The Point Abino Lighthouse project involved the historic rehabilitation and repair of a working 19th-century lighthouse. The Point Abino Lighthouse is North America’s oldest concrete lighthouse and located on the bed of Lake Erie. The objective of this project was to create a durable, long-lasting restoration that respected the original architecture and materials of the lighthouse and brought it up to modern standards.
Special considerations included working with historic materials and structures, as well as operating in a challenging lakeside environment, which required weather-tight enclosures and precise environmental monitoring throughout the project. Phoenix Restoration was the prime generator contractor on this project.
The project included but was not limited to the following:
- Conducted thorough cleaning of all concrete surfaces, removing black atmospheric soiling, bird droppings, and lead-based paint.
- Applied a protective membrane to the lighthouse elevations to protect against future environmental damage.
- Performed structural repairs, including the rebuilding of load-bearing concrete walls to match the historic concrete pattern.
- Installed new reinforcement steel under expert guidance.
- Supplied and installed Cintec Anchors for added structural reinforcement.
- Constructed formwork to replicate the original striped pattern on the concrete, ensuring historical accuracy.
- Removed extensive coatings and applied high-performance protective coatings to the entire structure.
- Replaced the roof and installed a new drainage system to improve durability.
- Fabricated and installed new steel windows to replicate the original designs.
- Tagged, disassembled, repaired, repainted, and reinstalled decorative ironwork elements, including iron cresting, finials, and iron door hardware.
- Replaced missing ornaments to restore the lighthouse’s original aesthetic.
- Documented all work to preserve records of restoration techniques and adherence to historical standards.
- Implemented multi-trade scaffolding to expedite project timelines
Special Considerations
This lighthouse restoration project posed unique challenges due to its unique environmental conditions and the need to work with fragile, aged materials. The proximity to the lake required constant monitoring of temperature and humidity, which demanded specialized equipment and meticulous record-keeping. Working with deteriorated concrete and ironworks introduced additional risks, as these materials required careful handling to prevent further damage.
To address these challenges, we constructed a weather-tight scaffold enclosure, allowing work to continue safely regardless of weather conditions. We implemented a fast-track schedule, using mock-ups to verify historical accuracy and enabling early adjustments as needed. Prefabricated forms were crafted to match the original concrete patterns precisely, ensuring that the restoration remained true to the lighthouse’s historical integrity.
In addition to these measures, rigorous environmental monitoring protocols were established. When wind speeds exceeded safe limits, the foreman suspended work and brought crew members to shore. These protocols ensured both safety and the preservation of the lighthouse’s historical integrity.
Please note that this project summary offers just a brief look at the work undertaken; for a more detailed scope of the project, please reach out to us.
