DALLAS (November 18, 2009)-- Former First Lady Laura Bush Wednesday unveiled the design of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which will be constructed on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

The design calls for a modern brick and limestone building compatible with the American Georgian architecture of the SMU campus and will be set amid a landscape of Texas wildflowers and prairie.

The architect, Robert A. M. Stern, joined Laura Bush at the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday.

The center will include a replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during the Bush administration, as well as a rose garden similar in scale and proportion to the White House Rose Garden.

Visitors will enter the center through a large open space called Freedom Hall, which will feature an exhibit space, a ceremonial courtyard and a cafe.

Mrs. Bush chaired the design committee.

"The building and landscape evoke elements of the full span of George and Laura Bush's life and service, from their ranch in Crawford to the White House, and help us share the story of a couple committed to public service based on the core principles of freedom, opportunity, responsibility and compassion," said Mark Langdale, President of the George W. Bush Foundation.