Restoring a Collegiate Gothic Landmark for 21st-Century Learning

Originally constructed in 1932 as the P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, Norman Hall stands as a testament to the University of Florida's commitment to educational innovation. Designed by Rudolph Weaver in the Collegiate Gothic style, the building features distinctive brickwork, arched entrances, and ornamental stone details. In 1958, it was renamed in honor of James W. Norman, former dean of the College of Education. Recognized for its historical significance, Norman Hall was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Over the decades, Norman Hall underwent various modifications that obscured its original architectural features. A comprehensive rehabilitation project, completed in 2019, aimed to restore the building's historic character while upgrading its facilities to meet contemporary educational needs. The renovation included the restoration of original wood paneling, ceiling tiles, and the reconfiguration of interior spaces to enhance natural light and create collaborative environments for students and faculty.

Austin Historical’s Restoration Scope

Steel Window Restoration

Our team meticulously restored the building's steel windows to preserve their historical integrity and functionality. The restoration process involved stripping all existing paint, glazing putty, and glass from the window frames. We assessed and repaired window mechanics to ensure smooth operation, addressing any damaged steel components with new stock or epoxy as needed. All metal surfaces were treated with Ospho rust treatment, primed with industrial-strength primer, and finished with two coats of 100% acrylic paint. The client's choice of glass was bedded in urethane sealant tinted to match the paint color. Existing hardware was tuned, restored, and reinstalled, with additional hardware provided as necessary.

Sash and Jamb Restoration

Sash Restoration
We carefully removed all glass, existing putty, and flaking or loose paint from the wooden sashes. After sanding the surfaces smooth, we repaired any damage using epoxy or wood to match the original material. The sashes were then primed with oil-based primer, and the original glass was cleaned, bedded, and finish-glazed with linseed oil putty. Finally, we applied two coats of premium water-based paint to both the interior and exterior surfaces. Existing hardware was cleaned, lacquered, and reinstalled, with replacements provided as needed.

Jamb Restoration
Sashes were removed, and openings were secured with 1/2" plywood during the restoration process. We scraped the jambs and brickmold free of excess paint and repaired any rot or damage. Pulleys were cleaned, tuned, and made functional. Jambs were then primed and painted with two coats of paint. We replaced ropes with #8 Samson Spot Cord and reinstalled the sashes, ensuring smooth operation.

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.