Commercial Case Study

Pratt Cotton Gin Historic Restoration

Project: This project involved the comprehensive restoration of the abandoned Pratt Cotton Gin Factory, a structure built in phases starting in 1854 that had been neglected for over 30 years. The focus was on a full historic metal window restoration. For this project CertaPro Painters® of Hoover, AL partnered with a general contractor as well as Alabama Soda Blasting. Together we removed and refinished 108 sixteen-pane metal windows. This project required several media blasting techniques to eliminate rust, and ultimately achieving a ‘white metal’ state. CertaPro Painters® of Hoover, AL, then primed and painted the exposed metal frames using KemKromic Primer and DTM top coat. Following this, Old House Specialist skillfully set and glazed new glass panes, while also restoring 280 windows’ original metal lintels and concrete sills across various historic buildings within the complex.

Process: The Pratt Cotton Gin posed unique challenges due to the buildings and windows ranging from 170 to 80 years old. One side of the original structure extended over a creek that had been dammed to power the gin. This led to work being conducted at heights of over 60 feet above the water in certain instances. Overcoming these challenges necessitated specialized skills and safety measures.

The complexity of the restoration project required the use of multiple boom lifts, ranging from 65′ to 135′, as well as window jacks to facilitate access to different parts of the buildings. These tools and techniques were essential to ensure the meticulous execution of the restoration process while adhering to safety standards.

Result: Commencing in early 2022 and concluding in the fall of the same year, the project spanned an 18-month duration. The painting phase encompassed 4 months, during which the restoration teams from CertaPro Painters® of Hoover, AL, and Old House Specialist exhibited their expertise. The collaborative effort really helped transform the factory and was a true was a testament to historical preservation, with the fully restored metal windows seamlessly blending historic charm and modern craftsmanship.