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Contact: Mary Pat Doorley, 440-343-7355
PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio - The National Park Service recently awarded a contract to restore the upper plaza at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. This significant investment from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund will address critical infrastructure and safety needs and improve the visitor experience.
The long-needed $20+ million project will rehabilitate the upper and lower plaza areas, tackle essential structural and waterproofing problems, enhance accessibility, and renovate restrooms. The work will also include improvements to interior spaces and some building systems, all while carefully preserving the site's historic integrity.
“It has been a long process to get such a substantial project to this stage," said Mary Pat Doorley, the national park's acting superintendent. “We are excited to rehabilitate the area around this iconic landmark and help provide lasting memories for visitors.”
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial honors those who fought and died in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and celebrates the long-lasting peace between the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. Each year, more than 150,000 people visit the memorial which features a Doric column rising 352 feet over Lake Erie. The open-air observation deck, at 317 feet, offers spectacular views of the Lake Erie Islands and Canada. The renovations are expected to support approximately 230 jobs and contribute over $53 million to the nation’s economy, demonstrating the significant positive impact of GAOA investments.
Project Timeline:
Engineering and Design Phase: Begins in the 2025 season.
Upper Plaza Paver Removal: During summer of 2025, paver removals for structural assessment work will limit visitor access to the upper plaza; however, access to the Memorial Column, rotunda, and observation deck will be maintained.
Construction Phase: Anticipated to start in March 2026 and continue through November 2027. During this phase, the memorial and observation deck will be closed to the public. The visitor center and grounds will remain open.
Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA provides up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks and other public lands to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks.
For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/pevi, Facebook, X and Instagram or call 419-285-2184.
Last updated: May 16, 2025