Preserving a Legacy of Philanthropy and Art

Situated in the heart of Winter Park, the Morse Genius Foundation Home stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural and philanthropic heritage. Established in 1959 by Jeannette Genius McKean in memory of her mother, Elizabeth Morse Genius, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting religious, charitable, scientific, educational, and literary endeavors throughout Central Florida . The foundation's headquarters, located at 329 North Park Avenue, reflects the enduring commitment of the Morse and Genius families to the betterment of the community.

The building not only serves as the administrative center for the foundation's operations but also symbolizes the family's dedication to preserving and promoting the arts. Jeannette Genius McKean, an accomplished artist and philanthropist, was instrumental in founding the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany . The foundation continues to uphold this legacy by supporting various cultural institutions and initiatives that enrich the region's artistic landscape.

Austin Historical's Restoration Scope

In alignment with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the National Park Service Preservation Brief 9, Austin Historical undertook a meticulous restoration of the building's steel windows, enhancing both their functionality and historical integrity.

Steel Window Restoration

Our team restored 22 steel windows, comprising 16 sashes and 129 individual glass lites. The restoration process included:

• Surface Preparation: Removal of flaking or loose paint, glazing putty, and glass to prepare the windows for restoration.

• Structural Repairs: Assessment and repair of any damaged steel components using new stock or epoxy as needed.

• Rust Treatment: Application of Ospho rust treatment to all metal surfaces to prevent future corrosion.

• Priming and Painting: Priming with an industrial-strength primer followed by two coats of 100% acrylic paint to ensure durability and aesthetic consistency.

• Glazing: Installation of 1/8" annealed glass, bedded and glazed with linseed oil putty to match the original appearance.

• Hardware Restoration: Tuning, restoring, and reinstallation of existing hardware to ensure proper operation. This included sourcing and supplying 12 sets of replacement hinges and five left and five right operator crank assemblies.

Challenges and Considerations

Restoring the historic steel windows of the Morse Genius Foundation Home required careful attention to preserving the building's architectural integrity while upgrading its functionality. Challenges included matching the original window profiles, addressing corrosion issues inherent in aging steel structures, and integrating modern energy-efficient solutions without compromising historical aesthetics. Our team's expertise ensured that these challenges were met with precision and respect for the building's heritage.

Project Timeline

The restoration project was executed over a carefully planned timeline, ensuring minimal disruption to the foundation's operations and visitors. Our team coordinated closely with the foundation's staff to schedule work phases, allowing for efficient progress while maintaining the building's accessibility and safety.