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National Park Service Announces Completion of Fire Island Lighthouse Terrace Repairs
Repairs on the terrace attached to the Fire Island Lighthouse began in April, and the National Park Service has announced that they have been completed. The lighthouse’s terrace was damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The $1.2 million project, completed by historic preservation specialists Ocean Construction LLC, received an additional $17,475 in funding from the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society for the paver stones to be restored on the Keepers Quarters’ front porch. The Bluestone pavers were part of the original lighthouse built in 1826.
Dennis Mott, facility operations specialist at Fire Island National Seashore, explained of the repair project, “About 4,000 bricks were removed from the southwest corner of the exterior terrace wall, which allowed us to strengthen the substructure that was flooded during Hurricane Sandy.”
The National Park Service said the restoration project was completed about a month behind schedule, mostly due to weather setbacks. Officials said the repairs included making the entryway safer for guests, improving the drainage system, strengthening the terrace substructure and fixing parts of the brick exterior.
The almost 160-year-old lighthouse is operated by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preserve, which was formed in 1982 when the lighthouse was faced with possible demolition. They raised $1.3 million to restore it and it’s still open today, offering its guests programs, a nature trail and exhibits.
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