4141 is home

President George H.W. Bush's beloved train treks to new permanent Texas home

In December 2018, hundreds of Texans lined the railroad near W. Hardy Toll Road to salute the historic Union Pacific No. 4141 Engine, a locomotive painted to match Air Force One. The blue and white carrier led the funeral train of President George H.W. Bush as it traveled to College Station, en route to the 41st president’s final resting place next to wife Barbara Bush.

Now, the historic locomotive will have a permanent home, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents announced. On February 4, the board approved a $1 per-year lease, which allots two acres to expand the grounds of the museum.

That space will eventually house an exhibit area for the 4141 locomotive, as well as a Marine One helicopter.

These two additions are part of a multi-million dollar expansion being planned by the George & Barbara Bush Presidential Foundation, according to a release. In 2019, Union Pacific announced it would donate the locomotive to the museum. The railroad had surprised Bush in 2005 by painting it to resemble Air Force One in connection with a train exhibit.

Former CEO of Union Pacific Dick Davidson is credited for being instrumental in creating No. 4141 and for jump-starting the fundraising for the museum expansion, a release notes.

Foundation officials note that the goal is to complete the project by 2024 to honor Bush’s 100th birthday. They also note that plans for the locomotive arrival have been stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to security precautions, the arrival date will not be publicly announced.

In 2005, Bush said that if No. 4141 Engine had been around during his presidency, “I might have left Air Force One behind.” Bush (or “41” as he was affectionately known in Houston) had recalled fond memories of riding and sleeping on trains as a boy.

Trains also carried Bush to his service as a naval pilot in World War II and back home. They became an unofficial symbol of his presidential campaign in 1988 and 1992 in themed “whistle stop” events.

“It is fitting this significant piece of history will now make its permanent home at the Bush Center at Texas A&M,” said Max Angerholzer, CEO, George & Barbara Bush Foundation, in a statement. “The train meant the world to President Bush. We are grateful to the entire Union Pacific team, especially Chairman and CEO Lance Fritz, for this special gift.”

Bush (or "41" as he was affectionately known) had a deep love for the train.

President George HW Bush Barbara Bush Train 4141 procession

Photo courtesy of Union Pacific

Bush (or "41" as he was affectionately known) had a deep love for the train.

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Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Marriott

House of Toro is the new chophouse at The Ricardo Marriott.

A longtime Westlake luxury hotel is ready to unveil a major renovation and rebrand to the public: The former Marriott Westlake has reopened as The Ricardo Marriott, named for famed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the original designer of the hotel and its surrounding Solana Plaza.

According to a release, the 293-room property near DFW Airport recent underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included several new dining concepts and social spaces, along with new design elements, guest room refurbishments, and a pool refresh.

Dallas-based Coury Hospitality led the overhaul of the Marriott, Bonvoy Collection hotel.

"The Ricardo Marriott represents an exciting new chapter for this property,” said Andrew Casperson, President of Coury Hospitality, in a statement. “This transformation goes beyond a renovation. It reflects an intentional effort to honor the building’s architectural significance while introducing a renewed identity that is bold, design-driven, and reflective of Westlake’s evolving character.”

The renovations aimed to honor and augment Legorreta's original, 1987 design for the building and its campus, featuring his signature bold geometry and vibrant colors. (Legorreta's other well-known local building is the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which features similarly striking colors and shapes.)

"Legorreta’s architecture anchors the experience, creating a strong sense of arrival, while refreshed interiors introduce layered materials, contemporary furnishings and curated color that elevate the guest journey," says the release.

The centerpiece of the renovation are the food and beverage offerings:

A new restaurant called House of Toro Chophouse & Patio serves as the hotel’s signature chophouse.
Black Pearl Lounge offers cocktails, light bites, and tableside caviar service.
Solana Lounge & Kitchen provides all-day dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Café31 offers Lavazza coffees, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go options.

The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of updated meeting and event space, along with outdoor areas and a new-and-improved pool. The spaces are designed to accommodate a range of uses, from corporate meetings to weddings and social events, the release says.

The Ricardo Marriott is now open and welcoming guests, at 1301 Solana Boulevard, Building 3, Westlake.

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