River-Recovered® Heart Pine Doors Built for the Century

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Century Tower Complete

The Century Tower is part of the University of Florida’s (UF) Campus Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The Century Tower is one of four carillons in the state of Florida. This impressive structure holds a total of 61 bells spanning five octaves and chimes 61 bells every quarter hour for 12 hours a day (8:00am – 8:00pm).

The Gothic style tower was designed by William Augustus Edwards, an esteemed architect of the mid-20th century. It was built by The Auchter Company. Construction commenced in 1953 and was completed in 1956.

Tower Dedication Ceremony

While the tower itself has withstood the test of time and harsh Florida weather and humidity, its second generation doors became severely damaged and were rotting at the base.  When it became time to restore the Century Tower to its original splendor, Goodwin was called in to help.

Second Generation Doors

The Century Tower’s new third generation doors are constructed using Goodwin’s River-Recovered® Heart Pine.  The panels utilize Goodwin’s River-Recovered Heart Pine Select, while the stiles and rails are constructed using River-Recovered Heart Pine Vertical.  Goodwin partnered with historic preservation craftsman Scott Sidler at Austin Historical in Orlando, Florida on the project.

Century Tower Doors Constructed Using Goodwin’s River-Recovered Heartpine

Photographs of the New Century Tower by Isabella Guttuso.