The Old Gainesville Depot, built in 1860 to serve the Florida railroad, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1996, and in 2012 was restored for use as a museum, vistors' center and restaurant. The restoration spearheaded by Coley Pitt of West Contruction Inc. with the help of Goodwin Company earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
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The Old Gainesville Depot, built in 1860 to serve the Florida railroad, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1996, and in 2012 was restored for use as a museum, vistors' center and restaurant. The restoration spearheaded by Coley Pitt of West Contruction Inc. with the help of Goodwin Company earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Because historical accuracy was a must, Goodwin Company provided antique heart pine, cut more than 125 years ago, for the interior walls and floors. The project also required extensive exterior decking siding and stairs for the two boarding platforms. Goodwin worked with private plantation owners to hand-select lightning-struck old-growth longleaf pine to ensure historical accuracy.
Goodwin took care to use the same milling style used in the original structure, replicating paneling, decking, and other elements to the exact specifications used in the original 1800s design. The exterior of the building was then painted a bright orange, which lab tests found to be the color circa 1910, the building's last extensive renovation.
"Goodwin is proud to provide such an important commodity for this historically accurate 'green' renovation," says Carol Goodwin, CR, MCR and president of Goodwin Company. "Authenticity in preserving our country's rich history is important. We hope the model used for the Depot will be replicated with other historic rehabilitation projects across the U.S."
The painted walls are original wood while the natural-finished walls and floor were provided by Goodwin Company.
Decking and handrail restored with reclaimed wood. (Photos courtesy Goodwin Company)
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