Feasibility Study Confirms Relocation of St. Johns River Lighthouse is Achievable

The Mayport Lighthouse Association (MLA) is pleased to share the results of a recently completed feasibility study evaluating the potential relocation of the St. Johns River Lighthouse.

After extensive analysis by a team of architects, engineers, contractors, and historic preservation specialists, the study confirms that relocating the lighthouse from Naval Station Mayport to a City-owned waterfront site in Mayport Village is feasible, pending required approvals and permitting.

Why Relocation is Being Considered

The St. Johns River Lighthouse is currently out of service and not accessible to the public. It sits adjacent to an active runway and commercial vehicle inspection station on Naval Station Mayport.

There are several inches of standing water at the base of the interior stairs, the original oil storage room is no longer present, and the historic entry door has been buried under fill dirt added during construction of the nearby airfield.

The lighthouse is also listed on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 to Save” list of endangered structures. Relocation offers a path toward long-term preservation, restoration, and public access.

The Proposed New Site

The proposed location is a City of Jacksonville–owned waterfront parcel west of the Mayport Village ferry terminal and between Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant and the parcel where OCEARCH is planning to build their new headquarters. The Jacksonville City Council unanimously passed Resolution 2025-43-A, expressing support for the feasibility study and MLA’s preservation efforts.

Future plans include working with the Mayport Waterfront Partnership to utilize the nearby historic “cottage” at 4610 Ocean St. as a shared visitor center, museum, and gift shop space.

Image: Map of proposed relocation route

How the Move Would Work

The proposed move would travel approximately 0.6 miles along existing roadways, using the most direct path with the fewest utility crossings.

To improve safety, the lantern room at the top of the lighthouse would be removed and relocated separately, reducing the height and weight of the structure during transport. The tower itself would be carefully prepared, supported by steel beams, and transported using self-propelled modular transporters designed to keep the structure level and secure.

Approximately eight feet of brick masonry currently below grade would be removed in large sections and reattached at the new site. The original foundation would remain in place, and a new foundation would be constructed at the waterfront location.

The active transport portion of the move is anticipated to take about one week, though the overall relocation process will extend longer.

Image: Planes of separation for transporting the Lighthouse

Naval Station Mayport and Preservation Standards Approvals

In Summer 2025, Naval Station Mayport provided access to a team of architects and engineers to observe current conditions at the lighthouse and evaluate move paths off of the base. The Navy is open to the relocation pending submission of a comprehensive plan, including proof of funding, The relocation must be been approved by the National Park Service (NPS) and be in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The relocation plan has received provisional approval from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as of January 2026, pending additional reviews during future phases of work. All restoration work will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and remain subject to oversight by the SHPO and the NPS to maintain the lighthouse’s status on the National Register of Historic Places.

Estimated Costs and Next Steps

The relocation contractor has provided a Rough Order of Magnitude cost estimate of $4.8 million to $6 million. This estimate includes:

• The move itself, including design and permitting services

• Lantern room restoration and reinstallation

• Brick masonry and exterior restoration

• Electrical work at the new site

It is important to note that restoration will likely occur in phases as funding becomes available.

A Significant Milestone

Completion of the feasibility study marks a major milestone. It confirms that relocation can be accomplished safely, responsibly, and in coordination with local, state, and federal partners.

The long-term vision remains unchanged: to fully restore the St. Johns River Lighthouse and make it accessible to the public once again.

The Mayport Lighthouse Association remains committed to transparency, careful planning, and preservation that honors the history of this 1859 structure while securing its future in Mayport Village.

Further updates will be shared as the project moves into its next phase.

The St. Johns River Lighthouse Feasibility Study was conducted by Michael Blake Architects, LLC.