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Historic Fort Lauderdale School Becomes Cultural Center

Historic renovations are always a challenge and this project was no different. However, project management overcame each obstacle and pushed forward with the renovations.

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BY Alissa Mahoney

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Photo from the Sun Sentinel

After fifteen years of obstacles and multiple renovations, Fort Lauderdale’s historic South Side School is finally set to open as the South Side Cultural & Arts Center. The building has been a landmark for the area since it opened in 1922. It was an active school until the 1990’s when it closed after serving as an elementary school and school for special needs children. The school, added to the Historic Landmark Registry in 1996, lay empty until plans to transform it in to a cultural center started in 2004.

From Ft Lauderdale Observer

Historic Florida Construction

Historic renovations are always a challenge and this project was no different. However, project management overcame each obstacle and pushed forward with the renovations. One of these issues was matching and re-milling the Dade County Heart Pine flooring that is commonly used in Fort Lauderdale and other Florida construction. As with all historic projects, sourcing the right materials is vital to maintaining historical integrity. Project management approached Albany Woodwork due to its reputation of providing high quality Dade County Pine. They were able to provide the heart pine flooring and re-mill the original dade county flooring.

Dade County Pine Stair way between first and second floor at the South Side Cultural and Art Center.

Now the facility is due to open any day now and the results are gorgeous. Here is a sneak peak at some of the new renovations. Albany Woodworks representation will be present at the grand opening to capture the momentous occasion. Stay tuned!