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DURHAM, N.C. — A chimney company known for moving the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is working to save another piece of history.
Restoration work has begun on the signature Lucky Strike smokestack standing above the American Tobacco plant on the edge of downtown Durham.
Crews erected a circular platform near the rim of the 180-foot smokestack Tuesday. The work will reinforce the chimney as renovations turn the old cigarette factory into offices and shops.
The International Chimney Corporation will handle the eight-week job. The company also handled the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move in 1999.
Officials say the top seven feet of the smokestack will have to be torn off and rebuilt. Aging and weather have caused extensive deterioration at the top. Several cracks running through the body of the smokestack will also be repaired.
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