens. 
Communication TrailersThe Communication Trailers are an integral part of the cultural landscape at the Texas White House Complex. When Lyndon Johnson became president, he had a top-notch communications system installed at the ranch that was comparable to the one at the White House. Current improvements will include stabilizing the historic structures and repairing the exteriors. This will help to protect the interiors from environmental damage, such as mold and mildew. 
Klein ShopHistorically, this shop played an important role in maintaining the Texas White House and working ranch during Johnson’s presidency. The building structure is being updated and a new theater for park films will be included in the design. New exhibits will feature stories and perspectives of staff who supported the Johnson Family, including longtime maintenance supervisor Lawrence Klein for whom the shop is named. 
Secret Service Command PostThis small cottage housed the US Secret Service while they were at the LBJ Ranch. After Lyndon Johnson was catapulted into the presidency in 1963, the cottage was quickly renovated for use as a command center with a security control room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Currently, a wayside sign and the Park’s website describe the building for visitors while Park staff assess the feasibility of upcoming improvements and enhanced experiences. Rehabilitation — Behind the Scenes
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Texas White House RehabilitationThe Texas White House was built over generations as a family home. It was not constructed to withstand extreme visitation to include hundreds of thousands of visitors who flocked to enter the home during the ten years it was open to the public (2008 – 2018). On August 2, 2018, the Texas White House was closed to the public due to health and safety concerns arising from structural issues. Since the Texas White House closure, the park has coordinated numerous environmental and structural investigations, mold remediation, conservation of historical artifacts, as well as a value analysis to confirm optimal solutions for the home's rehabilitation. A year-and-a-half long design process, coordinated with the Texas Historical Commission to ensure compliance with all historical regulatory requirements, also took place. Historic preservation projects are notoriously complex. The Texas White House reflects decades of different construction techniques requiring distinct interventions with the goal of maintaining the unique historic character of the structure while ensuring the site can be enjoyed for future generations of visitors to the site. The Texas White House rehabilitation project has encountered unforeseen structural conditions at the White House and the Hangar. Project work continues; however, due to the complexity of the historic preservation and structural work needed, the project may be extended. Park staff recognize how significant this site is and are working to address the structural and safety concerns. Reopening the Texas White House to the public remains a priority. For more information about what you can do in the park visit Things To Do - Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service). We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to restore access to this important site. The National Park Service will expand virtual tour opportunities and education outreach programming, coupled with a reduction in the number of visitors able to tour the Texas White House at one time consistent with the capacity of the historic structure. New exhibits in the nearby Hangar and tours of the grounds will provide a more holistic, diversified visitor experience at the site. Although the Texas White House Complex is closed, including the Texas White House, Hangar Visitor Center, Klein Shop, and JetStar, the remainder of the LBJ Ranch is open to visitors. Visitors can pick up a free driving permit at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site that will enable them to take a self-guided driving tour of the LBJ Ranch. Ranch sites that are open to visit are the Junction School, Reconstructed Birthplace, Johnson Family Cemetery, and Showbarn. Fourteen miles east of the LBJ Ranch, in Johnson City, the National Park Visitor Center, Boyhood Home, and Johnson Settlement are also open. Although the LBJ Ranch driving tour route takes visitors past the Texas White House Complex, for the safety of staff and visitors, the area is clearly fenced and designated as an active construction site. It is not possible to park and walk the grounds of the Texas White House during the construction. Visitors are invited to take a virtual tour of the exterior and first floor of the Texas White House. Although the LBJ Ranch driving tour route takes visitors past the JetStar, it is located within the Texas White House Complex. For the safety of staff and visitors, the area is clearly fenced and designated as an active construction site. It is possible to view the JetStar from the road, but parking is not available, and for safety reasons, visitors are not permitted to stop on the road to take photographs. |
Last updated: August 23, 2025