MARGATE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO GIVE LUCY A GIANT SHOWER BEFORE HER GRAND UNVEILING IN LATE NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER.
Lucy the Elephant has been hidden behind plastic wrapped scaffolding for more than a year. But the Save Lucy Committee announced this morning that “The Great Restoration” project is getting close to completion and that we could see our beloved National Historic Landmark sometime in late November/early December. “Lucy is now in month 13 of what was supposed to be an 8 month project and close to $1 million over budget” said Executive Director, Richard Helfant, “but this hasn’t deterred us from forging ahead to bring this mammoth project to its successful completion. The project has had so many setbacks over the past year…everything from more damaged wood sheathing than originally estimated, weather related delays, a sprinkler pipe freeze up that caused flooding inside the elephant, and material deliveries due to supply chain issues we all face in our every day lives”, he went on to say. But before the scaffolding is dismantled, the Margate City Fire Department will give Lucy an elephant sized shower so any potential leaks in her new skin can be repaired. The exact date of Lucy’s “shower” will be announced soon. Dismantling the scaffolding will take approximately 2 weeks to complete after which a grand unveiling ceremony is planned.
This project was originally estimated to cost $1.4 million. The Save Lucy Committee was fortunate to receive grants from The Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program administered by the National Park Service totaling $1.2 million. To help cover the amount over budget, the non-profit has launched a capital fund raising campaign called Lucy’s Life Preservers. Any donor who contributes $1000 will have their name inscribed on a bronze plaque to be permanently on display at the site, a commemorative Lucy Life Preserver gold plated pin, and life membership to the Friends of Lucy. Space is still available on the plaque and the campaign will end on December 31, 2022. For information about becoming a Lucy Life Preserver, please email us at info@lucytheelephant.org, or call 609-823-6473, ext. 5.
Lucy is open Monday thru Friday 11am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 5pm. Through the end of October. In November and December, the site will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Daily tours are being conducted through the interior Lucy.
