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Renovations to Historic Fire Island Lighthouse Begin

Posted on May 4, 2017 by William J. Newman in Fire Island News

The National Park Service’s $1.2 million project to restore the historic Fire Island Lighthouse following damage from Superstorm Sandy is now underway, starting on Monday, April 17. The lighthouse won’t be closed during repairs by Ocean Construction LLC, although the front entrance will temporarily close during certain times during the renovation, during which visitors can use the northern entrance. The renovation project is projected to be completed in June, just in time for the busy summer season.

The Fire Island Lighthouse has been a staple of Fire Island, and Long Island, since before the civil war. It first opened in 1859 and still has the original terra style stones at the base of it. However, those stones were damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, with five feet of water wiped out one of the corners of the foundation. The repairs will fix damage to the southwest corner, damage to the terrace and some sections of the brick wall.

The construction is a sigh of relief to those who visit the lighthouse each year. The shiny beacon attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and around 30,000 of those visitors climb the stairs to the top to take in panoramic views of the ocean surrounding it. The Fire Island Lighthouse is open year-round and operated by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society in conjunction with the National Park Service. The U.S. Coast Guard owns and operates the light. Ocean Construction LLC was chosen for this renovation project because they specialize in historic preservation endeavors.

 

Now, more than ever, buying a Fire Island beach house is a considerable investment which can bring family memories for years to come. For over 40 years William J Newman Realty has had the pleasure of servicing the west end of Fire Island, helping families enjoy this special barrier beach destination. Call us today about renting or buying from Fair Harbor to Dunewood, Lonelyville, to Saltaire.


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