Cape Lookout Lighthouse Stabilization Project - April 2026 Update

The exterior light installed on the scaffolding around the lighthouse.

NPS Photo/S.Godin

From February through mid-April, much of the preparation work for the project was completed. Most significantly, the exterior scaffolding was completed. The existing lighthouse beacon was removed from the lantern room of the lighthouse by the United States Coast Guard, and replaced with a new temporary, solar-powered LED beacon atop of the scaffolding to provide active aid-to-navigation for much of the rest of the stabilization project.

Over the next two weeks, the top of the lighthouse (the lantern level and the watch tower) will be disassembled (piece-by-piece) and packed with care as it will ultimately be transported to the subcontractor’s workshop (Robinson Iron of Alexander City, Alabama) where it will go to be refurbished over the next several months.

A dome will be placed atop the brick, tubular structure that remains to protect the interior masonry and iron spiral stairwell within. Also, the exterior paint will begin to be stripped down to the brick over the next few months.

The Keeper’s Quarters grounds are safely open for visitation, but visitors should be aware of the ongoing construction. Orange construction fencing separates the Keeper’s Quarters area from the work site, allowing for a safe view of the on-going work from the back porch of the Keeper’s Quarters.

Key Highlights since the last update:

• Exterior scaffolding 100% complete, consisting of 24-deck levels.
• The current light beacon was removed by the United States Coast Guard.
• A temporary beacon was installed at the top of the scaffolding to continue to provide aid to navigation. The temporary light is 180 feet above ground level.

Anticipated Highlights in the short term:

• Removal of the top, metal exterior of the Lighthouse (the lantern room, the watch level, and iron roof). These aspects of the lighthouse will be shipped offsite to Alabama for restoration.
• Installation of a dome to protect the interior masonry and iron spiral stairwell.
• Exterior paint will begin to be removed.