Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
The Amos Gould House Restoration Project
The Amos Gould House, a cherished landmark in Owosso, is entering an exciting new phase of restoration and preservation. Under new ownership, a comprehensive plan is being developed to ensure the home’s long-term sustainability while honoring its rich history. The first phase of this ambitious project focuses on creating guidelines that balance historic preservation with modern efficiency. These guidelines will be supported by a robust financial plan, ensuring the home’s maintenance and improvement for years to come. In this process, priority is being given to work that maintains the historic facades while simultaneously pursuing sustainability and demonstrating a commitment to both historical integrity and environmental responsibility. This approach aims to transform the Amos Gould House into a model of how historic properties can be preserved and adapted for the future without compromising their past.
Interior and Exteriors
Restoring Grandeur: Exterior Preservation
Paint, Patch Replace and Repair
The exterior restoration of the Amos Gould House is a critical component of the overall preservation project. This phase focuses on stabilizing and rejuvenating the home’s iconic Italianate architecture while ensuring its longevity. Key aspects of the exterior work include:
- Stabilizing and replacing wood that has rotted or is failing, using materials and techniques that honor the original craftsmanship.
- Applying modern surface restoration methods to achieve long-term protective coatings on the ornate historic exterior, balancing preservation with durability.
- Refreshing and stabilizing much of the hand-hewn Italianate architectural details in ways that are both archivally sound and sustainable.
- Researching and planning for the reinstallation of original architectural elements that have been removed over the years, aiming to restore the house to its original grandeur where possible.
These efforts are guided by the overarching goal of maintaining the historic facades while incorporating modern preservation techniques. By combining historical accuracy with contemporary conservation methods, we aim to ensure that the Amos Gould House’s exterior will continue to captivate and educate visitors for generations to come.
Reviving Victorian Splendor with Interior Restoration
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Elegance
The interior restoration of the Amos Gould House promises to be a journey back in time, meticulously bringing the home’s interior spaces back to their original glory. This phase of the project will focus on:
- Restoring the interior to match the original Art Nouveau damask wallpapers, recreating the opulent atmosphere of the home’s heyday.
- Implementing and completing the plans laid out in 1938 by one of the last Gould family members to live in the house, ensuring historical accuracy and family legacy.
- Carefully preserving and restoring original architectural features such as moldings, fireplaces, and staircases.
- Updating necessary systems (electrical, plumbing, climate control) in ways that minimize impact on historical elements while improving functionality and efficiency.
- Researching and sourcing period-appropriate furnishings and décor to complement the restored interiors.
This meticulous interior restoration aims to transport visitors back to the Victorian era, offering an immersive experience of 19th-century upper-class living. By adhering to the 1938 plans and original designs, we ensure that the Amos Gould House’s interior will not only be beautifully restored but also historically authentic, providing a valuable educational resource and a stunning glimpse into Owosso’s past.
Interested in booking the Gould or Gardens?
Booking rates are free or at-cost for non-profits and community benefit events. Learn more about the events we welcome and what financial support is available.
