Historic Renovation Promotes "Green" Restoration

GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency partnered with a team of respected companies and a nationally acclaimed architect to design and implement a "green" renovation on one of the City of Gainesville's oldest, most cherished buildings – the historic Gainesville Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famed 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, while ensuring its durability and sustainability.  Superintendent Coley Pitt of West Construction, Inc. spearheaded the construction efforts, utilizing Goodwin Heart Pine Company's world-renowned reclaimed longleaf heart pine wood throughout the building.  Other recyclable and reclaimed materials include copper gutters and downspouts by CopperWorx, Inc., and doors, windows and millwork restoration by Williston Door & Millwork, Inc.

According to Pitt, the Depot is eligible to receive the LEED-Gold certification (Leadership in Energy & Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – and is only a few steps away from Platinum eligibility. The Depot's "green" features include a dual plumbing system utilizing reclaimed water and dual layer radiant barrier foam and sheet insulation in the attic. Additionally, a comprehensive waste management and recycling program was implemented throughout the construction and operations of the building.

"This innovative project sets the pace for other 'green' building projects across the state and even nationwide," explains Carol Goodwin, CR, MCR, President of Goodwin Heart Pine Company and Board Member for the USGBC - Heart of Florida Chapter. "We hope the model used for the Depot in Gainesville will be replicated with other historic rehabilitation projects across the U.S."

The USGBC meeting at the Depot offers a special sneak peek tour of this exciting new site:

Thursday, April 26th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost:   $5 USGBC members and $10 non-members

Guest speakers include: Diane Gilreath, Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, Project Manager;  Bert Bender, Bender and Associates, P.A., acclaimed architect and historic restoration specialist; and Coley Pitt of West Construction, Inc. Guests are asked to please enter through the gate off of Depot Avenue, opposite of SE 2nd Street. For more information, please call Carol Goodwin, 352-745-2822, or visit www.USGBCHeartFl.org to register.

SOURCE Goodwin Heart Pine Company; Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency