Restoration of historic lighthouse tower begins today

Local reporters with Historic City News were informed that sandblasting has begun on the iron and copper lantern at the top of the 165-foot-tall historic St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum tower built in 1874.

After performing repairs to the metal, and the removal of paint and rust blooms, the lantern will receive a fresh coat of red paint.

“This is really critical work that needs to be done to preserve the lighthouse and its legacy for future generations,” said Executive Director Kathy A. Fleming. “The metal repair work and new paint will help protect the brick, iron and copper surfaces of the tower from the salt air and hot sun.”

Following the lantern work, the project will focus on mold abatement for the masonry work before the black and white stripes are repainted. The new paint will not only improve the tower’s appearance, but protect the surfaces from wear and tear.

Fleming explained to Historic City News that preservation is not something that happens just once. Maintaining a historic structure like the lighthouse requires continuous work, according to Fleming. The massive restoration work, estimated to cost about $280,000, will continue through April 24th as part of ongoing preservation and preparations for the 450th celebration.

With support from local and state representatives, the museum has secured $200,000 in state grants and appropriations. This includes Historic Preservation Grant assistance provided by the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, and Florida Department of State, assisted by the Florida Historical Commission.

In order to complete the project, however, the museum is looking to the St. Augustine community for additional support through a crowd funding project on indiegogo.com. Donation levels range from $10 to $10,000, with different reward perks designated for each level including private ghost tours and exclusive access to the tower’s lens room.

During the first phase of the project, through April 10th, public access to the tower will be restricted. Guests will instead have the opportunity to take a guided Lost Ships or Behind the Scenes tour; free with general admission.

The exclusive tours, which provide access to archaeology conservation areas normally off-limits to the public, will be offered every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Anyone interested in donating to assist with the campaign can visit http://igg.me/at/stauglighthouse any time over the next 30 days to make a contribution and claim their perks. St. Augustine residents can also keep an eye out for paint buckets located in select community businesses where donations will be accepted as well.