News Summary
The iconic Warwick Neck Lighthouse, a navigational landmark in Rhode Island for nearly two centuries, will be auctioned online along with its residence. Valued at $1.5 million, the property will be offered to the public after a potential opportunity for qualified local governments and nonprofits. The lighthouse has a rich history, having undergone several transformations since its completion in 1827. Its significance in maritime navigation continues today, making this auction a compelling opportunity for preservationists and private buyers alike.
Rhode Island – The historic Warwick Neck Lighthouse, a vital navigational landmark for nearly two centuries, is set for an online public auction, according to a listing from the General Services Administration (GSA). Although the specific dates for bidding have yet to be announced, the auction will include the lighthouse and its accompanying residence on a 1.3-acre property, valued at approximately $1.5 million.
The lighthouse, which stands at 51 feet tall at the southern point of Warwick Neck, has played a significant role in guiding boats through Narragansett Bay. The property includes a three-bedroom single-family house constructed in 1889, offering additional value to potential buyers. This residence features a basement, a detached garage, and a storage shed, contributing to the overall appeal of the property.
The Warwick Neck Lighthouse was originally completed in 1827 as a wooden light tower mounted on a stone dwelling, making it the first non-harbor light on Narragansett Bay. It served an important function in Rhode Island’s maritime economy. However, the original structure was demolished in 1932, leading to the construction of the current cylindrical cast-iron lighthouse, which remains the last traditional lighthouse built in the state.
Due to a hurricane in 1938 that caused considerable damage, the lighthouse was relocated 50 feet north in 1939, with its base raised on an 8-foot concrete foundation. Today, the facility houses a modern beacon and remains classified as an active Aids to Navigation (ATON). It features a rhythmic green light that is visible for 12 nautical miles and includes a foghorn that is activated periodically in response to weather conditions.
The lighthouse underwent automation in 1985 and was one of the last staffed lighthouses in Rhode Island until 1987. After the property’s transfer to a new owner, the U.S. Coast Guard will retain access for maintenance purposes related to the navigation aids.
Before the public auction, a notice of availability indicates that the property could potentially be available for free to qualified local governments and nonprofit organizations, with letters of interest due by July 14, 2023. If no applications are received by this deadline, or if submitted requests are rejected, the property will be offered to the general public through an auction process.
The opportunity to acquire the historic Warwick Neck Lighthouse represents not just a chance to own a piece of Rhode Island’s maritime heritage but also a chance to preserve its navigational significance. With its storied past and modern amenities, the auction of this property is expected to attract attention from a variety of potential buyers, ranging from private owners to preservation societies looking to maintain its legacy.
The Warwick Neck Lighthouse, with its unique architectural features and historical importance, serves as a testament to the maritime history of Rhode Island and continues to be a significant landmark for both locals and visitors alike.
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