LA GRANGE— The historic Kreische House, located within Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Site, will be entering the next project phase of preservation efforts as a comprehensive condition assessment nears completion. The assessment included studies with extensive testing and analysis to gauge the integrity of the structure and to identify public access concerns before major restoration work gets underway.

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) has worked closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in seeking the funding for the project.

“The Kreische House is part of a very significant historic site, and the state’s objective is to protect it for future generations,” said Senator Kolkhorst.  “My office is confident that TPWD will make these repairs soon and I am encouraged by the recent planning and progress. The deferred maintenance, such as what is needed at the Kreische House, is a challenge facing many of our parks and historic sites across the state. That’s why this session I have filed a constitutional amendment, which if passed, will deliver a new and steady method to fund these Texas treasures.”

The comprehensive condition assessment is expected to be completed by early summer with construction of the new roof beginning soon after. The roof replacement project for the Kreische house and a small smokehouse on the property is projected to be complete by the end of the year.

“Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery is indeed hallowed ground and an important chapter in Texas history,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “The comprehensive assessment is a critical step to help us understand and prioritize the next steps to preserve the site and continue to tell this important story.  The roof project that we are about to begin will help protect the Kreische house for future generations to enjoy. “

Elements of the roof replacement project include the installation of a new fire-retardant cedar shake roof, site drainage diversion, replacement of exterior wood rot throughout the structure and rebuilding of wooden dormers.  These preservation efforts will help the buildings keep their historical context for future generations to experience.

For more information about Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Site, visit the TPWD website.