Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Restoration Project
with Van Calhoun
Construction began on the Hudson City Light in 1872 and completed in1874, when Henry Best lit the light for the first time. 200 plus pilings were driven vertically into the river bed, and a brick building was built on a wood framework under the water with a granite foundation on top of that. It was surrounded by rip rap to prevent water intrusion. Over time, currents, tides, ice flows, and more recent massive turbulence of bigger, deeper commercial vessels which must travel to and from Albany, NY have scoured away the protective mud and boulders surrounding the pilings, causing them to deteriorate such that some are no longer attached to the rest of the foundation. Repairs were made between 2007-2009 but did not address the major problem of water intrusion. Erosion continues at an exponential rate. Our engineers say we will begin to lose the lighthouse to the river within 3 years. They are designing a metal barrier to place around the lighthouse. It is estimated to cost between 8-10 million dollars. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently placed it on this year’s list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Van Calhoun, HALPS board member, and chair of the Lighthouse Restoration Committee, will bring us up to date on the project, sharing the sophisticated process engineers went through and proposed solutions, as well as the current plan for a 100 year fix. Work is about to begin on phase 1. Van is a lifelong resident of Chatham, a history enthusiast, and avid reader. He has been active on Town Committees, is a self-trained architect and builder and worked with national wholesale mortgage banks as a trainer and specialist in FHA, HUD and VA construction and renovation loans. He is a descendant of Hosea Birge who settled Birge Hill Farm in 1782. A new farmhouse was built in 1842, specifically designed to house 2 generations. Van and his children were the 7th and 8th generations that grew up there.
Greenport Historical Society
Thursday, July 18, 2024. 6:00 p.m.
Greenport Community Center – Town Hall Drive