Frying Pan

I was recently shown an article in the June issue of Men’s Journal. It was about a place called the Frying Pan Tower.  Apparently (according to the current owner) they noted several details about the tower that insinuated that it was previously an oil rig when in fact it is just designed like one.  With a few other incorrect tidbits in the article, the MJ article sparked my curiosity...so I discovered more...

The Frying Pan Tower is 90 feet off the water with wide open nearly 360 degree views of the ocean.  It is located 25 miles southeast of Southport.  To get there involves an hour and a half boat ride and a 30 minute helicopter ride, weather permitting.  This former Coast Guard lighthouse was built in 1966, automated in 1979 and deactivated in 2003, when GPS technology and buoys rendered the tower obsolete.  Richard Neal bid on this tower and gained possession of it for $85,000.  Neal envisions its future use being a sort of seagoing bed-and-breakfast establishment where guests can be adventurous.

More recently, Neal has involved a structural steel expert and an electrician to asses the modified oil drilling platform, which is anchored to the ocean floor by four massive steel legs.  As well, a Charleston engineering firm was commissioned by the Coast Guard to inspect the light station found it in satisfactory condition.

Currently, the tower platform includes a 5,000-square-foot living space with five bedrooms, a kitchen, office, storage space, recreation area and bathroom facilities.  According to Neal's blog, he will renovate the light tower in phases. Phase 1, is projected to be completed with the help of volunteers* and will include the replacement of stairs, general cleaning, electrical and HVAC work in the living quarters, and shoring up the water capture system

The second phase of work, to be completed in 2012, involves a more thorough cleanup, room reconfiguration, new lighting and holding tanks. Small wind turbines will be installed under the platform and provide most of the tower's electricity needs.

*If you’re interested, you can step up and help/participate too...