THE CHALLENGE

Built in 1894, the Heceta Head light shines a beam 21 miles into the Pacific. This makes it the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. The lighthouse is constructed of Clackamas River stones and Douglas fir doors, windows and flooring. The lighthouse withstands extreme winds, rain and salt spray.

Versatile’s component of the restoration project was focused on the “work house.” An attached structure that housed generators andrepair equipment for the light. After 119 years of service the Heceta Head lighthouse had developed several leaks throughout it’s masonry structure. We restored and matched the original wood exterior and interior doors, millwork, cabinetry and flooring while retaining as much of the original wood as possible.

Not a single surface was plumb, square or level on any axis. Door frames had to fit extremely close tolerances against the original masonry opening. Extreme wind and weather conditions (including snow!) caused tarps and other temporary weather-proofing measures to blow away. This required constant management. A complex design for the exterior door specified a herringbone pattern on the interior and a four paneled exterior. This single door required over 187 wood pieces to construct!

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