Outdoor Wall Lantern Restoration - Attica Correctional Facility
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Grand Light was contracted to restore and modify two large wall-mounted outdoor lanterns from the front gate of the well-known Attica Correctional Facility in Attica, New York. The maximum security prison, built in 1931, has held some of the country's most dangerous inmates including Mark David Chapman, Willie "The Actor" Sutton, Kendall Francois, and Colin Ferguson.

The lanterns, which are located on the right and left side of the entry door of the front gate, are two of the first things people are likely to see when entering the prison. They were custom built to match the facade of the building, and had seen extensive wear and tear from exposure to the weather.

Grand Light completely restored the lantern frames to their original condition, and then customized the fixture back plates and updated the electrical wiring while incorporating two 26w CFL lamps and outdoor rated electronic ballasts. The lamp location on each back plate reflector was designed to optimize light output. Additionally, a clear seeded glass was selected and then bead blasted on the reverse side to reduce glare and shadows. Other damages on the lanterns included several large dents, a missing bottom door on each lantern, and six of the original cast aluminum rosettes were lost.

New doors were fabricated with glass insets for more down light and exact replications of the missing rosettes were casted. Body shop techniques were utilized to remove several large indentations on both lanterns prior to an application of an UV resistant clear coat.

The two lanterns were bead blasted, and then the fabrication of the custom designed backplates, reflectors and bottom doors needed to be completed. The custom backplates were fabricated from brass plates so they would withstand the weather elements, and the bottom doors were fabricated from aluminum plates to match the finish of the fixtures. All fasteners were either brass or stainless steel.

Once the custom back plates were completed, the lanterns underwent light output testing and it was determined that two 26-watt lamps were necessary rather than the one 42-watt lamp, which was specified.

Grand Light completely restored the lantern frames to their original condition, and then customized the fixture back plates and updated the electrical wiring while incorporating two 26w CFL lamps and outdoor rated electronic ballasts. The location of the lamp's back plate reflector was designed and painted white to optimize light output. Additionally, a clear seeded glass was selected and then bead blasted on the reverse side to reduce glare and shadows. Other damages on the lanterns included several large dents, a missing bottom door on each lantern, and six of the original cast aluminum rosettes were missing.

New doors were fabricated with glass insets for additional down light, and exact replications of the missing rosettes were casted. Body shop techniques were utilized to remove several large indentations in both lanterns prior application of UV resistant clear coat.

After a complete testing and inspection of weather resistancy levels, illumination levels, heat dissipation, electrical, and mechanical components, the lanterns were photographed, crated, and shipped back to Attica prison for another term of service.