Price for Ram Island Light keeps getting higher
By David Harry
Staff Writer
A lack of utilities, constant sea swells and a foghorn sounding every 10 seconds didn’t deter bidders who spent Tuesday and Wednesday upping the ante for Ram Island Ledge Light in Casco Bay.
The lighthouse has been up for auction by the U.S. General Services Administration since June 30.
The deadline for bids for the five-story lighthouse operated by the U.S. Coast Guard was extended through Wednesday as bids reached $110,000.
Bidding for the lighthouse will continue as long as it has interested bidders, and GSA spokesman Paula Santangelo said she was not certain when bidding would conclude. The process is called a “soft closing.”
“The increased activity is exciting,” she said. Because bids can be made anonymously, she had no information about bidders nicknamed “AGirard” and “abcdefg” who boosted the sale price by $25,000 throughout the day Tuesday.
On Wednesday, “AGirard” had the top bid, but Santangelo warned bidders must also show they can pay the winning price.
Ownership of the lighthouse, built in 1905, has its caveats, according to information compiled by the GSA.
New owners may enjoy ocean views at the peak of the 72-foot tower, but “it takes an experienced crew to land a boat on the ledge” where Ram Light sits in Portland Harbor, said the auction guide released by the agency.
Santangelo said interest in Ram Island Ledge Light may have spiked after a tour of the area last month, although potential bidders were not able to land on the ledge and see the inside of the lighthouse.
“We’ve had sales in the past that are similar to this,” she said.
Although the light is visible from Fort Williams and Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show it is located in Portland.
Because Ram Island Ledge Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, renovations and repairs must retain the distinctive historical features of the lighthouse and conform to standards devised by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Access to Ram Island Ledge Light has its risks, and the auction guide warns of lead paint and asbestos at the lighthouse. The buyer of the lighthouse will continue to allow Coast Guard use of the light and foghorn and will be responsible for all property taxes.
The auction began June 30 with a minimum bid of $10,000 and bids must be increased by at least $5,000, according to the auction guide. Bidders must have their own financing and are required to make a $10,000 refundable deposit.
Staff Writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 219
Staff Writer
A lack of utilities, constant sea swells and a foghorn sounding every 10 seconds didn’t deter bidders who spent Tuesday and Wednesday upping the ante for Ram Island Ledge Light in Casco Bay.
The lighthouse has been up for auction by the U.S. General Services Administration since June 30.
The deadline for bids for the five-story lighthouse operated by the U.S. Coast Guard was extended through Wednesday as bids reached $110,000.
Bidding for the lighthouse will continue as long as it has interested bidders, and GSA spokesman Paula Santangelo said she was not certain when bidding would conclude. The process is called a “soft closing.”
“The increased activity is exciting,” she said. Because bids can be made anonymously, she had no information about bidders nicknamed “AGirard” and “abcdefg” who boosted the sale price by $25,000 throughout the day Tuesday.
On Wednesday, “AGirard” had the top bid, but Santangelo warned bidders must also show they can pay the winning price.
Ownership of the lighthouse, built in 1905, has its caveats, according to information compiled by the GSA.
New owners may enjoy ocean views at the peak of the 72-foot tower, but “it takes an experienced crew to land a boat on the ledge” where Ram Light sits in Portland Harbor, said the auction guide released by the agency.
Santangelo said interest in Ram Island Ledge Light may have spiked after a tour of the area last month, although potential bidders were not able to land on the ledge and see the inside of the lighthouse.
“We’ve had sales in the past that are similar to this,” she said.
Although the light is visible from Fort Williams and Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show it is located in Portland.
Because Ram Island Ledge Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, renovations and repairs must retain the distinctive historical features of the lighthouse and conform to standards devised by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Access to Ram Island Ledge Light has its risks, and the auction guide warns of lead paint and asbestos at the lighthouse. The buyer of the lighthouse will continue to allow Coast Guard use of the light and foghorn and will be responsible for all property taxes.
The auction began June 30 with a minimum bid of $10,000 and bids must be increased by at least $5,000, according to the auction guide. Bidders must have their own financing and are required to make a $10,000 refundable deposit.
Staff Writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 219
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