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The $16 million rehabilitation project for the Pigeon Point Lighthouse began in January 2024 and is expected to be completed within two years. Located within the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, the lighthouse has been closed to the public since December 2001, when two pieces of the cast iron belt course, each weighing about 300 pounds, broke away and fell to the ground. The project will involve refurbishing or replacing all the ironwork throughout the building, as well as repairing or replacing masonry elements as needed. A major focus will be on the upper belt course or cast-iron ring, where the structural integrity was compromised in late 2001 when two large pieces broke away.
Upcoming developments at the lighthouse will include several noteworthy improvements and restorations. Interpretive exhibits will be added inside the base of the tower and the Keeper’s office, providing visitors with engaging educational content. The pedestal and rotating chariot for the 1st order Fresnel lens will be meticulously restored, and a lens replica will be installed in the fog signal building once the original lens is returned to the tower. The Fresnel lens, with its 1,009 delicate glass elements, was removed from the tower in 2011 and is now on display in its temporary home in the fog signal building. Access will be enhanced with an improved driveway from the parking lot to the fog signal building and new pathways around the tower. Additionally, picket fencing will surround the ocean side of the tower, and the observation deck will be replaced to offer better views. Self-guided tour options will be upgraded for a more enriching visitor experience. A new flagpole will be erected to replace the one damaged during storms in 2023, and there will be significant improvements to the restrooms, parking, and traffic flow to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
The Lantern Room The roof and copper ventilation ball will be repaired and repainted. The glass curtain walls will be repaired and resealed, and the metal elements will be repainted.
Upper Tower Decks and Railings The corroded deck elements and railings will be removed and replaced to match the original cast iron details.
Upper Tower Belt Course Continuing corrosion of cast iron elements on the upper belt course make repair of the upper tower the most critical portion of the project. Cast iron and masonry elements will be restored or replaced based on condition, and seismic reinforcing will be added.
Interior and Exterior Ironwork
Windows, stairs, landings and corroded exterior cast iron elements at the base of the tower will be repaired or replaced as needed. Layers of old paint coatings will be removed, and a new paint system will be applied to protect the building from the extreme maritime environment.
Oil House Walls and chimneys will be seismically strengthened, and deteriorated building materials will be repaired or replaced.
You can help by making a donation to www.CoastsideStateParks.org or by mail to Coastside State Parks Association, 1 New Years Creek Road, Pescadero, CA 94060.
This story appeared in the
Jan/Feb 2025 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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