Preserving a Landmark of Education and Architecture

Constructed in 1886, the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn originally served as the first schoolhouse on Amelia Island. Designed by renowned architect Robert Sands Schuyler, the building was initially a four-room school and later expanded to accommodate the island's growing population. After ceasing operations as a school in the 1930s, the structure housed various ventures, including a library, offices, and a Masonic Lodge. In 2017, a comprehensive restoration transformed the historic building into a boutique inn, preserving original elements such as the heart pine floors and brickwork, while introducing modern amenities. Today, the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn stands as a testament to the island's rich educational and architectural heritage.

Austin Historical’s Restoration Scope

Masonry Restoration

Our team undertook the careful replacement of approximately 5,000 damaged bricks on the building's exterior. Authentic historic red common bricks were sourced and, where unavailable, new red clay common bricks matching the original in size, color, and texture were utilized. The process involved the removal and disposal of deteriorated bricks, cleaning of mortar joints, and setting new bricks using Ecologic historic lime mortar. New galvanized steel brick ties were installed to ensure structural stability, and mortar joints were tooled to match the existing style, preserving the building's historic character.

Repointing

In addition to brick replacement, we repointed the mortar joints on the exterior of the main building. Old mortar was carefully removed to a depth of ¾" to 1" using specialized tools appropriate for historic masonry, minimizing the use of grinders to prevent damage to the bricks. Grinders were employed only where previous repairs had introduced inappropriate mortar types, such as Type N, S, or M. This meticulous approach ensured the longevity and integrity of the masonry while adhering to best practices in historic preservation.

Preservation Standards

All restoration work was conducted in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring that each intervention respected the building's historical significance and architectural integrity. Our efforts contribute to the ongoing preservation of this iconic structure, supporting its continued use and appreciation by future generations.