Wanna Own Whaleback?

Whaleback Lighthouse
SEACOAST LIGHTHOUSES

The Portsmouth Herald logo is up for sale. The US Coast Guard has no more use for Whaleback Light that stands in the middle of Portsmouth Harbor on the Kittery side. Lighthouse must be taken as is – and it’s going to cost a bundle to maintain.

Official Press Release from
U.S. General Services Administration

VISIT OUR Lighthhouse Guide by Jeremy

The Whaleback Ledge Light, which marks the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River on the Maine side of the channel near Kittery Point, Maine, has been determined to be excess to the needs of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Therefore, pursuant to the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, 16 U.S.C. 470, this property is being made available at no cost to other federal agencies, state and local agencies, non-profit corporations, educational agencies, and community development organizations, for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Whaleback Ledge Light, built in 1872, is an offshore, granite conical 50 foot high tower located on a .01 acre man-made island. The light consists of 2 floors with 10 foot radii, totaling approximately 314 square feet; wood floors and ceiling with brick-lined interior and black cast iron caisson. A seawall spans the gap between the lighthouse and what remains of the foundation of the demolished fog signal tower.

The property is offered "as is" and "where is" without representation, warranty, or guarantee as to quality, quantity, title, character, condition, size or kind.

Any eligible entity with an interest in acquiring the Whaleback Ledge Light should send a letter of interest including name of property, eligible entity, point of contact, and, if a non-profit agency, a copy of state-certified articles of incorporation to Ms. Sara Massarello U.S. General Services Administration, Property Disposal Division, 10 Causeway street, Room 925, Boston, MA 02222. A copy of the letter of interest should be sent to Mr. Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., State Historic Preservation Officer, 55 Capitol Street, 65 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Notice of response due date is August 17, 2007.and the National Park Service Lighthouse web site.

Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300 government-owned or leased buildings and 170,000 vehicles. GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and e-travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

Did You Know? GSA, New England Region, has processed 43 light stations under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act since 2000.

MORE: About Whaleback Lighthouse

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