The Challenge

This project presented unique logistical complexities. Bald Head Island, now a resort community, has restricted vehicle access and limited capacity to support heavy construction activities.

As a result, all personnel, tools, equipment, and materials had to be carefully coordinated and transported by ferry, requiring detailed planning and efficient execution.

DOMINION's +

Known as “Old Baldy,” the 100-foot-tall lighthouse was constructed in 1817 to replace an earlier 18th-century structure lost to coastal erosion. With its distinctive octagonal tower and mottled stucco exterior, it remains one of North Carolina’s most recognizable landmarks.

Our team brings more than a decade of experience in preserving this historic structure. In 2004, we were engaged to conduct a comprehensive inspection and carry out initial stabilization and safety repairs. This work included rappelling down each face of the octagonal tower to assess the condition of the stucco, as well as evaluating the integrity of the interior wooden staircase and landing system.

In 2015, our Historic Preservation Division was commissioned by the Old Baldy Foundation to undertake further restoration efforts. These included the analysis and replacement of stucco parging, refurbishment of the vent ball, restoration of the lantern roof, and repairs to the curtain wall.

Results

More recently, we were contracted to perform additional interior and exterior masonry repairs with a clear preservation objective: to maintain the lighthouse in its current historic condition rather than pursue a full-scale restoration.

Exterior efforts focused on creating a watertight building envelope to protect the structure from environmental exposure, while interior repairs addressed localized deterioration to ensure continued structural integrity. This approach allowed us to extend the life of the lighthouse while respecting its historical authenticity and character.