Scaffolding surrounds the Coquille River Lighthouse at Bandon on Thurday, as part of a restoration project. Photo by Steve McCasland

BANDON - Don't let the web of scaffolding surrounding the Coquille River Lighthouse mislead you. This is more than a paint job.

Storm-related damage has taken its toll on the historic structure over the years, leaving it in dire need of repairs. But now a restoration of the lighthouse is under way. The last renovation was done nearly 30 years ago, said Ben Fisher, park manager for Bullards Beach State Park.

“At the time, we didn't really have any knowledge of historical restoration,” Fisher explained. “So we sandblasted where we shouldn't have and replaced the roof like a park ranger knows how.”

Times have changed.

Historic detail is first and foremost in the minds of the people overseeing the project.

Efforts to restore the lighthouse have been in the works for several years. Fisher said it was only last year when the state agreed that the project was a priority and that there was enough funding to begin. The budget for the entire project is roughly $610,000, Fisher said, but could be more depending on how long this actually takes.

The project is being funded by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department and the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation. Profits from the lighthouse gift shop go into a State Parks trust fund dedicated solely to the restoration project. The parks department's maintenance budget also allowed for money to be set aside for electrical work. Grant money also is bolstering the project, along with funds from Bandon's Urban Renewal District.

The current phase of construction will include mostly exterior work, focusing on protection from the elements. That includes removing the damaged stucco, repainting the exterior, removing mold, replacing the roof, adding a false chimney and repairing copper flashing.

According to Roger Straus, president of the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation, this first phase of work will continue through late August. The entire project may not be completed for several years.

The lighthouse has never had heat or electricity, but that's going to change and should help fight against the damp and dark environment that has promoted structural decay. In addition to installing a ventilation system, project organizers hope to provide the lighthouse with wind or solar powered electricity.

“It's all part of a sustainable mission,” Fisher explained.

According to historical records, the lighthouse went into operation in 1896 and guided ships across the treacherous bar at the mouth of the Coquille River. The light was decommissioned in 1939, when more technologically advanced nautical equipment made lighthouses obsolete.

Over time, the lighthouse will look different as the project progresses. Original elements will be added back to the building even though they no longer are needed for operation, but would provide visitors with a more accurate picture of what the lighthouse looked like. A false chimney will take the place of the original working chimney, which was removed after the lighthouse was deserted. A replica of the original fog horn will replace the third-class Daboll trumpet that guided ships for years with a five-second blast followed by 25 seconds of silence.

Tours were a favorite for lighthouse visitors for many years, but last year the tower was closed to visitors due to a deteriorating stairwell.

While the crew scaling the scaffolding around the lighthouse may soon complete the first phase of work, the fundraising job is far from done. And a newer fear is the expense of securing that steep stairwell might end up exceeding the restoration budget.

Still, Pam Stevens, a park ranger and founding member of the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation, was happy just to see the project begin.

“It's an exciting day to see the scaffolding go up,” she said. “It's been a long time coming.”

- The lighthouse gift shop and interpretive center remain open throughout construction. The public can visit seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.