To kick off the celebration of National Preservation Month this May, Historic Mesquite Inc. has unveiled its restoration plans for the legendary Lawrence home.

The centerpiece of Opal Lawrence Historical Park, the Lawrence house is celebrating its 150th year.

The $500,000 restoration project includes repairs to siding and window casings, roof and chimney along with full exterior painting.

Opal Lawrence Historical Park gives a glimpse into the agricultural lifestyle of one of Mesquite’s earliest families. The Lawrence house is considered to be a prime example of Texas prairie vernacular styling. It was built in 1874, expanded significantly in 1882 and features painted ceilings with unique designs.

The 13-acre park includes a smokehouse, brick-lined root cellar, wash house, large livestock barn, mule barn, nature trail and spacious grounds.

The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, and is recognized as a Century Family Farm by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Tour times at Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St., are 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.HistoricMesquite.org or call 972-216-6468.

About Historic Mesquite, Inc.

Historic Mesquite Inc. (HMI) is dedicated to the preservation of historical sites and artifacts relating to the City of Mesquite. HMI identifies and maintains historical structures and makes information and education available to the public, including tours of its facilities. For more information, visit www.HistoricMesquite.org.

About National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states. For more information, visit www.SavingPlaces.org.