Over a year ago, alongside work on The Girl Puzzle, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse restoration was underway, projected for a finish in 2021. But some things went wrong, and RIOC missed another suggested finish in February. Where does it stand now?
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News

Updates on the project were infrequent in the past couple of years, but hopes were that the historic lighthouse would be done in time for The Girl Puzzle ribbon-cutting. That happened on December 10th. At the time, the work looked about as it looks now.
Some problems plague the site, but the only one we’re aware of is the glass in the tower. Breaks forced engineers to reconsider recommendations. Because the state agency in charge is so secretive, we don’t know more.
However, in RIOC’s January newsletter, a February finish was projected. No further updates, newsletters or board meetings have taken place in 2022.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Roosevelt Island weekly roundup: news, community stories, and local highlightsThe Roosevelt Island weekly roundup covers neighborhood news, city updates, community stories, and local highlights—explore what’s happening and how it shapes daily life.
- Roosevelt Island Community News: Waiting for Sunnier DaysGet the latest Roosevelt Island community news this week, including housing plans, city polling, campaign finance shifts, and how April’s chill is affecting neighbors across the Island.
- Roosevelt Island Community News: This Week’s Changes Near and FarExplore Roosevelt Island community news this week with updates on political changes, housing plans, criminal cases, and local arts. Stay connected to neighborhood life.
- Spring Rhythms on Roosevelt Island: Stories and Events Shaping Our NeighborhoodExplore the spring rhythms on Roosevelt Island as stories, events, and neighborhood updates shape our community, with news and happenings woven into daily routines.
- What Happens Next for a Vacant Rikers Building? Procedural Steps Could Shape Its FutureWhat happens next for a vacant Rikers building remains uncertain, but advocates are urging city officials to take procedural steps that could move its future forward. Learn how administrative changes might shape what comes next.
Emergency Without Urgency
When government invokes the word “emergency,” normal process changes. Timelines accelerate. Environmental review can narrow. Procurement pathways can shift.











4 COMMENTS