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Moving Ahead to Keep
Cape Elizabeth Light Sparkling
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The American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) is moving
forward with plans to ensure that the east tower at Cape Elizabeth
maintains its elegant appearance as it stands silent sentinel at the
entrance to Portland Harbor. The 1874 light tower, which is under the
care of the nonprofit ALF, is one of the most recognized and
photographed lighthouses along the entire Atlantic seaboard. The light
tower’s history and importance as a lifesaving seacoast beacon has left
an indelible mark on the state of Maine’s rich lighthouse heritage. It
is now up to today’s modern keepers to maintain and preserve this
heritage for future generations.
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse,
Casco Bay, Maine
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On May 17, 2006, representatives from J.B. Leslie Masonry Contractors in
South Berwick, Maine, examined the spalling concrete on the base of the
67-foot light tower, as well as the light station’s brick oil house that is
located closer to the water’s edge. After assessing the condition of both
structures, the firm presented the American Lighthouse Foundation with a
scope of work and a cost estimate to rehabilitate the tower’s concrete base
and restore the deteriorating oil house.
The American Lighthouse Foundation then met at the site with Amy Cole-Ives,
architectural historian for the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, on
June 20, 2006. The purpose of the site visit was to |
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Jim Leslie of J.B. Leslie Masonry
Contractors takes measurements of the
base of the light tower
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provide the Commission with a firsthand
look at the proposed restoration projects and the challenges associated
with facilitating the rehabilitation work. The site visit will prove
invaluable throughout the consultation process between the American
Lighthouse Foundation and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission as
both entities work together to ensure that |
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the historic
integrity of Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is maintained to the highest of
standards.
Though the spalling concrete on the base of the lighthouse does not
adversely impact the structural integrity of the cast-iron light tower, ALF
believes that by being proactive and addressing the cosmetic deficiency now,
it will prevent any possibility of the deterioration becoming more serious.
The tower’s masonry base shows visible signs of having been repaired in the
past, though the fixes may not have properly addressed the composition of
the concrete, which in turn could have contributed to the present failing
sections.
According to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the concrete bases
are more than likely original, thus meaning that the concrete is non |
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| air-entrained, a factor that may need to
be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate repair
material. By properly addressing the composition of the masonry base
during the consultation process and subsequently identifying a suitable
rehabilitation method based on this information, ALF and the Maine
Historic |
Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
A close-up view of a section of spalling
concrete at the base of the light
tower
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Preservation
Commission are seeking to implement a solution that not only achieves
historic preservation standards but also long-term structural durability.
The light station’s brick oil house, which is located behind the whistle
house (both buildings are situated well below the lighthouse closer to the
ocean’s surf line), came under the care of the American Lighthouse
Foundation in late fall 2005. The small structure has suffered extensive
deterioration over the years and is in dire need of restoration. Many of the
mortar joints along the building’s brick construction are severely
compromised and require urgent renewing, while the bricks themselves
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Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
A view of the Cape Elizabeth oil house
and whistle house at water's edge from
atop
the lighthouse
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need to be re-pointed. In addition, the wood trim around
the roof of the structure is rotted and will need rehabilitation.
Compounding matters worse, J.B. Leslie Masonry Contractors will also
have to remove a damaging exterior coat of Theroseal from the brickwork,
which is preventing moisture that is penetrating |
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behind the sealant from escaping.
The American Lighthouse Foundation is presently working to raise the
necessary money to cover the restoration cost of both projects. Repairing
the spalling
concrete base of the light tower will cost approximately $8,000, while
restoring the brick oil house will cost approximately $10,000. ALF is hoping
that one of the projects can be funded before the work season ends in 2006,
but if not, ALF plans to carry out both projects with J.B. Leslie Masonry
Contractors in 2007.
During the site visit ALF also spoke with Amy Cole-Ives of the Maine
Historic Preservation Commission about other rehabilitation projects that
the organization has identified at Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse. A topic of
discussion included a necessary future project designed to repair and
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replace (as needed) the windowpanes of the lantern. As
with nearly all lighthouses, the elements have taken a toll on the glass
panes. Various windowpanes have suffered cracks from storm winds, while
the glazing used to seal the windows has deteriorated in many places,
permitting rainwater to penetrate the lantern.
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up view of the oil house
depicting
the deteriorated mortar joints underneath
the exterior Theroseal coating
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ALF previously
received a quote from Portland Glass for $10,000 to replace the many damaged
glass panes, although this does not include the cost of necessary staging of
scaffolding that must encircle the light tower some 70-plus feet into the
air in order to safely facilitate the work. The scaffolding will be an
expensive additional cost to the project since it must be hand-carried
across private property and erected in a manner that proves least invasive
and damaging to the surrounding lawn of the adjacent private homeowner.
The state of Maine can take great proud in the lasting legacy forged by the
present Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse over the last 132 years. The beacon’s
guiding light has been a true friend to the maritime community |
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Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
(L to R) Amy Cole-Ives of the Maine
Historic Preservation Commission and
Bob Trapani, ALF executive director,
discuss proposed rehabilitation
projects for Cape Elizabeth Light
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and an object
of admiration to its adoring public throughout its tenure of service.
The American Lighthouse Foundation recognizes the vast importance Cape
Elizabeth Light has to Mainers and visitors alike and is committed to
working with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to ensure this
beacon remains an elegant tribute to our seafaring past, present and
future.
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Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
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ALF is working to ensure Cape Elizabeth
Light is preserved for future generations
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A future ALF rehabilitation project will
address the windowpanes of
Cape Elizabeth's lantern
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
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A view of the fog
signal, whistle house and oil house
located along the ocean
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An overview of an interior wall
within
the oil house depicting the deterioration
of
the brickwork's
mortar joints
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Frontal view of the brick oil house
at
Cape Elizabeth
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up view of the
deteriorating wood trim below
the building's roof
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up view of the
deteriorating base of the
brick oil house
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Posted 8/3/2006 |
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