New Canal Lighthouse Breaks Ground

Construction on the New Canal Basin Lighthouse Museum and Educational Center broke ground February 27th, after several years of preparation, design, and fundraising.  Construction is expected to take seven months, and cost approximately $1.2 million, of which $700,000 consists of donations from the public.  In addition, the lighthouse will be the recipient of free windows and doors from Jeld-wen, the result of winning their public online voting contest in 2008.   While previous donations have been substantial, only the outer shell is currently funded.   The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is still looking for $250,000 to furnish and finish the interior to open the museum and educational center inside.   Donations can be made at the LPBF website, here.

Many media outlets were present at the occasion, and the story made the front page of the Times-Picayune. Links are below:


WWLtv: Construction begins on Lakefront lighthouse

WWL: Action Report: Lakefront lighthouse construction starting

Times-Picayune: New Canal Lighthouse at West End will rise again


Fox 8 Live: Ground broken for new Canal Lighthouse


WDSU: Groundbreaking To Bring Back Destroyed Canal Lighthouse(video)

MSNBC: Groundbreaking To Bring Back Destroyed Canal Lighthouse(text)

More Information at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation

More Information on the Jeld-wen Contest

More Stories on the Lighthouse on the HMS Architects Blog

More Information on the Lighthouse on the HMS website