Restoration Will Open Building With Explosive History At Gulf Islands National Seashore

Published Date

November 21, 2019

The Mine Loading Building in 2017 prior to restoration and closed to the public/NPS

A building with an explosive history -- it housed operations to produce underwater mines in the early 1900s -- is being restored at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and soon will reopen to the public.

Park staff say work has begun in the Fort Pickens Historic District to restore the historic Mine Loading Building. The project underway is phase one of a three-phase project to stabilize and restore the building as an interpretive exhibit space for visitors to learn about the history of the Fort Pickens Area and the Mine Planter Service. The Mine Loading Building is located directly north of the historic masonry fort at the new tour boat pier.

The current phase of the project will accomplish several tasks needed to stabilize the 100+ year-old structure. Work will include repairing and replacing brick and mortar of the building’s walls, repairing the historic crane and associated equipment, replacing the current roof with a historically accurate and more sustainable roof, completing lead abatement, and demolishing non-historic features. This work is expected to be completed by Spring 2020.

The second phase of the project will include preparing the structure for visitor use by addressing the floor, adding accessible access, and dealing with drainage issues around the exterior of the building. The final phase of the project will include the installation of new and dynamic interpretive exhibits.

The Mine Loading Building was constructed in 1907 to complete final assembly of underwater mines used to protect the entrance to Pensacola Bay by the Mine Planter Service. The building was one of a cluster of buildings used by the service including the Mine Storeroom and the Cable Tank Storage. The Mine Storeroom was rehabilitated and adaptively reused as a concession operated snack bar. The foundation of the Cable Tank Storage has been reused to support the newly installed restroom facility in the area.

The restoration of the Mine Loading Building, as well as, the restoration of the Mine Storeroom and the new restroom structure, were funded by park entrance fees. Revenue from entrance fees remain with the NPS and helps ensure a quality experience for all who visit. At Gulf Islands, 76.5 percent of entrance fees are retained by the park and are devoted to maintaining facilities that directly serve visitors.

Stories about:

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks