U.S. General Services Administration
Point Fermin Lighthouse Deed transfers to City of Los Angeles
Last month, the General Services Administration (GSA) participated in a deed-transfer ceremony that shifted ownership of the Point Fermin Lighthouse from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to the City of Los Angeles.
“GSA found the best long-term solution to ensure preservation and public access to this incredibly historic resource,” said Ralph Conner, director of PBS’ Office of Real Property Utilization. “The obvious passion and determination of volunteers and community organizations made this project a success. It’s also important to note the three-party partnership between GSA, the USCG and the National Park Service.”
This partnership has led to the successful conveyance of approximately 140 historic lighthouses during the past 18 years, including the 3.5-acre Point Fermin property.
“Point Fermin’s first lighthouse keepers were women – Mary and Ella Smith – who came from a lighthouse family and spent eight years of their lives keeping Fermin’s light illuminated around the clock,” said Capt. Monica L. Rochester, USCG.
The deed transfer ceremony occurred on Point Fermin’s 144th anniversary. Its navigational beacon has illuminated what’s now the Port of Los Angeles since December 15, 1874. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks now manages day-to-day operations at the facility. The tree-lined, bluff-top grounds are opened as a city park. The Victorian-style lighthouse is open for tours and rental by the general public for events such as weddings and meetings.
“We officially received the keys to the lighthouse and the site is open for visitors,” said Joe Buscaino, Los Angeles City Councilman, 15th District.
According to Tom Doszkocs, a GSA senior realty specialist, the multi-year collaboration brought together federal, state and local entities, including three Native American tribes, for the Point Fermin deed transfer. Point Fermin is the third lighthouse transfer GSA has completed in California. The Point Sur Lighthouse and the Pigeon Point Light Station were previously transferred to new owners in compliance with the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.