The Heart of Bexar County

FOREWORD
For the last 17 years, as a consultant and then director of the Bexar County Heritage Department,
I have devoted a large part of my time to the restoration of our courthouse. I was educated, trained
and prepared for the job, but I could not have succeeded without Nelson and Tracy’s tenacity and
determination to meet all challenges to complete the work.
And it was not easy. I was threatened with contempt by a few of the Civil District Judges when
they did not like some of our decisions. Nelson stood up to defend me and pushed the projects
forward. When the projects were concluded, these same judges who previously criticized me
then complimented our work. We have won 23 awards for design, construction, and restoration of
the courthouse.
Together Nelson and Tracy have creative ideas, a can do/why not attitude, a strategic political
barometer; an internal gyroscope that unfailing directs them to do the right thing. It has been an
honor, challenging, and fun working with them. I have been blessed professionally and personally
to be on their team.
We are all our best when our best is expected of us. We gave it our best and have restored San
Antonio’s greatest historical structure. For generations to come our citizens of all ages, backgrounds,
and beliefs will be proud of our county’s heritage when they come to see this magnificent building
that represents Bexar County.
Betty Bueche, 2018
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