Saving The Historic Mispillion Lighthouse | From Podcast Ep.45
If you’ve ever worked with us, you know that at Pro Exteriors we're passionate about transforming homes and tackling unique challenges. Recently, our very own Aaron Rogers, owner of Pro Exteriors, joined me (Cole Willig) on the You Ask, The PROs Answer podcast to share one of his most memorable and unique projects: Rebuilding a full-size replica of the Mispillion Lighthouse beacon in a residential neighborhood in downtown Lewes, Delaware.
A Call Unlike Any Other
In 2021 when the initial call came in about a "lighthouse in Lewes needing repairs," Aaron admits he was intrigued. Having driven past the property countless times over two decades, he never realized a private home boasted such a distinctive structure. But this wasn't just any lighthouse; it was a cherished part of a home in Ship Carpenter Square, a unique sub-development known for its architectural individuality.
Let’s Pause For A Look Back
We’ll continue with Aaron’s recounting in a moment, but let’s first pause and learn a little more about the original Mispillion Lighthouse. According to the United States Coast Guard, the lighthouse was built in 1831 and was located “on the west side of the mouth of the Mispillion River on the Delaware Bay near Milford, Delaware.” The lighthouse was in service until the Lighthouse Service abandoned it in 1929. It was at this time that the structure was sold to a private party.
In the late 1990s, a well-intentioned group called, “Keepers of the Mispillion Light,” formed in hopes of saving the once bright beacon. However, the “Keepers” hopes were soon dashed as a fire brought on by a freak lightning strike severely damaged portions of the house. For a time, it seemed as though the lighthouse would only be remembered for what it once was.
However, as luck would have it, a local Lewes couple saw a photo of the damaged lighthouse in a newspaper. The family had recently purchased property in Lewes’ Shipcarpenter Square, a unique neighborhood consisting of historic buildings moved from their original location to this community in Delaware’s “first town.” In 2004 the couple had their house built, a faithful replica of the Mispillion Lighthouse, where a replica of the once bright beacon now shines bright once again. While the beacon may no longer guide ships safely into harbor, it does provide a glimpse into the rich history it represents of our beloved region.
Battling the Coastal Elements
Okay, okay, back to Aaron’s story of the restoration…
The original beacon, built around 2004, had suffered significant deterioration. Shipcarpenter Square is located less than a mile from both the bay and the ocean, and the harsh salt environment had taken its toll, causing the original steel structure to rust and corrode far beyond repair.
"Exterior salt environments and metals like steel don't really mesh well," Aaron explained.
The goal? To rebuild the lighthouse using materials that could withstand the unforgiving coastal conditions and ensure it would last for decades to come. This meant a crucial shift from steel to powder-coated stainless steel, designed to prevent future rust and corrosion.
A Monumental Undertaking
This project was far from a typical exterior renovation. The large, octagon-shaped lighthouse, weighing an incredible amount, required significant logistical planning. The team had to:
Close a section of the street to bring in a crane.
Unbolt and lift the original structure off the tower.
Transport it to a local fabrication company so they could meticulously replicate its unique design and dimensions.
This process allowed the Pro Exteriors team to inspect the original tower's interior structure and identify critical design flaws that contributed to the previous leaks and deterioration.
Overcoming Obstacles, Especially During COVID
The project spanned many months, with final plans and pricing carefully put together. Adding another layer of complexity, this entire endeavor took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many in the home improvement industry experienced, material availability plummeted, lead times extended, and costs increased. Aaron admits these unexpected obstacles made the project even more challenging than anticipated.
A Shining Success
Despite the hurdles, the final result was nothing short of spectacular. The new lighthouse, constructed in two sections, was carefully hoisted and secured atop the existing tower. Every detail, from the glass to the lightning rod system, was meticulously put back in place, with minor design tweaks like a small gutter system to better protect the windows from water runoff.
"In the end, it turned out absolutely beautiful," Aaron shared, noting that while those involved could spot the difference, to an outsider, it looked as if nothing had changed.
The homeowners were "ecstatic," and remain happy customers to this day. Pro Exteriors continues to provide annual inspections and proactive maintenance for the lighthouse, upholding their limited lifetime workmanship warranty and ensuring the structure remains a beautiful and functional part of their home.
Ready for Your Unique Project?
While we might not get calls for lighthouses every day, Aaron's story is a testament to Pro Exteriors' commitment to tackling complex, custom projects with expertise and dedication. Whether you're looking for standard roofing, siding, or decking services, or have a truly one-of-a-kind exterior challenge, we're ready to help. If you’d like to watch or listen to the full episode on which this article is based you can click here.
Have questions about your upcoming exterior project?
Call us today at 302-664-1700 or visit our website at AskProExteriors.com to learn more!
Sources:
