Wilhelmina Johnson Center Renovation

Project Overview

The Wilhelmina Johnson Center project includes a comprehensive renovation of the 3,800SF building as well as associated site improvements. The building will undergo extensive interior upgrades, including fully renovated restrooms, new lighting throughout, and the installation of new flooring, ceilings, windows, insulation, and select doors.

Exterior renovations will include accessibility improvements, enhanced exterior lighting, stucco repairs, installation of a security camera system, a new roof, and reconstruction of the two existing porches.

Sitework improvements include rerouting electrical service to the building, upgraded site lighting, installation of a new sewer lateral, stormwater enhancements, new concrete sidewalks, new bike racks, parking lot resurfacing and new landscaping.

Sharmie Ffar Park, located adjacent to the Wilhelmina Johnson Center, will be closed during construction to allow for grounds improvements. The Wilhelmina Johnson Center parking lot will also be closed to the public and used for construction staging throughout the renovation project. 

Project Schedule

• 2025: An existing conditions assessment evaluated the building’s architectural and structural components and identified deficiencies contributing to current or potential damage.
• 2025–2026: The findings informed a prioritized scope of work that was incorporated into the final construction plans.
• Spring 2026: Design and permitting were completed.
• March 2026: Construction begins. 
• Spring 2027: Anticipated project completion.

Historic and Cultural Significance

The Wilhelmina Johnson Building, originally constructed as a fire station, is an important part of Gainesville's civic and architectural history. As the city grew in the early twentieth century, the City Commission recognized the need for expanded emergency services and first considered the need for a second fire station in March 1926. In September 1927, the Commission approved a bid from J. L. Crouse to construct the facility for $12,895.00.

In the 1930s, the building was used by the Alachua County Health Department to support public health programs. By the 1940s, the structure began serving its intended purpose as a fire station,  where it operated for more than three decades.

Today, the building houses the Wilhelmina Johnson Cultural Center and continues to serve the community in a new capacity. The Wilhelmina Johnson Cultural Center primarily supports arts-related programming while also functioning as a flexible community gathering space.

Project Team

• Architectural Design and Master Planning: R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A.
• Engineering and Landscape Architecture: NV5, Inc.
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Design: SGM Engineering, Inc.     
• Structural Design: O’Donnell & Naccarato, Inc. 

Estimated Project Cost: $2,047,177.49

View the project plan  

Contact details

Location

321 NW 10th Street,  32601  View Map

• Project typeRenovation
• Contractor nameJ.E. Decker Construction Group, LLC