Surrounded by railways, shipping docks, and commercial fishing operations, the people of this small community had been completely removed from any access to the waterfront and its beautiful, unspoiled views. Built over the water on timber piles, the tower rises fifty feet above mean sea level, providing vistas of the town, the harbor, nearby islands, and the sound.

The oculus of the tower faces the passage to the open sea, its form resembling a navigational instrument used by ships to indicate the way into port. Both orientation and imagery serve to suggest the once and future identity of this seaport community with its maritime heritage.