Florida A & M University is exploring the idea that it can save oldest wooden structures on campus from the ravages of time and nature. After years of mounting deterioration, FAMU is using recent funding to explore possible options to restore Gibb’s Cottage.
The cottage was the home of Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs, a former state representative who was responsible for the legislative actions that led to the creation of FAMU. The cottage served as his residence while Gibbs was the university’s first Vice President between 1887 and 1900.
In 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded Florida A&M University a $50,000 grant to work on the first phase of the project which is to determine the feasibility of restoring the structure. Andrew Chen, Dean of the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology says, “In its current condition, we're surprised, shocked, amazed and greatly appreciate how well it's withstood the test of time. It's been relocated. Initially, it was by the center of campus where currently the Allied Health structure is.”
From the outside, it’s easy to see some of the damage. There are boarded up windows and some visible damage to the porch and outer walls. FAMU officials did not allow WFSU crews inside to record video due to safety concerns. Chen, who wrote this grant, told us that the initial phase of the grant is to assess how the damage that can’t be easily seen. “What we're going to begin to look at is the current condition in terms of its structural stability, and what it would take in order to have it returned to what it used to be.”
Chen says that the importance of Gibbs Cottage extends beyond the university’s campus. “When we wrote the grant, we often think from the perspective of being an academic institution on the FAMU campus and often write those grants and proposals within the context of what's the role of this building, this structure, this place to the FAMU campus? I think many times we overlook its value to the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, the state of Florida.”
In its 138-year history, Gibbs cottage has survived Florida’s hurricanes, tornadoes and other damage caused by weather and time. Chen says, “I think some people also need to recognize it's a metaphor for the university. It's a metaphor for a lot of people and the challenges they go through and hopefully reminds people that no matter what trials, tribulations and storms that are going on around you, you just need to stand your ground and look for your positive finish.”
What this $50,000 grant will find remains to be seen. Right now, Chen says the goal is to figure out what type of restoration is possible for Gibbs Cottage. After that, the university hopes to have more answers about how the building can be used to support the future of FAMU.
