CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WAVY) — In January, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse began phase one of the project to rehabilitate and restore the historic landmark.
“After a lengthy and thoughtful planning process, we are excited to take this significant step towards preserving an iconic historic landmark,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “We thank our visitors for their patience and understanding as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and its surrounding landscape are restored and enhanced over the next couple of years.”
On Monday, January 22 workers from Thorpe Landscapes (Wilmington, NC) began putting up the fencing and preparing the grounds for the first step of the restoration, according to NPS.
One of the first steps of the project was to move the 36 engraved granite stones to a safe location until they can be relocated in the last stage of the project.
Here are some photos of the work, below.
The National Park Service (NPS) and Stone and Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. from North Brookfield, Mass. will work together on the $19.2 million project.
Ultimately, the project will focus on these points, below:
- Rehabilitate the interior
- Restore the exterior
- Repair and replace deteriorated materials and finishes
- Provide landscape improvements to enhance the visitor experience
- Fabrication and installation of a replica first-order Fresnel lens
Here is a look at what to expect from the first phase, below:
- Construction fencing will be installed
- The Keepers of the Light Amphitheater stones will be removed and stores in a secure location during the project, to be placed in the lighthouse district once complete.
- The portion of the parking area will be closed for several months for deliveries and the construction effprts.
- Scaffolding will be delivered and placed on the exterior and interior.
At minimum construction will last for 18 months. The work is estimated to take a couple of years. While the park store and restrooms are expected to remain open throughout the project, there will be varying closures of the grounds, according to NPS. In addition, during the duration of the project the scaffolding will be up on the lighthouse and a temporary beacon will be installed on the exterior.
Click here to stay up-to-date on the project page. Updates will also be put on the Cape Hatteras Seashore social pages.