U.S. General Services Administration
Historic Connecticut Lighthouses Hit GSA Auction Block
Online auction allows public to own a piece of history
BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announces the public sale of three lighthouses in Connecticut, as part of an effort to find new owners for these historic structures as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) program.
Information on the Lighthouses
- Greens Ledge Light- Constructed in 1901, the lighthouse is located on Long Island Sound near Norwalk Connecticut. This spark plug style offshore light consists of a 39-foot circular foundation pier; four-story circular former keeper’s dwelling with a circular parapet and lantern. It is an active navigational aid operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Southwest Ledge Light- Built in 1876, this light is situated offshore, at the east side of the entrance to New Haven Harbor in Connecticut. It is a 45-foot, eight-sided cast iron structure with a unique two story mansard roof detailed in Second Empire style. The light will remain an active aid to navigation after the sale. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Penfield Reef Light is located off the coast of Fairfield in western Long Island Sound at the south side of the entrance to Black Rock Harbor in Connecticut. The light, built in 1874, is a 51-foot, octagonal wood and granite structure, with a black lantern and two-floor keeper’s quarters within. This lighthouse was greatly damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Since then, the USCG has worked diligently to restore it so it can be sold at auction. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About the Auctions - As part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) program, GSA is offering these lighthouses through an online auction at realestatesales.gov.
- Through this innovative program, proceeds from the public sales go back into the USCG’s aid to navigation fund, a fund that pays for the equipment, maintenance, and resources (fog horns, lights, battery cells, solar panels, etc.) to continue preservation and maintenance of lighthouses that are still active.
- Interested bidders will need to complete an online registration form and submit a registration deposit.
- These lighthouses occupy submerged lands owned by the state of Connecticut. Prior to conveyance of the lighthouse the purchaser must sign a Lease Agreement with the state.
"Every year GSA has the privilege to announce the sale of our maritime treasures to capable owners and stewards” said Robert Zarnetske, GSA New England Regional Administrator. “Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these lighthouses offer a unique view into our coastal history and should remain preserved for years to come.”
Since 2000, GSA has managed the NHLPA with its partners,the Department of the the Interior - National Park Service (NPS) and USCG. To date, more than 121 lighthouses have been sold or transferred out of federal ownership - 68 stewardships and 53 sales - saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
GSA with the USCG and NPS partners have completed 91 lighthouse transfers in coastal states and great lakes region (NY, NJ, PR, New England and the Great Lakes).
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