Federal Funding Pulled from Margate’s Lucy the Elephant
A significant setback has hit one of New Jersey’s most iconic landmarks, Lucy the Elephant, as a promised $500,000 in federal funding has been unexpectedly withdrawn.
Federal Funding Pulled from Margate’s Lucy the Elephant
Standing proudly at 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate, Lucy the Elephant has earned her place as one of the most iconic landmarks on the Jersey Shore.
The discretionary funds, which had been awarded last August by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, were intended to support Lucy’s long-anticipated interior restoration project.
The allocation was recently rescinded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a move that has left both Lucy’s caretakers and Senator Booker “stunned” by what they describe as a sudden breach of contract.
According to Rich Helfant, Executive Director of Lucy the Elephant, the funding was set to cover the majority of the restoration costs, including the installation of a new state-of-the-art fire suppression system.
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The abrupt cancellation now places added pressure on the non-profit organization that maintains the 143-year-old landmark.
“Even amid this news, I want to assure you that we are as committed as ever to moving forward with Lucy’s continued upkeep and maintenance,” said Helfant in a public letter released April 11. He emphasized that Lucy has long endured — and will continue to do so — thanks to the generosity and support of the public.
Despite the financial blow, Helfant struck an optimistic tone. “You are her rock, and together we will prevail through this,” he wrote, concluding with a heartfelt nod to Lucy’s legendary memory: “After all, Lucy is an elephant… and will never forget you.”
Lucy the Elephant, a six-story architectural marvel in the shape of an elephant, has stood as a beloved symbol of the Jersey Shore since 1881.
The team behind Lucy is now calling on the public’s continued support to help close the funding gap and ensure that restoration efforts can move forward.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by Lucy the Elephant back in January of 2023 when she was just finishing up her massive renovation. That was the first time she had reopened in over 15 months.
Lucy the Elephant’s planned renovations, which were set to cost $1.4 million and be completed in eight months, faced significant delays due to the discovery of more extensive wood rot in the building’s frame than initially anticipated.
The additional rot was caused by water leaks, which required additional repairs and modifications to be made to the original plan.
For those looking to help in fundraising for the new state-of-the-art fire suppression system or air-condition system can contribute on their website, www.lucytheelephant.org.
Watch our video from when we visited back in 2023 below. Before you watch please consider subscribing.