Eaton's Neck Lighthouse, constructed in 1799, stands at the confluence of Huntington Bay and Long Island Sound on the North Shore of Long Island. One of the oldest active lighthouses in the United States, it was electrified in 1921 and continues to operate as a U.S. Coast Guard station. The structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and occupies a harsh and exposed environment -- conditions that accelerate deterioration of the brownstone construction and all metal elements.
Graciano Corporation was selected by the United States Coast Guard to perform a comprehensive restoration of the lighthouse. The project required erecting a 73-foot tower scaffold to access the full height of the structure, as well as managing asbestos abatement and lead paint removal that are common on properties of this age. Work was completed in November 2022.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Asbestos abatement
- Electrical equipment replacement
- Roofing demolition and replacement
- Exterior trim work
- Lead paint removal
- Masonry repointing -- 3,600 linear feet
- Brownstone patching -- 226 square feet
- Mineral silicate coating application
- Cast-iron window restoration and replication
- Copper finial and lightning rod repair
- 20-pane lantern reglazing
- 73-foot tower scaffold erection
- Waterproofing, tuckpointing, structural repairs, sealing
- Cementitious coatings and caulking
Masonry Repointing and Brownstone Patching
Graciano crews repointed 3,600 linear feet of masonry joints throughout the lighthouse structure -- raking deteriorated mortar and replacing it with a mortar composition appropriate for historic brownstone construction. Brownstone is a sedimentary material prone to spalling when freeze-thaw cycles force water into the face grain; 226 square feet of brownstone patching was completed using compatible repair materials that match the original in color and texture. A mineral silicate coating was applied to protect the masonry surface from the aggressive maritime environment.
Metal and Lantern Restoration
The cast-iron windows in the lighthouse were restored and, where beyond repair, replicated to match the originals in profile and material. The copper finial and lightning rod were repaired. The 20-pane lantern at the top of the tower was reglazed, restoring the integrity of the light itself. Electrical equipment throughout was replaced as part of the Coast Guard's operational upgrade, coordinated with the masonry and exterior restoration.
Roofing and Hazardous Material Abatement
The existing roofing was demolished and replaced. Asbestos abatement and lead paint removal were conducted under proper containment procedures before masonry and roofing work could proceed -- a standard requirement on structures of this age that demands careful sequencing and coordination with abatement subcontractors.
About Graciano Corporation
Founded in 1916, Graciano Corporation is one of the oldest and most experienced masonry and concrete restoration firms in the United States. With offices in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, and Florida, Graciano has worked on some of the most challenging and historically significant structures in the Northeast. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise performing approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled craftsmen.