A Testament to Civic Pride and Spanish Revival Architecture

Erected in 1926, Wauchula City Hall stands as a prominent example of Spanish Revival architecture in Central Florida. Characterized by its stucco façade, red tile roof, and ornamental detailing, the building reflects the design trends of the early 20th century and serves as a symbol of the city's growth and civic pride during that era. Located in the heart of downtown Wauchula, the City Hall has been a central hub for municipal governance and community events for nearly a century.

The building's historical significance is further underscored by its contribution to the Wauchula Historic District, which encompasses several structures that collectively narrate the city's rich past. As Wauchula continues to evolve, the preservation of its City Hall ensures that future generations can appreciate the architectural and cultural heritage that defines this vibrant community.

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 comprehensive restoration of Wauchula City Hall's steel windows, enhancing both their functionality and historical integrity.

Steel Window Restoration

Our team meticulously restored 34 steel windows, comprising 494 individual glass lites.The restoration process began with thorough surface preparation, removing all loose paint, glazing putty, and glass. Damaged steel components were assessed and repaired using either epoxy or new stock, followed by treatment with Ospho to halt and prevent rust. 

Once stabilized, the metal was primed with an industrial-strength coating and finished with two coats of 100% acrylic paint for long-lasting protection. New 1/4" annealed Azuria glass was installed and glazed with linseed oil putty to maintain historical accuracy. Finally, original hardware was restored, tuned, and reinstalled to ensure smooth operation and functional integrity.

Indow Window Sleep Panel System Installation

To enhance energy efficiency and acoustics within the auditorium, we installed the Indow Window Sleep Panel System in six windows:

• Auditorium Windows: Four 90" x 140" steel windows received painted vertical mullions to divide each opening into two equal sections, accommodating two Indow sleep panels per window.

• Windows Above Doors: Two 64" x 64" steel windows above the auditorium doors were fitted with painted horizontal mullions, allowing for the installation of one Indow sleep panel per divided section.

Additionally, a change order expanded the scope to include the installation of Indow Window Sleep Panel Systems in two 49" x 40" steel windows located in the stage area, further improving the building's interior environment.

Challenges and Considerations

Restoring the historic steel windows of Wauchula City Hall 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 City Hall's operations and visitors. Our team coordinated closely with Wauchula City Hall's staff to schedule work phases, allowing for efficient progress while maintaining the building's accessibility and safety.