In the News
DeSoto County Seat Courthouse
Graciano Corporation has been awarded their first major historical project in Arcadia Florida – the Desoto County Courthouse!
We are so pleased to have been selected for this important project. This will now lead to an office based in Florida.
The restoration project will start June 2024 and expected completion date is December 2024.
History:
The original DeSoto County seat, named after the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, served Manatee County since 1866, and was located at Pine Level.
Although apparently built of brick, the Pine Level courthouse or at least it’s jail, was derided as “flimsy”, allowing the escape
off prisoners to such an extent that vigilantism was rampant in the large and undeveloped county.
Eventually, a new county seat was created at “Tater Hill Bluff,” renamed Arcadia in 1888.
The first courthouse in Arcadia was constructed by Peyton Read at a cost of $6,000, half of which had been donated to the county by four local citizens.
It is probable that this structure was destroyed in a 1905 fire.
The current DeSoto County Courthouse, located in downtown Arcadia on a city square, was built in 1913 in a Classical Greek style. Designed by architects Bonfoey & Elliot of
it was built by Read-Parker Construction Company to serve DeSota County’s third courthouse and the second one built in Arcadia.
Graciano Completes Restoration of the Historic Highland Park Pedestrian Tunnel
November 2023
Graciano Corporation recently completed a two-year restoration of Pittsburgh’s historic Highland Park pedestrian tunnel working with the City of Pittsburgh, and with help from The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The tunnel was closed because of deterioration and safety concerns. Erosion, weather and tree roots were pushing out stone blocks and the arched tunnel was in danger of collapse, according to Casimir J. Pellegrini, engineer for the City of Pittsburgh.
Graciano has Played an Important Role in Restoring Central Park.
August 8, 2022
By Denise Keaveney, AIA
Denise Keaveney is a NYS registered architect with two decades of experience across a wide variety of project types. She established and was director of the architectural studio within Central Park Conservancy, overseeing the program of architectural restoration projects from design through to completion. A number of these projects are discussed here. Belvedere Castle received a Lucy G Moses Preservation Award in 2020 recognizing the work as Owner and Architect in preserving a NYC jewel.
