Our firm served as general contractor for the restoration of one of Florida’s best known Spanish Baroque designed railway stations. Once one of the flagship stops for the Seaboard Air Line Railway, the station now serves as the northern terminal for South Florida’s Tri-Rail system. Listed locally as well as in the National Register of Historic Places, our work strictly adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation.
West Palm Beach’s train station was originally built in 1924 to be the system’s jewel from a design by noted architects Harvey and Clark as the eastern terminal for Seaboard’s Cross – Florida rail system.The detailed plans of restoration architects Oliver and Glidden brought the long vacant structure back to life.
As general contractor, Keystone Restoration, Inc. was responsible for restoring the exteriors and interiors of the station. In addition to following the Standards of the Secretary of the Interior for Historic Rehabilitation, the project also had to comply with the Americans Disabilities Act in order to accommodate the needs of a railroad station for Tri-Rail and Amtrak, as well as bus connections.
Our work included structural restoration; restoration of major ornamental cast stone elements, and exterior masonry; restoration and replication of all doors, windows; restoration of decorative iron and tile works. A new barrel tile roof, steel concrete structural work, electrical, lightning, plumbing, HVAC systems and life safety improvements were all a part of the project. Lead and asbestos abatement were also required. Extensive site work included a brick plaza, asphalt driveway, irrigation, bus pavilion, walkways, fountain, landscaping and parking for approximately 140 vehicles.
“…work was technically excellent and performed in a timely manner ” “I heartily recommend Keystone Restorations for projects of a historic nature that are seeking excellence. ” Katharine Dickenson, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Trustee “The station’s restoration is so authentic, you almost seem to go back in time…” Richard Frank (West Palm Beach artist) From The Palm Beach Post, April 11, 1991
Owner: City of West Palm Beach
Contact: Terri Collins (561) 659-8089
Historic Preservation: Katharine Dickenson
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Trustee
Architect: Oliver-Glidden & Partners Architects
Completion Date: May 1991
Work Performed: 63% by Keystone restoration, Inc. forces
Designations: National Register of Historic Places
City of West Palm Beach Landmark
