With two photos (before and after views)
The State Construction Office (SCO) is involved in broad array of construction projects, from minor renovations to building museums and major office structures. But few projects are as meaningful as saving historic North Carolina properties from the wrecking ball.
The Oregon Inlet Coastguard Station – originally built in 1888 – was turned over to the State of North Carolina a century later, after it was abandoned by the U.S Coastguard for a new facility on the other side of the inlet. Countless rescue operations were launched from that once handsome building, which had fallen into a state of disrepair.
In fact, sand migration got deep enough to cover the chain link fence around the facility and drifts made it possible to walk onto the roof of the addition. Prior to the State taking over the facility, vandals stole the distinctive teak tops to the cisterns.
SCO evaluated the structure, made assessments and recommendations to protect the original structure, which is allocated to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Funding was obtained to restore the weather-battered exterior and protect it from further decline.
Bowman, Murray, Hemingway Architects, a firm specializing in historic restoration, was selected to provide professional design and construction administration of the restoration process. In August 2008, the State signed a contract with Waldt Construction, Inc., for the restorations.
The finished project, which was accepted by the State on Sept. 30, not only restored the exterior’s former grandeur but also raised the building onto pilings to allow drifting sand to blow through. With new cedar roof shingles, repaired tower and new lightning rod system, it stands braced and ready to face another century of coastal conditions.
