Trimark Properties unveils renovated offices in Gainesville’s Historic Seagle Building

Press release from Trimark Properties

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Trimark Properties has completed a major restoration of the historic Seagle Building in downtown Gainesville, transforming long-vacant space into modern offices while preserving the landmark’s 1920s-era character. The locally owned developer purchased the first six floors of the 11-story Seagle Building in 2022 and embarked on an extensive renovation of the nearly century-old structure. Gainesville’s “original skyscraper” and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Seagle Building has long been a local icon, its early years marked by tenants like the Heritage Club and the original Florida State Museum. Trimark’s project aimed to marry that rich history with modern design, bringing new life to one of Gainesville’s signature downtown buildings.

“When I heard that a portion of the Seagle Building was for sale, we were excited to have the chance to be a part of its story,” said John Fleming, Trimark’s Managing Partner. Fleming, who has long championed historic preservation in Gainesville, called the restoration “a way to give back to the city” and safeguard a piece of its heritage for future generations.

Over the last two years, Trimark’s team carried out comprehensive renovations both inside and out. The entire building façade was repainted in a historically inspired color scheme that highlights the architectural details. “Now you can see so much more detail, like the two gators set in stone on either side of the building’s name above the entrance,” Fleming noted. The company restored precast stonework at the building’s base and will soon install a custom steel canopy above the main entrance, bringing back the intricate trim and original bronze lettering. On the ground floor, historic steel windows were carefully refurbished and reinstalled.

One of the project’s most ambitious undertakings was the replacement or restoration of every window in the building — over 500 windows swapped for modern, energy-efficient units, with another 150 rebuilt and weather-sealed to match the 1920s appearance. Fleming’s team rehearsed the installation on vacant floors to minimize disruption for existing residents. These upgrades resolved long-standing leaks and improved energy efficiency, all while preserving the building’s classic look.

Beyond the windows, Trimark addressed decades of deferred maintenance: a new roof, a high-capacity water pump for improved plumbing, a repaired elevator, and a refurbished basement parking garage. Inside, drop ceilings were removed to reveal the original ceiling height and expose vintage elements. This meticulous, piece-by-piece approach earned the project the 2025 Exceptional Restoration Award from the City of Gainesville.

With infrastructure restored, Trimark reimagined the fifth and sixth floors as contemporary office suites. Each floor features three open-layout offices of roughly 1,500 square feet, several of which are available to lease. Large, new windows offer panoramic views of downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida campus. Trimark collaborated with Monarch Design Group and local designers to blend modern amenities such as high-efficiency lighting, HVAC, and high-speed internet with the Seagle Building’s historic ambiance, including original elevator doors embossed with “SBUF.” (Seagle Building University of Florida)

Demand for the revitalized space has been strong, with two of the six new office suites pre-leased immediately. The remaining available suites offer flexible layouts that can be customized for new tenants. Those who move into the Seagle Building enjoy brand-new Class A office interiors paired with the prestige of a historic address, daily on-site maintenance, professional janitorial service, and advanced security.

Trimark’s rehabilitation extends to the ground floor, where work is underway on a 2,600-square-foot restaurant space fronting University Avenue. The company is converting a former thrift store and office into a modern eatery venue with a spacious dining area, elevated kitchen and bar, and two new restrooms. The new layout will include dedicated prep and POS areas, as well as expansive new windows and an entry that connects to an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. An attached, temperature-controlled storage room is being added to support the future restaurant’s operations.

For the Trimark team, the Seagle Building’s transformation is about more than real estate — it’s about honoring Gainesville’s identity. Nearly a century after its construction, the building is poised for a new chapter as a hub of business and community. “I want Seagle to be successful,” Fleming said of the company’s long-term commitment. With Trimark retaining ownership of the majority of the building, the focus is on ensuring it never falls into disrepair again.

Trimark’s investment in the Seagle Building is the latest example of its approach to sustainable urban redevelopment in Gainesville. Over three decades, the company has completed more than 60 restorations of historic structures, blending preservation with modern amenities and earning over 30 City of Gainesville Beautification Awards. “Our team is proud to give new life to the Seagle Building — it’s a win-win for the city’s heritage and its future,” Fleming said. “By restoring this treasure, we’re not only honoring Gainesville’s past, we’re also creating a dynamic space for the businesses and ideas that will shape its tomorrow.”