KMF Architects led the restoration and preservation of the historic Leu House Museum, one of Central Florida's most significant historic residences. Built in 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home serves as the centerpiece of Harry P. Leu Gardens and offers visitors a rare glimpse into more than 165 years of Orlando's history.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the property when a massive oak tree crashed through the east wing, destroying portions of the roof and compromising the building envelope. The resulting breach exposed the historic structure to repeated rain events, allowing water to infiltrate walls, ceilings, and floors. Combined with Florida's heat and humidity, these conditions led to widespread mold growth, water damage, and deterioration of many historic materials throughout the home.

KMF conducted a comprehensive assessment of the building and developed a preservation strategy that balanced emergency stabilization with long-term restoration. Working closely with mitigation specialists and preservation craftsmen, the team addressed structural concerns, repaired damaged building systems, and carefully restored historic finishes and architectural features. Significant effort was dedicated to salvaging original materials wherever possible, including the home's historic wood flooring. Through a carefully managed drying and restoration process, much of the original flooring was preserved, eliminating severe cupping and separation while maintaining the character and patina that reflected the home's age and history.

One of the most remarkable discoveries occurred during the restoration process when KMF's team uncovered the oldest known decorative finish within the house—a hand-painted Victorian Cameo wallcovering hidden beneath layers of wallpaper in the Leu Bedroom. Through a process of architectural archaeology, the original design was painstakingly documented and studied. Using a combination of traditional craftsmanship, including hand sketching, block printing, and painting, alongside modern scanning, color correction, and digital reproduction techniques, the team successfully recreated the wallcovering as it would have appeared in the early twentieth century. The restoration depicts elegant garden scenes featuring women gathering flowers, preserving a unique piece of Orlando's decorative arts history.

Throughout the project, KMF adhered to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties while incorporating accessibility improvements and modern building upgrades necessary for the museum's continued operation. Every decision was guided by a commitment to preserving the spirit, character, and authenticity of the home for future generations.

Today, the Leu House Museum continues to welcome visitors from around the world, standing as a testament to the value of historic preservation, skilled craftsmanship, and thoughtful stewardship. The project received widespread recognition, earning a 2021 AIA Florida Merit Award of Excellence and a 2023 AIA Orlando Award of Merit for Historic Preservation.

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Meet the passionate team behind KMF Architects.

Meet the passionate team behind KMF Architects.

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