Safe Zone 1 - Texas Capitol Building

Formerly known as the Texas State Capitol Building, Safe Zone 1 is a secure zone in Downtown Austin that screens, processes and then ships refugees to safe zones designated as refugee centers.

History
First built in 1888, the Texas State Capitol Building formerly contained the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. In 1993 a $75 million underground expansion was added.

In 1983, a fire severely damaged a lot of files contained in the east wing, almost destroying the structure of the building. During the ten years it took to restore it, a decision was made to build a four-story expansion beneath the building. Though the underground expansion covers twice the floor area (667,000 sq. feet) as the original building did, little evidence of it can be seen from the outside.

Current Use
The Texas State Capitol Building and some surrounding area is designated as Safe Zone 1. Around 22 acres of land, tall chain link fences have been erected. Patrolling, stationed at quickly assembled watchtowers, and performing duties within are the Texas National Guard. High ranking military and government officials reside here and provide information, instructions and supplies to the other safe zones.

Layout


The primary building is the central capitol building itself(1), acting as a headquarters. The underground expansion is where most who remain in the safe zone sleep. In the south is the Texas Governor's Mansion(2) which is used as lodging for top-level officials and their families. The roads that exit to the south are barricaded and heavily guarded, with two check posts to allow admittance or to reroute refugees. Further east is the Visitors Center(3) which has been reformed into a tightly, heavily guarded jail. The Senate Research Center(4) is still being operated at a minimum work rate, doing various studies to keep Austin's population and supplies in check.

The main access point is the road that exits to the north. This is the most guarded point, and workstations have been assembled to thoroughly check anyone who wants to get in, though those who do are often already known by name. The building that host the Supreme Court of Texas(5) has been remodeled into a medical supply/hospital. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice(6) has a stock of pistols, shotguns and rifles that have been inventoried and are now in use by the Texas National Guard.