Photo by Shiralee Timmons

After 20 years of being abandoned, the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station is currently undergoing a much needed facelift. The state-owned historic building is being raised 10 feet into the air and being placed on pilings, allowing sand to blow freely underneath, and help protect the weather-beaten structure.

In addition, the concrete floor is being replaced with wood, and the roof and three-story tower will be renovated as well. The nine-month project, estimated to cost $700,000, is expected to be completed during the summer of 2009.

Most recently used by the Coast Guard, the 1897 station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, can be seen by drivers traveling south over the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge.

After the Coast Guard vacated the 10-acre site in 1988, it was turned over to Dare County, and in 2000, the county gave the property to the state, which assigned it to the North Carolina Aquariums to administer.

In 2001, a local construction firm designed conceptual plans for restoration of the 11,361-square-foot wood frame station – then referred to as the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station – and construction of three buildings, transforming the site into the marine and coastal wildlife research center on the Outer Banks.

While the ultimate purpose of the station is not yet set in stone, as a number of state agencies may make offers to take over stewardship or ownership once the renovations are complete, the Coast Guard Station now has a brighter and longer future ahead.

Related Posts

Bonner Bridge One Lane Until Memorial Day

For vacationers planning a trip to Hatteras Island from now until Memorial Day, Bonner Bridge will be down to one lane while repair work is completed. This may increase travel time so please plan accordingly. The D.O.T. says crews are replacing deteriorating sections of steel girders over the main channel of the bridge. Work began […]

NC DOT Plans For Likely Closure of N.C. 12

The Associated Press Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m. North Carolina transportation officials planning for the arrival of Hurricane Irene say they are prepared for damage to the main highway and bridge serving the Outer Banks. DOT spokeswoman Nicole Meister said Wednesday that workers […]

Public Hearings on Replacing the Bonner Bridge

Crossing the Bonner Bridge is such a memorable part of the vacation road trip to Hatters Island, and somewhat marks the official start to your island vacation! Built in 1963, the bridge has far surpassed its 30-year life expectancy and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure safety and continued access to […]