York Repainted Cape Neddick Light Station

The city initiated a restoration project for the historic lighthouse in late August 2026.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Current Conditions

A historic cast-iron lighthouse tower stands on a rocky coastal islet under bright morning light. — The York Parks and Recreation Department has initiated a comprehensive restoration and repainting project for the historic Cape Neddick Light Station. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The York Parks and Recreation Department launched a comprehensive repainting project for the Cape Neddick Light Station in late August 2026. This effort serves as routine maintenance for the landmark, which was last painted in 2018.

Why it matters

The town is prioritizing this maintenance to ensure the structure is well-preserved ahead of its 150th anniversary in 2029. The project is funded through visitor-generated revenue and private donations.

Routine maintenance painting typically occurs every 8 to 10 years for the site. The current project began in late August 2026 and is slated to conclude between October 1 and mid-October 2026.

The players

York Parks and Recreation Department

This municipal agency oversees the maintenance and preservation of public parks and historic city landmarks.

Dunnybrook Co.

This South Berwick-based historic preservation firm specializes in the restoration and maintenance of landmark structures.

Cape Neddick Light Station

Constructed in 1879, this historic lighthouse is a prominent maritime landmark maintained by the town of York.

The details

Contractor Dunnybrook Co. is managing the restoration, which involved sand-blasting the exterior to bare steel before applying new primer. The project includes painting the lighthouse, the red barn, and portions of the keeper's house.

The lighthouse first achieved illumination in 1879.
The lighthouse was previously painted in 2018.
Crews began the current repainting project in late August 2026.
The project is expected to conclude between October 1 and mid-October 2026.
The lighthouse will mark its 150th anniversary in 2029.

Seasonal Patterns

The current maintenance project follows the long-standing tradition of structural preservation established since the lighthouse first achieved illumination in 1879. This ensures the site remains structurally sound for future generations while adhering to historical maintenance cycles.

Residents and visitors may notice scaffolding surrounding the site while the project continues through mid-October. The city advises the public to remain outside of marked work zones to ensure safety while crews complete the restoration.

The takeaway

Maintaining historic coastal structures requires a recurring commitment to routine upkeep to prevent long-term degradation. Property owners can learn from this cadence by scheduling exterior maintenance well before milestone anniversaries occur.