Historical Renovation And Restoration
At Avant Construction Group, historical renovation is more than just a service—it’s a passion and a core area of expertise. For nearly three decades, we’ve helped preserve and breathe new life into Jacksonville’s architectural legacy, transforming iconic properties into functional, modern spaces while honoring their original character.
Trusted, experienced, detail-driven.
Experts in Historic Preservation
At Avant Construction Group, we understand the unique challenges historic buildings present—hidden conditions, complex permitting, and outdated infrastructure. Our team navigates these intricacies with precision, care, and deep respect for original structures. From façade preservation to MEP upgrades, we partner with architects and preservation agencies to deliver historically accurate results that meet today’s standards. With strong relationships across SHPO, NPS, and NRHP, we ensure full compliance at every phase. For us, historic renovation is more than construction—it’s about honoring the past while building what’s next.
Featured Historical Projects
Every historic structure tells a story. At Avant, we see renovation as an opportunity to extend that story—preserving its character while making it relevant and functional for generations to come.
Renovating a Historic Building
Three things shape almost every historic project we take on: how it is funded, who has to approve it, and the standards the finished work is measured against.
Historic Tax Credits
Federal historic tax credits can offset part of the cost of rehabilitating a historic building, so they belong in the conversation before design begins. The credit equals 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses on an income-producing building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributes to a registered historic district.
The work has to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the application moves through the State Historic Preservation Office to the National Park Service for approval. The contractor’s part is building exactly what was approved, documenting it, and raising hidden conditions early, because changes to approved work can need another review. Avant has carried projects through SHPO and NPS approval, including 218 Church Street, a National Historic Landmark building.
Jacksonville’s Preservation Review
Exterior work on a locally designated landmark or a property in one of Jacksonville’s historic districts typically needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City before permits are issued. On Avant’s projects that has meant a local City of Jacksonville COA at 218 Church Street and close collaboration with the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission at LaVilla Place.
Downtown, the Downtown Investment Authority administers the Downtown Preservation and Revitalization Program (DPRP) for historic buildings within Downtown Jacksonville’s boundaries. Avant led the DPRP grant process at 218 Church Street, Porter House Mansion was supported through the DPRP, and the Jones Bros. Furniture Co. building received a DIA historic preservation loan package. More of that work is on our Downtown Jacksonville page.
Preservation Standards
Preservation standards decide what gets repaired, what gets replaced and what new work looks like. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards favor repairing original materials, replacing in kind only when something is too deteriorated to save, and keeping new work distinguishable from the historic building.
On the jobsite that shapes everything from façade work to how new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are routed. At the Greenleaf & Crosby Building, Avant preserved the ornate decorations on the front entrance and façade; at Sweet Pete’s, the team rebuilt a corner to recreate the original wraparound porch.
Historic Renovation FAQ
Does Avant work on historic buildings in Jacksonville?
Yes. Historic renovation is a core area of expertise for Avant Construction Group, and the team has spent nearly three decades helping preserve Jacksonville’s architectural legacy. Projects include 218 Church Street, a National Historic Landmark building, the Federal Reserve Bank building, Porter House Mansion, the Greenleaf & Crosby Building and LaVilla Place. Avant has strong relationships across SHPO, the National Park Service and the National Register of Historic Places.
What are historic tax credits?
Historic tax credits are a federal incentive that returns part of the cost of rehabilitating a historic, income-producing building. The federal credit equals 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses, and the building must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contribute to a registered historic district. The work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the application is reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and approved by the National Park Service. Owners should confirm eligibility with a tax advisor before design begins.
Do I need city approval to renovate a historic building in Jacksonville?
Often, yes. Work on a locally designated landmark or a property in a Jacksonville historic district typically needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City before permits are issued. Avant has worked through that review on projects including 218 Church Street, which received a local City of Jacksonville COA, and LaVilla Place, where Avant is working with the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission. Checking a property’s designation early keeps the review from holding up the schedule.
What preservation standards apply to a historic renovation?
Most historic renovations are measured against the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, which favor repairing original materials and replacing them in kind only when repair is not possible. They apply directly to projects using federal historic tax credits, and many local review boards use them as guidance as well. Avant follows strict historic preservation guidelines on projects such as the Federal Reserve Bank and Porter House Mansion while bringing structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems up to current standards.
Can a historic building be converted to a new use?
Yes, and adaptive reuse is a large part of Avant’s historic work. Avant oversaw the conversion of the Baptist Convention Building at 218 Church Street into apartments, retail and restaurant space, turned the historic Lawton-Pratt Funeral Home into The Raven Jax, and is converting the Jones Bros. Furniture Co. building into apartments. The challenge is fitting new systems and code requirements into the building without losing the character that made it worth saving.