A History of JELD-WEN’s Commitment to Lighthouse Restoration
ROYAL TREATMENT FOR AMERICA’S CASTLES: JELD-WEN’S commitment helps three special lighthouses shine brightly

Klamath Falls, Ore. June 01, 2008 — For years, lighthouses have been considered “America’s castles.”

Dotting the coastlines and attracting thousands of visitors, they stand as beacons for the sense of adventure and discovery deeply ingrained in American heritage.  Experts and enthusiasts agree that there’s something compelling and irresistible about these ghostly towers, with their sea-bearing secrets and distinctive architecture that contrasts starkly against dramatic coastal backdrops.

For how much a part of coastal culture they have become, time has not always been kind to lighthouses.  Many have reached or passed the century mark, some have fallen into hard times due to scarce resources, while others have simply succumbed to harsh climate conditions.

Despite these obstacles, lighthouses remain a special part of history and important to local coastal economies, beloved by local residents and tourists alike. Recently, thanks to individuals and organizations such as JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, the forecast for lighthouse well-being has grown a little brighter. 

In 2005, JELD-WEN launched an initiative to help lighthouses in need, with two specific goals in mind: utilize windows and doors to help protect the well-being of these buildings by incorporating the latest technology; and maintain or enhance their beauty by bringing back their architectural integrity.

So far, the company’s effort has focused on three iconic lighthouses – all very different with unique stories and challenges.  The latest, Wind Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan, underwent a transformation to replace windows that had been boarded up and an old steel door that was far from secure.

“It’s a gorgeous building,” said William Schalk, president of the Wind Point Village Board of Trustees.  “Wind Point’s classic architecture and stature as one of the tallest lighthouses on the Great Lakes is what comes to mind for most people when they think of lighthouses.  The beauty of the new windows and doors and what’s been done to help bring back the original glory of this building cannot be overstated.”

JELD-WEN took on a far different challenge at another lighthouse that’s just as significant, but for a very different reason.  Called a screw-pile lighthouse, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse sits out in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, located 200 yards out into the water.  The more “homey” features of this lighthouse, including its fetching profile, classic window dormers and charming Victorian railings, have made it a darling of the region.  So much so, Thomas Point is a National Historic Landmark and has been featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp.  Due to its unique location, this tough little house that has withstood the full force of Mother Nature since 1875 needed all the window and door protection it could get.

“It was definitely an interesting case,” said Frank Cipriani, JELD-WEN sales development specialist. “Delivering windows and doors to be installed by boat was a first, and we had to adhere strictly to what could be allowed since the building is a historic landmark.  Nevertheless, the windows and doors are beautiful and have made an incredible difference.  We’re really proud to have been able to help protect a building that has experienced so much history and withstood the test of time under such difficult conditions.”

While Thomas Point and Wind Point were selected in part by a public vote conducted by JELD-WEN, the Umpqua River Lighthouse, located right in the company’s home state of Oregon, was the little lighthouse that started it all back in 2005.

The oldest lighthouse in Oregon, Umpqua River is tucked away on the central Oregon coast. As much as Wind Point is grand and Thomas Point is dramatic, Umpqua could have been described as a diamond in the rough.  At one point in its history, a hasty renovation had filled in the original radius window design, and basic rectangular windows were installed.  The door was damaged and detracted from the overall architecture.  With a clear vision in mind, JELD-WEN brought back the original shape of the windows and installed a beautiful new door with a transom that reinforced the window design.  The improvement was instantly apparent.

This project met both of JELD-WEN’s goals very well – the old windows were leaking, which in time could have caused significant damage to the interior, and bringing back original architectural features has made a major difference.
As much as the JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative has been good for these treasured buildings, it’s also been good for the company. 

Being a reliable company, JELD-WEN initiated this effort as a way to showcase its brand promise. After all, JELD-WEN products are in some of the most reliable buildings in the world that also face some of the harshest conditions.  It’s become a point of pride for everyone involved at the company, especially because they know they’re doing their part to help such an important aspect of America’s heritage.