A behind the scenes look at Lucy’s Makeover
By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
In 2019, the Save Lucy Committee decided to update and modernize the exterior of the national historic landmark. They didn’t realize that the restoration project would become the size of an elephant.
Lucy has been surrounded by scaffolding and tarps since laast Fall. Margate locals and visitors have questioned what is going on behind the drapes. Just beyond the gift shop, Lucy’s lower legs can be seen, covered in shiny metal.
Richard Helphant, executive director of the Save Lucy Committee, points out that Lucy was made with tin and wood when it was built in 1881. However, the original metal eroded due to the harsh environment, being constantly bombarded by sand and saltwater.
“Lucy sits between two highrises, which creates a wind tunnel, so she is also battling strong winds,” said Helphant.
The construction team has been replacing her rusted tin and crumbling wood exterior with Monel 400, an incredibly strong copper-based alloy designed for marine architecture and ships. Its low corrosion rate and durability make Monel 400 perfect for our favorite Margate elephant.
“When we began to look into Lucy’s condition and refurbishing her, we noticed that there had been tens of coats of paint over her metal, and beneath her paint was pure rust,” said Helphant. “We concluded that the most cost-effective approach would be to strip her down and completely remove and replace her metal exterior.”
Every piece of metal within Lucy has been replaced, ensuring that her exterior is completely sealed and waterproof. Now that her new metal has been placed, construction crews can begin painting, recreating her iconic look.
Almost all of the wood beneath the metal was rotting and crumbling due to water damage. All of the wood in Lucy’s tusks and carriage had to be either supported or replaced, adding to the immensity of her restoration.
That wood was placed in 2009, but within 10 years the material was collapsing.
“The materials from 1981 were solid, but the wood from 1971 rotted. This is why being selective on building materials matters,” said Helphant.
The project has faced a variety of obstacles, including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which created supply chain issues. Rising materials costs maxed out the original budget. The job was supposed to be completed by Memorial Day 2022, but Helphant predicts that Lucy won’t be finished until Labor Day 2022.
As for costs, the project was originally specced at $1.4 million. The Save Lucy Committee is thankful to have received two major grants: one from the New Jersey Historic Trust for approximately $800,000, and one from the National Park Service for $500,000.
“The job has gone over budget by a million dollars, now priced at $2.2 million and climbing,” said Helphant.
To make up the difference, the Save Lucy Committee has launched a campaign to raise $800,000 from private donors and the community, called “Lucy’s Life Preserver.” If anyone donates $1,000, their name will be cast on a bronze plaque inside Lucy. They will receive a gold pin, and a lifetime membership to the Friends of Lucy organization, earning free access to Lucy and discounts in the gift shop.
“We understand that not everyone can give $1,000, but Lucy is a testament to nickels and dimes, so we appreciate any contribution,” said Helphant.
The campaign has raised almost $80,000 despite being launched less than two months ago. “Lucy’s Life Preserver” will run until the end of December 2022, giving potential donors the opportunity to donate as a holiday gift or deduct charitable offerings from their taxes at the end of the year.
Despite the ongoing construction, Lucy is open to the public this summer. Tours of her interior take place daily and her gift shop remains open for shoppers. Because of the drapes and scaffolding, Lucy has received 70 percent fewer visitors this summer than in previous years.
“We make the best of every day, and look forward to reopening fully,” said Helphant.
In early September, Lucy will host an unveiling of her new look. Curious fans and media will be invited to learn more about Lucy’s restoration and gaze at her beautiful new exterior.
Helphant reports that once the elephant’s exterior is complete, refurbishment of her interior will begin. Construction crews will seal her plaster and re-coat it, strip the floors, update the material, and update the air-conditioning and heating units.
They will also replace and modernize the fire-suppression system. The work will go on during the week and Lucy will be open for tours on the weekends in the winter of 2022-’23.
Additionally, the Save Lucy Committee has received approval from the state and city to build a welcome center, including a new gift shop and public bathrooms alongside Lucy. Tour goers will enter Lucy through the boardwalk underneath her tusks and trunk, marveling at the architectural wonder.
Inside the welcome center, Helphant plans to build a theater where people who are unable to climb stairs can tour Lucy virtually, making her fully ADA compliant. The center will also include office space and event venues.
“We need the site and the building to complement the grandiosity of Lucy,” said Helphant. “We have a big wish list and we are hopeful that if we raise the funding and get the appropriate approvals, we expect construction to begin in September 2023 and end on Memorial Day 2024.”
Helphant says Margate is a valuable partner for Lucy, and the city is excited for the big changes coming to the historic space.
“Lucy is already the crown jewel of Margate, but when she is fully completed, she will represent Margate in such a positive way. Lucy will be Margate, and Margate will be Lucy.”
To follow Lucy’s refurbishment and donate to the “Lucy’s Life Preserver” campaign, follow Lucy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lucytheelephant/ or visit her website at https://lucytheelephant.org/
Sarah Fertsch is a writer and artist who has recently moved back to South Jersey. She loves satire, a good cup of coffee, and exploring new places.
