Lighttower

The Lighttower stands on the edge of a 100 ft. (30.48 meters) cliff on St. Jacques Island, situated on the south coast of Newfoundland. The cast-iron tower is capped by a well-proportioned and attractive lantern. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

The Lighttower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The Lighttower is associated with the development of safe trans-Atlantic navigation in Newfoundland. The construction of the lighthouse also illustrates the growing industrialization throughout the second half of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth.

Architectural Value

The Lighttower demonstrates very good aesthetic design in its elegantly tapered, cylindrical tower with a well-proportioned and attractive lantern. The Lighttower also exhibits very good functional design in its prefabricated, cast-iron construction technology. Favoured because of their inexepensive cost, ease of erection, low maintenance requirements and long-term durability, these structures reflect a desire to achieve a design that would withstand the rigours of the Newfoundland coast.

Environmental Value

The Lighttower reinforces the character of its coastal maritime setting and is a local landmark.

Sources:

Joan Mattie, Three Newfoundland Lighthouses: Green Island, Pffer Wadham Island, Baccalieu Island, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 89-197, 89-210, 89-212; Lighthouse: Green Island, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 89-197.

The character-defining elements of the Lighttower should be respected.

Its very good aesthetic, very good functional design and craftsmanship and materials, for example:

-the cylindrical massing of the cast-iron tower that consists of a prominent base, tapered shaft and elaborate lantern;

-the pre-fabricated, cast-iron construction technology.

The manner in which the Lighttower reinforces the character of its maritime setting, and is a local landmark, as evidenced by:

-the picturesque qualities of its design and form which complement its natural environment;

-its visibility to passing commercial vessels and area fishermen, which makes it a local landmark.