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ARTICLE. From the Coastside State Park Association on September 8th, 2025.
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California State Parks Lighthouse Restoration webpage.
This summer, the amazing craftsmanship of the crew working on the rehabilitation of Pigeon Point Lighthouse is coming to life. Crumbling masonry is being diligently removed with hand tools and new bricks laid by a master mason at the base of the tower and at the upper reaches of the building.
The first of three circular bond beams is being constructed around the upper neck of the tower. This initial structure replaces the broken belt course that caused the closure of the tower 25 years ago. Once the old brick was carefully removed, steel rebar was shaped and welded to create the foundation for the ring. Commonly known as GFRP, a glass fiber reinforced polymer, is poured into a form.
When cured, it will be painted black to resemble the belt course. This process will be repeated for the other two bond beams. Each of these will sit at the level of the two galleries, or balconies. Ultimately, all the old masonry between the new circular beams will be demolished and replaced with new brick in preparation for the new stainless-steel brackets and gallery decks.
— Julia Barrow, Special Projects Coordinator
More on the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Rehabilitation Progress, including timeline.
Your Donation today will help us support this work.
The project to restore the tower and reopen it for public viewing is multi-organizational one. California State Parks, as the property owner, is and will be involved with every aspect of the restoration effort. However, funding for a major project with only state funds is not normally feasible. The California State Park Foundation raised the initial money that helped stabilize the structure, prepare the construction drawings, and protect the structure from further damage by replacing and refurbishing many windows and doors throughout the tower. As the local cooperating association, Coastside State Parks Association stepped up to help with fund-raising as well as get smaller projects completed thereby raising the profile of this significant project.
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park relies upon its collaborative relationships with its nonprofit partners, including Coastside State Parks Association, California State Parks Foundation and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. These organizations provide support for the tower restoration, the operation of the park and the development of visitor-serving programs and amenities.
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.
Timeline of Activities
Sept 2011–California State Parks receives full title from US Coast Guard/National Park Service.
Nov 2011–Fresnel lens relocated from tower to Fog Signal Building; emergency stabilization work completed.
Fall 2012–Additional emergency stabilization done to reduce water intrusion.
Sep 2012–Historic Structures Report for Lighthouse tower.
July 2015–Completion of 100% Engineering and Architechural drawings.
Aug 2016–Completion of Maintenance Plan for Pigeon Point Light Station SHP.
June 2017–General Plan adopted for Pigeon Point Light Station SHP by State Parks Commission.
Fall 2018–Windows & Doors Project completed in the tower to reduce water intrusion.
Dec 2018–Oil House roof replaced.
Mar 2019–Oil House rooms repainted and refubished.
May 2019–Coastside State Parks becomes a “bridge” for fundraising efforts.
Sept 5 2019–California State Parks announces that $9.157 million has been dedicated to the Upper Lighthouse Stabilization and Restoration Project.
July 2021–California State Parks announces that a total of $18.9 million has been dedicated to fully restore the Lighthouse.
December 2023 — Contractor selected.
January 2024–Restoration project begins!
Article for Reading
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration Update Summer 2025
June 6, 2025
Lighthouse Restoration Updates
Ongoing Progress Updates
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration Update – Spring 2025
March 14, 2025
Pidgeon Point Lighthouse Restoration Update – Winter 2024
December 13, 2024
At long last: Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration gets underway
February 29, 2024
A New Beginning for a Coastside Icon
(HMB Review Feb 7, 2024)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Rehabilitation Project to Begin in Early 2024
Dec. 4 2023
Author: mdrag
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