Iconic Fort Casey structure closed until late summer
OLYMPIA – Jan. 30, 2020 – Visitors to Fort Casey Historical State Park can expect to see the iconic Admiralty Head Lighthouse surrounded by scaffolding and temporarily off-limits to the public. Last week, the century-old lighthouse was closed for major renovation work. During construction, the interior and grounds immediately surrounding the lighthouse will not be accessible. The lighthouse is scheduled to reopen in late summer.
The last time any work was done on the lighthouse was 10 years ago when the roof and some windows were replaced. Much of the exterior stucco and metal work are deteriorating, the interior walls have cracks and some railings need repair.
Renovation work to the lighthouse tower, the attached lighthouse residence and the nearby oil house includes:
- Exterior and interior masonry work
- Metal work in the tower structure
- Window restoration
- Painting of both structures and interior and exterior metal lantern components
Gift shop, exhibit center open in March
In March, a temporary lighthouse exhibit center and gift shop will open at the Fort Casey park office building. (Days and hours of operation will be posted on the agency’s website.) Visitors will be able to view a selection of exhibits normally housed inside the lighthouse and speak with volunteer experts about the lighthouse and its history. In addition, special volunteer-led interpretive talks outside the lighthouse are planned during the temporary closure.
For more information about the exhibit center, gift shop and interpretive talks, call the park office at (360) 678-4519.
The anticipated cost to renovate the lighthouse is just under $1.7 million. The 2019 Legislature approved capital funding for the lighthouse historic preservation project.
In 2019, Washington State Parks completed a comprehensive four-year restoration of the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment State Park.
News media contacts:
Chris Holm, Central Whidbey Area manager, (360) 678-4519
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 20-008