PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE — 1873

Client: Presque Isle Partnership
Location: 301 Peninsula Dr., Erie, Pennsylvania
Dates: Original building — 1873; Renovation complete — 2017.
Size: 2,500 SF
Honors: Preservation Stewardship Award, Erie County Historical Society — 2017
National Register of Historic Places: Individually listed.

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is located on the northernmost shore of Presque Isle State Park — a naturally formed, 3,200-acre peninsula projecting into Lake Erie. Construction of the lighthouse was completed in 1873 and it is still an active aid to navigation today. This project included improvements to the lighthouse building and grounds, and the addition of a welcome center and administrative offices.

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The lighthouse was originally designed to be made of stone-cut blocks, but it was ultimately constructed of five layers of brick. The tower was originally 40 feet high. In 1896, the height was raised by over 17 feet to increase the distance of the projection of light over the lake. The tower brick was subsequently painted white to improve visibility of the lighthouse during the day. The attached home for the lighthouse keepers and their families was designed in a 19th century French style. In 2014, the lighthouse ceased to function as a residence and was opened to the public.