Conover Beacon Restoration

The Conover Beacon is a small lighthouse located on Leonard Avenue in the Leonardo section of Middletown and was built as one component of a multi-structure ship guidance system. The first beacon was constructed of wood in 1856 at a height of 55 feet. A replacement, the current metal structure, was built in 1941 and is 45 feet tall. The Conover Beacon has been deactivated since 1988.

In March 2022, the Middletown Township Department of Public Works & Engineering (DPW) began restoration work on this historic landmark. This is a multi-phase in-house project to beautify and restore the beacon to its former glory. Please visit this page for updates on the project's progress!

Middletown Matters Fall 2023 Update: Conover Beacon to Illuminate Our Shores Once Again

Conover Beacon Update_51223

After years of searching for a contractor to ably refurbish the historic Conover Beacon in Leonardo, Middletown DPW decided to tackle the job in-house. Fleet Maintenance Division Head John Malizia and master welder Justin VanArsdale developed a plan to replace rusted out sections of the small lighthouse with new steel plates and bolts. Once the beacon was structurally restored and inspected by the Township Engineer, New Jersey based company GPC, Inc. painted the tower to match its original colors with a high-grade, weatherproof marine epoxy that should protect the beacon for many years. Malizia contacted Pharos Marine Automatic Power, Inc. in Louisiana to find a new decorative light to symbolically illuminate the local landmark. The solar light is expected to be installed by Spring 2024. DPW crews from the Parks, Roads, and Recycling divisions will work together over the winter to clean the surrounding area so beachgoers can observe the beacon up close.   

The repair of the Conover Beacon is currently being finished by our public works team and before the summer, the beacon will once again shine with new paint and a new light. Middletown is committed to restoring the historic importance of this navigational tool and Bayshore symbol.

Middletown Matters Fall 2022 Update:

Our DPW crews are finalizing some of the structural improvements to Conover Beacon and it is expected to be painted early next year. The restoration of this historic beacon has been years in the making and we cannot wait to see it once again shine on our shores. (Mayor's Message)

DPW & Engineering has replaced rusted structural members and metal decking and is working on repairing structures and painting it. This project is funded by capital. (Parks & Facilities Upgrades Report)

4/15/22 Update:

DPW continues in-house restoration of Conover Beacon. Structural repairs should be completed next month, and the Township is currently seeking quotes to have the structure completely repainted.

Conover Beacon 4/15/22_1

3/18/22 Update:

DPW started preliminary restoration work on Conover Beacon earlier this week.DPW's welder Justin VanArsdale began replacing rusted structural member and metal decking on the beacon.

Conover Beacon 3/18/22