[5]KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With a story of devastating destruction followed by unwavering hope and hard work, New Canal Lighthouse in Louisiana captures the spirit of New Orleans’ rebuilding efforts and has earned the top spot in this year’s JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative.
Guided by nearly half a million votes cast for 12 deserving national lighthouse finalists, JELD-WEN determined that New Canal Lighthouse had the most compelling need for restoration. The lighthouse, located on Lake Pontchartrain off the Gulf Coast, stood since 1890 before being demolished by the force of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Now, three years later, like much of the New Orleans community, the lighthouse is rebuilding. While many lighthouses are recognized as beacons of safety, the effort to bring New Canal Lighthouse back from destruction also serves as a beacon of hope to a region and a nation still recovering from the devastation of Katrina.
“New Canal has an overwhelming need for restoration,” said Lynne Butterworth, JELD-WEN lighthouse project manager. “We’re proud to help spearhead the restoration of such an historic and beloved landmark. We hope that new JELD-WEN windows and doors will help raise greater awareness and support for New Canal Lighthouse, and inspire an entire region that is working so hard to rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.”
As the winner of this year’s JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative, New Canal will receive 16 new windows and two exterior doors, designed to match the 1890 originals as closely as possible in appearance, while offering the ultimate protection from severe weather. The new JELD-WEN® fiberglass doors and windows, made with AuraLast® wood and impact-resistant glass, will help the lighthouse withstand extreme conditions. Reconstruction of the lighthouse is expected in 2009.
The JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative began in 2005 to preserve these beloved U.S. landmarks with the latest window and door technology and help restore the original historic architecture. JELD-WEN, inc., is the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN® products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482, ext. PR036.