Historic Renovation Receives “Green” Restoration Accolades 2

Gainesville Depot Recognized

by Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc.

(GAINESVILLE, FL) — One of the City of Gainesville’s oldest, most cherished buildings – the historic Gainesville Depot – will receive an “Outstanding” recognition in the Restoration/Rehabilitation category at the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. (FTHP) annual awards ceremony.  The event, scheduled for May 17th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, will be held at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College.

Nationally acclaimed architect Bert Bender of Bender and Associates Architects, P.A., best known for his work on Key West landmarks such as the Custom House, developed the “green” design to rehabilitate the 1860s era train depot to its original splendor.  Superintendent Coley Pitt of West Construction, Inc. spearheaded the construction efforts, utilizing Goodwin Company’s world-renowned reclaimed longleaf heart pine wood throughout the building.

Antique Heart Pine for historic interior restoration requires reclaimed wood cut from America’s virgin forest over 125 years ago. Proper kiln drying, established grading and precision milling are imperative. Goodwin Company’s specialty in fine antique wood was a perfect fit for the interior reconstruction.

The project also required extensive exterior decking, siding and stairs. George Goodwin, founder of Goodwin Company, drew on his close relationships with private plantation owners, enabling him to hand select lightning struck old-growth Longleaf pine to ensure historical accuracy.

“Goodwin was a critical component of the project, identifying various woods to ensure an accurate restoration,” explains Pitt. “In my 50 plus years of experience, I have never worked with a supplier that brought the total commitment to service, quality, accuracy, the environment, and the budget that Goodwin Company brought to this project.”

Goodwin Company adapted 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 Depot was restored to the Department of Interior standards and will receive the LEED-Gold certification (Leadership in Energy & Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

“Goodwin is proud to provide such an important commodity for this historically accurate ‘green’ renovation,” says Carol Goodwin, CR, MCR, 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.”

For more information about the FTHP annual awards, visit www.floridatrust.org.

About Goodwin Company

Founded in 1976, Goodwin Company is the building design industry’s trusted partner and preferred resource for fine antique reclaimed and River-RecoveredÒ wood flooring. Esteemed architects, designers and builders specify Goodwin’s products for use in luxury residential homes, historical renovations and commercial projects including corporate office buildings, universities, libraries and high-end retail establishments.  Prominent work includes: This Old House corporate offices, private residences of Bob Villa, Paul McCartney, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ted Turner, Weyland Art Gallery, Brownwood at The Villages and the Texas Governor’s Mansion. For more information, visit www.heartpine.com.