Corpus Christi Lighthouse Past and Future

In 1857 the original Corpus Christi Lighthouse was built along the downtown waterfront. During the Civil War Confederate Forces used this Lighthouse as a storage magazine. With the impending invasion by the North in 1863 threatening the City using ships to bombard downtown, Confederate youths without authority decided to blow-up the lighthouse leaving the structure in poor condition. After the war the Lighthouse was repaired and placed into service. In 1878 the structure had become unstable and was torn down. The present City Museum of Science and History has the original architectural plans for this historic building. Below is information regarding a concept to reconstruct a modern replica lighthouse. The original rendering including the historical story plaque are found below. Friends of Corpus Christi Marina hired an architect to design the entire building structure including floor plans and renderings.

Friends of Corpus Christi Marina have worked on an idea to build the original Corpus Christi Lighthouse as constructed in 1857. This structure would be the basis for the historic design adjusted for modern day use. The location would be centrally located on the Lawrence Street T-Head. One of the concepts is the Lighthouse ground floor would be used as a ONE STOP TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE for visitors and folks to ask questions, book hotel rooms, purchase tickets for shows, attractions, Harbor Ferry, boat tours, Segways, Coffee Shop, Restaurant and General Merchandising Store front etc. Another idea is centrally locate the different Chambers of Commerce including the CVB, DMD and various other entities in one building working in unison with synergy toward the betterment of City of Corpus Christi. If these groups centrally located in one multi use Complex it would benefit all. The CVB and is interested including the Chamber of Commerce, the RTA Harbor Ferry Office would be included as well as a bus station. Other groups may participate such as the TPWD, USCG, MPO.

A Lighthouse located along our fine waterfront would shine and be a signature element of the creating an abundance of tourism including a successful and vibrant waterfront with downtown.

A Lighthouse type structure would enhance and blend with environment similar to the Port Isabel Lighthouse built in the late 1800’s including those found along the eastern coast of the United States as in Maine. 16 lighthouses were built along the Texas Coast in the 1800's of which one was located in Corpus Christi on the downtown bluff.

A modern replica of the historic Corpus Christi lighthouse from the 1850’s, designed with offices for modern use would be aesthetically pleasing creating a unique landmark tourist attraction adding historic value along the fine waterfront of our City, serving as a tourist information office along the entire waterfront. During summer months approximately 30 to 50 visitors per day pass through the marina office requesting information regarding the City of Corpus Christi, attractions, sights and waterfront entertainment. Marina Office Staff act as Ambassadors to visitors on behalf of the City of Corpus Christi.
Design Concept:

The new Marina Office Lighthouse would contain historical elements similar to the 1857 lighthouse of Corpus Christi. The necessary square footage for a marina office including operations with sufficient lease space would be approximately 10,000 square feet.

1st Floor: Retail shopping, coffee/ice cream/kites and such.
2nd Floor: Office space such as a Marina, Chamber of Commerce, CVB, RTA and Veterans informational etc. – all paying rent. (Leverage of funding and grant opportunities may be used)
3rd Floor: A large rental room used for functions/parties/weddings with a 360 degree view of the City waterfront and bay utilizing a built in stage and bar counter.
4th Floor: Marina Patrol/ Port Harbor Masters office containing the latest electronic security equipment, search lights with a commanding view of the entire ship channel to Port Aransas.
A walkway/deck “Widow's Watch” would surround the top of the lighthouse structure providing a spectacular view of Corpus Christi and the entire bay.