First LEED Certified Historic Building in Florida

This pioneering project in the heart of Historic St. Augustine, FL combines building restoration with the creation of a world-class interpretive museum. While that alone would be impressive, it marks the State of Florida’s very first LEED-certified historic building!

Collaborating with a historic preservation specialist, we meticulously designed and executed Phase I renovations: 3,400 square feet of museum space and associated areas. With a focus on preserving the building's historic character, our design incorporated fixed and movable casework, energy-efficient lighting systems, improved HVAC, and state-of-the-art security measures. Phase I achieved LEED Silver certification, making it the first LEED-certified historic building in the entire state.

In Phase II, we added essential elements such as an elevator, ADA lift, conference room, and research library. Additionally, fire sprinkler piping was installed in the attic.

Phase III centered on renovating office and storage spaces, rehabilitating the historic freight elevator, and upgrading mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. This phase also involved the complete restoration of exterior finishes, including exposed-coquina aggregate stucco and deteriorated structural concrete lintels and balconies.

This comprehensive restoration and transformation of the St. Augustine Government House showcases our commitment to preserving historic structures while creating modern, functional spaces that celebrate cultural heritage.

The goal of this project was to provide the State of Florida a world-class interpretive museum in St. Augustine, while accomplishing significant building restoration. Working with a historic preservation specialist, Walker Architects completed construction documents for the Phase I renovation of 3,473 GSF of museum space and 3,332 GSF of associated lobby, toilet and circulation space. The design included fixed casework, moveable casework, energy-efficient LED and fluorescent lighting systems with zoned controls, interior finishes, new HVAC and improved air distribution systems, Building Automation System, security, fire suppression, AV, storage, and reception, keeping with the historic character of the existing Government House building. Phase I renovations achieved LEED Silver certification – the first LEED certification of a historic building in Florida. Phase II of the renovations added an elevator and ADA lift, second floor conference room and research library, and fire sprinkler piping in the attic. Phase III of the project included renovation of office and storage spaces supporting the museum; the rehabilitation of the historic freight elevator; and necessary upgrades in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.