New Projects

DeSoto County Seat Courthouse

Start Date: June 2024

Completion Date: December 2024

Location: Arcadia, FL

Project Details:

• Damage assessment and analysis
• Historic Preservation recommendations
• Provide scope of work for restoration/construction phase
• Work oversight during restoration phase with on-call structural engineer
• 3D scanning of existing building envelope

Alternative Preventive Measures:

• Roof, flagpole protector rod restoration
• Hydrophobic coating protector treatment on each façade for moisture mitigation
• Assessment/mitigation of water damage to foundation
• Windows’ assessment repair of damages
• Lintels and shelves angles’ assessment and repairs
• Addition of metal roof coping
• Removal/relocation of security cameras and conduits’ concealment
• Roof repairs
• Stairs’ repairs (east, west and south sides)
• Assessment//repair ornate lamps on main entrance
• Courthouse monument repairs

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.

History:

The original DeSoto County seat, named after the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, served Manatee County since 1866, 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.

Swallow Hill Apartments

Start Date: Jan 29, 2024

Completion Date: May 24, 2024

Owner: ACRI Realty

Project Details: The demolition and reconstruction of balconies at building 3 of the Swallow Hill Condos. Demolition included the removal of patio slabs and balcony framing, existing masonry wall with foundation, and existing railings. New construction included the installation of micro-piles- concrete grade beam, masonry wall with elastomeric coating, concrete slab-on grade patios, and wood framed balconies and railings.

Columbia University

Start Date: April 2022

Completion Date: October 2024

Location: New York, NYC

Project details: Limestone and terra cotta façade cleaning /restoration, as well as a full Ludowici tile/copper roof replacement.