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Aug 24, 2008 1:08 pm US/Central
Duluth Light Tower For Sale
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) ―
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The structure is called the Duluth Harbor South Breakwater Inner Light Tower.
AP
The historic light tower next to Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge is for sale.
But the potential buyer will have just a few rules to follow -- including an agreement to maintain the structure's historic designation and allow unrestricted government access.
The federal government is putting the tower on Duluth's south breakwater on the auction block Sept. 16. Registration requires a $5,000 deposit, and bids will increase in $5,000 increments. The auction end date is to be determined.
"I think we'll just keep it up there and keep marketing it until someone comes forth," said Arthur Ullenberg, of the U.S. General Services Administration.
Last year, the government decided that it no longer needs the 107-year-old light, which was used before radio, radar and GPS became available. The government offered the tower for free to any government agency, nonprofit, school or community development organization that would use it for education, recreation or historic preservation.
But no one jumped at the offer, so the General Services Administration decided to hold the auction.
The structure is called the Duluth Harbor South Breakwater Inner Light Tower. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a new owner must maintain the historic designation and do a photographic survey.
There are other strings attached too: The owner must get a lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and get written approval from the government before making any alterations or improvements to the property. The Coast Guard would also have an unrestricted access to fix, replace or move equipment still used to help in navigation.
"Outside of that, it's yours," Ullenberg said.
The tower might also contain lead-based paint and asbestos.
First lit in 1901, the 67-foot-tall tower is supported by a black steel framework and a central cylinder housing a cast-iron cylindrical stair.
"It is a historic light," said Dennis Gimmestad of the Minnesota Historical Society. "Hopefully it will find a new owner who has both the interest and ability to take care of it and respect its historic integrity."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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