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Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Orlando Amtrak project

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announced its 2016 Preservation Awards at the 38th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference in Tallahassee. This year’s conference was themed Historic Preservation: A Capital Idea! and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

As a part of the conference, beginning in December the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation solicits nominations from across Florida in the following categories: Restoration/Rehabilitation; Adaptive Use; Infill Design; Green Buildings; Archaeology; Historic Landscape; Preservation Education/Media; Organizational Achievement; Master Craftsman; Individual Distinguished Service. The Florida Trust also announced the Roy E. Graham Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation Education. A seven-member jury evaluates all nominations and selects those deemed worthy of recognition.

The Orlando Amtrak station was awarded Outstanding Achievement in the Restoration / Rehabilitation category. Designed by architect M. A. Griffin, The Amtrak Orlando Station was constructed in 1926 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to extend the reach of railroad service to the burgeoning Orlando community. The station, with its stucco walls, limestone capped parapets and twin domed towers, exemplified Spanish Mission architecture, but over the years had fallen into disrepair and decay. The Collage Companies restored this station to its former glory. Renovations included the complete restoration of the exterior façade and twin domes; repair or replacement of the historic windows, doors, and wood trim; stucco repair; tile roof repair or replacement; painting; hardscaping and landscaping; and electrical and mechanical upgrades. Collage closely coordinated this work with the owner of the building, FDOT, the user of the building, Amtrak, and the City of Orlando’s Historic Preservation Office.

The mission of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is to promote the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and historic property stewardship.