Private firm takes the lead in restoring historic lighthouses
JELD-WEN DOUBLES MAJOR LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION INITIATIVE
Two Famous Lighthouses, Thomas Point Shoal and Wind Point, to Receive
Facelifts This SpringKLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - A search-and-rescue effort to help restore the
nation's historic lighthouses just doubled in scope. JELD-WEN, the
world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, set out to
help renovate one lighthouse this year with new windows and doors.
However, due to overwhelming public support for this initiative, the
company is embarking on a much larger mission. Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse (above) and Wind Point Lighthouse (below) Instead of choosing just one worthy candidate for window and door
restoration this year, JELD-WEN selected two of the nation's notable
lighthouses. Both are significant national historic landmarks and in
need of immediate assistance due to years of exposure and the lack of
resources to maintain them. The winning sites are Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, located on
Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Md., and Wind Point Lighthouse, located
on Lake Michigan near Racine, Wis. "Thomas Point Shoal and Wind Point both have immediate needs for
high-performance windows and doors that are architecturally compatible.
Both have strong local involvement to facilitate a smooth replacement
process," said Lynne Butterworth, community relations manager for
JELD-WEN. "Public voting on jeld-wen.com was an important indicator of
community support and architectural appeal." As part of the selection process, JELD-WEN invited the
public to nominate lighthouses for new windows and doors. More than 40
historic structures were considered. Of that group, Thomas Point and
Wind Point together received more than 20,000 votes online at
www.jeld-wen.com/lighthouse. "We couldn't decide between the two, so JELD-WEN will help bring back
the architectural integrity of both historic lighthouses while
protecting the structures for years to come," Butterworth said. Bringing Lighthouses Back to Glory
The JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative was launched in
2005. JELD-WEN is the only building products company with such a unique
effort, aimed at preserving treasured lighthouses nationwide. The pilot
project for this national initiative was the restoration of the Umpqua
River Lighthouse on Oregon's southern coastline in 2005. Lighthouses are the perfect structures to demonstrate the reliability
of JELD-WEN's windows and doors, designed to withstand even the
harshest wind, rain and UV exposure. The restoration effort also
showcases the significant challenges faced when renovating any historic
home. As the largest exterior openings on any building, windows and
doors are crucial to structural integrity. Infiltration of moisture,
warping and cracking in these fixtures can compromise the entire
building over time. "JELD-WEN is to be commended for the company's interest in helping
America's lighthouses. I wish more firms would follow your lead," said
Bob Trapani, executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
"We in the lighthouse community are extremely grateful that JELD-WEN is
there as a 'shining light' for preservation!" Next Steps: Blending Performance and Historical Accuracy
Thomas Point is a National Historic Landmark and Wind Point is on the
National Register of Historic Places. JELD-WEN architectural experts
traveled to the sites to evaluate the existing windows and doors and
start the process for designing new, historically aesthetic
replacements. Because of their strength and design versatility, the company plans to
donate JELD-WEN=AE Custom Wood windows built with solid pine AuraLast=AE
wood, guaranteed to protect against wood decay and insect damage for 20
years, and JELD-WEN IWP=AE AuroraTM Custom Fiberglass exterior doors,
engineered to withstand the rigors of nearly every environment, while
being crafted to emulate the look and feel of a solid-wood door. Both
the Maryland Historical Trust and the Wisconsin Historical Society have
approved plans for JELD-WEN custom windows and doors that will evoke
each structure's original 19th-century architecture. Installation at
both lighthouses is expected to begin in late spring 2007. "These two installations are amazing places to showcase JELD-WEN's
capabilities because of the classic architectural features and towering
height at Wind Point and the challenging conditions of Thomas Point,
which literally stands in Chesapeake Bay," said Rod Clark, product
marketing manager for JELD-WEN. Most Challenging Site: Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, the only intact, screw-pile lighthouse
at its original location on Chesapeake Bay, is screwed into the soft
mud of the bay, surrounded on all six sides by water. Three of what are
believed to be the original historical windows and all the interior
doors remain on the first floor. Other windows are either boarded up or
were replaced inexpensively, and the wooden exterior doors are
deteriorating badly. These fixtures will be matched as closely as
possible with new JELD-WEN windows and exterior doors to protect the
building and satisfy historic guidelines. "We are delighted to receive JELD-WEN's assistance in the restoration
of our lighthouse," said Henry Gonzalez, lighthouse manager and vice
president of the U.S. Lighthouse Society. "The new windows and doors
will provide ongoing protection for the whole structure and enjoyment
for thousands of visitors." Unique Architecture: Wind Point Lighthouse
At 108 feet, Wind Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest Great Lakes
lighthouses, and it certainly lives up to its name. Subject to
gale-force gusts, its window openings are now mostly boarded up, some
with portholes peeking through. The only recent replacement window is
leaky and will not stay shut. Steel replacement doors are heavy and
functional, but do not resemble the historic originals from 1880.
Detailed drawings and photos are scarce, and other lighthouses designed
by architect Orlando Poe are being researched to determine the style of
the original windows and doors. "The support of JELD-WEN is welcomed at Wind Point. The Village takes a
tremendous amount of pride in our lighthouse and the product donation
is a crucial boost to restoring the integrity of the tower," said Missy
Peterson, caretaker of the Wind Point Lighthouse. "Currently, Wind
Point is known as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the area,
I'm sure we will have people returning to shoot the new and improved
look." "As 20,000 annual visitors come to Wind Point Lighthouse, JELD-WEN's
commitment and generosity will not go unnoticed. The Wind Point
Lighthouse is a symbol of our community and it will be even more
impressive after the restoration," said Jeff Peterson, Wind Point
Lighthouse caretaker. |
