What to Do With the ‘White Mansion’ On Buffalo Gap Road? I’ve Got 5 Ideas

I'd venture to say almost everyone I know in Abilene has driven past that massive white house on Buffalo Gap Road. Most Abilenians simply call it "the white mansion". Although there have been plans considered here and there for a remodel, I've always known it to be completely vacant. Seems like such a waste. From what I've seen, it was once a gorgeous home.

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The mansion was built by Peter and Pat Kasimir in 1983. They were also the owners of the Royal Inn Hotel. Although many think the home was patterned after The White House in Washington, D.C., it was completely designed by the Kasimirs.

What if some life returned to this decaying building? It's so disappointing to see it just sitting there when the beauty of that property could be revitalized. But what should it be? I've been thinking about that very question for a while. If the current owners are looking for ideas, I've come up with a short list that could benefit the community.

LOOK: WHAT TO DO WITH THE 'WHITE MANSION' ON BUFFALO GAP ROAD? I'VE GOT 5 IDEAS

Upscale Dining Complete With Valet Parking

If the zoning laws could be worked out, a 5-star restaurant in Abilene facing Buffalo Gap Road would spell elegance in my book. I can imagine the name now: La Maison Blanche. That's Italian for "The White House".

Art Gallery

Abilene has many local artists who would love to showcase their work in this historic area home.

Women's and Children's Shelter

Abilene has great organizations in place but unfortunately, the needs grow and continue.

Museum or Science Spectrum

Abilene has terrific museums, but there is so much more history about this region that could be told and displayed. I'm willing to bet that science nerds would love a type of facility where science could be not only taught but shown. I've visited the Science Spectrum in Lubbock many times and loved it.

Upscale Apartment Homes

Imagine the elegance of having your home inside a restored mansion. It's a pretty cool thought.

Maybe you're thinking, "Brad, where's all the money going to come from to do all this?" Well, as much as I'd like to have a bank account that large, these are only thoughts and ideas, my imagination at work. Maybe in the near future, Abilenians will see this building restored. In the meantime, it remains a classic structure at which we glance while cruising down Buffalo Gap.

Another building in Abilene we all know and love is the Paramount Theatre. It has a history stretching back a long time.