The Erie Land Lighthouse, located at the foot of Ellie’s Lighthouse Street, is reopening to the public. Built in 1867 and standing 49 feet tall, it will continue to have its light signal maintained by the US Coast Guard. The Presque Isle Light Station has plans to open the tower to visitors eventually.
The North Pier Light, mistaken for a lighthouse, has a new caretaker focused on its restoration and preservation. The Presque Isle Light Station has applied to manage this structure, which is also owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Avery Shawnessy-Comfort, the executive director, expressed a commitment to preserving the North Pier Light, which is an iconic structure at Presque Isle State Park.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is recruiting nonprofits to manage these lights, with applications under review for their feasibility. Although the North Pier Light’s navigation signals will remain under the Coast Guard, the structure may have a new caretaker performing maintenance through a non-cost lease.
The North Pier Light’s history includes damage and reconstruction over the decades, with plans for its nomination to the National Historic Register. Restoration work is expected to cost between $250,000 and $500,000, with fundraising efforts underway. Plans include assessing the structure’s safety, potential lead paint issues, and opening the tower to the public, with further decisions pending on accessibility.
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