By Donald B Kravitz
The Save Lucy Committee hopes to raise $4.3 million to improve the visitor experience at historic Lucy the Elephant.
Built in the 1880s, the six-story architectural wonder brings joy to almost everyone she meets. Cries of, “Look. It’s Lucy the Elephant!” can be heard often as excited children enter the Josephine Harron Park in Margate, noted Richard D. Helfant, executive director.
Even though a $2.4 million exterior restoration was completed late last year, Lucy is still not in a position to keep up with her growing popularity.
Since becoming a national historic landmark, Lucy has enjoyed a visitor growth from 3,000 in the early days to more than 135,000 per year. With that kind of popularity and growth, many things need addressing.
One of the major concerns is that Lucy is not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. And that’s just one area where Helfant sees a need to do better.
“In an effort to have Lucy reach her true potential, the organization has set out to raise $4.3 million for the “Lucy Project,” Helfant said.
Plans include demolishing the existing building which houses the gift shop and second-floor office and small storage area. Its replacement would be an ADA compliant visitors’ center to house a much larger retail area, offices and a larger merchandise storage area.
Proposed improvements include the removal of the snack bar behind Lucy and the replacement of a section of boardwalk which will provide a much improved view.
The design also calls for moving of the historic rail station, an original structure from 1881 which once served as the South Atlantic City Railroad Station before the 1909 founding of Margate City.
The station would house railroad memorabilia and be moved to the front corner of the park area, serving as an additional point of interest for visitors to the park.
A major concern addressed in the proposal is new public restrooms.
“With the availability of public bathroom facilities, programs can be created for school tours, bus tours and accommodate the development and implementation of new and interesting ideas for the all the visiting public,” Helfant said.
Another integral part of the program calls for the creation of a “Virtual Tour of Lucy” for visitors with special needs, said Helfant. A new food concession for snacks and drinks with an expanded deck area are also envisioned.
As mentioned, the success of the project depends on finances. The Lucy organization has reached out to numerous groups and public officials to help with funding.
According to Helfant, “We have reached the point in Lucy’s life where we cannot generate more revenue as we currently exist… we need to move forward.”
Planning consultant Jim Rutala has been enlisted to check on the possibility of securing federal funds, and the possibility of acquiring state funding is also being explored.
“Making sure all bases are covered Lucy, which is an historic landmark, allows us to apply for funds from the New Jersey Historic Trust,” said Helfant.
Fundraisers are in the works including one Aug. 11 at the Ocean Casino Resort, the second year they have provided a fundraising Lucy Weekend.
“Lucy The Elephant Organization has special plans for the Pachyderm’s 142nd Birthday Party on July 22 at Lucy the Elephant Historic Park, 9200 Atlantic Ave.
The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Photos by Donald B Kravitz
Donald B. Kravitz is an Entertainment & Special Events photographer for national publications including Getty Images & Miss America
