News Release

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Renovation Set to Begin

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, summer kitchen, and Keeper's Quarters

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 8, 2025

Contact: BG Horvat, 252-838-8908

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Cape Lookout National Seashore is proud to announce the commencement of a major renovation project for the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a treasured maritime beacon on the North Carolina coast. The comprehensive improvements, led by Stone and Lime Historic Restoration, Inc., will begin this month and is expected to take two to three years to complete.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse has long stood as a sentinel for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the Southern Outer Banks. Time and elements have taken their toll on the structure, prompting the National Park Service to initiate a full preservation effort aimed at safeguarding the lighthouse for future generations.

“This renovation marks a pivotal step in preserving one of North Carolina’s most iconic landmarks,” said Katherine Cushinberry, Acting Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore. “The lighthouse is not only a critical aid to navigation but also a symbol of our coastal heritage.”

The restoration work will address repair or replacement of the metal stairs, handrails, landings, glass panes, windows, doors, and other materials. The lighthouse will be stripped to bare brick and the signature black-and-white diamond pattern will be repainted with a breathable paint to help stabilize the moisture content of the bricks. Stone and Lime Historic Restoration, Inc., a nationally recognized firm specializing in historic masonry and lighthouse restoration, will lead the project work.

Public Access During Construction

For the safety of visitors and contractors, the lighthouse and the immediate surrounding area will be closed to the public during the renovation period. However, Cape Lookout National Seashore will continue to offer interpretive programs and updates on the restoration progress through its website and social media channels.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the rest of the park, like the scenic beaches, and the cultural historic sites, which will remain open to the public.

About the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Rising above the shore, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse we see today began guiding mariners on November 1, 1859. It replaced an earlier lighthouse built in 1812, bringing a new level of engineering to the coast. Its

double-walled construction – the first in North Carolina – made it possible to build the tower taller than ever before. At 163-feet, with a gleaming Fresnel lens, its light could reach about 15 miles across the water. Today, the same historic tower still stands watch, now powered by the sun and shining with an energy-efficient LED beacon. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Park Service is committed to preserving this cultural treasure while ensuring its continued functions as a navigational aid and as an educational resource for generations to come.