Mission Revival at the Gateway to Orlando

Built in 1926 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, the Orlando Amtrak Station stands as one of Central Florida’s most distinctive examples of Mission Revival architecture. Designed by A.M. Griffin, the station features a stucco façade, arched colonnade, red tile roof, and twin domes that anchor the building’s dramatic presence. Still in active use by Amtrak and SunRail, it has served travelers for nearly a century and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022 following a major city-led restoration effort in 2015.

As part of ongoing preservation and maintenance, Austin Historical was selected to restore and replicate original wood windows and doors, enhancing energy performance while preserving architectural authenticity.

Austin Historical’s Restoration Scope

Heritage Window Sash & Jamb Fabrication

Austin Historical fabricated and installed 10 complete window units, totaling 20 sashes and 20 lites. Each jamb was custom-built from rot-resistant Accoya wood with historically accurate detailing and joinery. Sashes were constructed using traditional mortise and tenon techniques, primed and painted by hand, and glazed with 1/8" tempered glass. All components were finished to match the building’s original profiles and coloration, ensuring seamless integration with surrounding architectural elements.

Basic Window Restoration

Twelve additional original windows—24 sashes in total—were cleaned, stabilized, and repainted in place. Glazing putty and broken glass were replaced as needed, and minor structural wood repairs were completed using epoxy. Spot priming and a fresh coat of acrylic paint restored their appearance and durability. Specific repairs were also made to joint damage and bottom rails on two windows. This scope provided a practical preservation solution while retaining original materials.

Heritage Door Restoration

Eleven historic door slabs were removed, repaired, and refinished. Structural damage was addressed using epoxy or in-kind wood repairs, and surfaces were primed and painted with durable acrylic coatings. Existing hardware, including hinges, was restored and reused where possible. Weatherstripping was added to improve insulation and functionality, and all doors were carefully rehung to ensure smooth and secure operation.

Trim Replication

Both interior and exterior trim packages were fabricated and installed to match original profiles. Exterior trim was crafted from Accoya for superior weather resistance, while interior components were milled from select pine or poplar to replicate the historical character. All trim was primed and painted for a clean, cohesive finish throughout.

Additional Scope

Austin Historical also provided and installed specialty window film materials and managed all mobilization and demobilization activities, including on-site protection and EPA-compliant cleanup procedures.

Preservation Standards

All work was executed in alignment with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, using historically appropriate materials, joinery methods, and finishes. Our restoration contributes to the long-term preservation of this transportation landmark, supporting the city’s historic fabric while maintaining the building’s functionality for modern use.