Two iconic sentinels standing on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior will soon see renewed restoration efforts.
The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, on Lake Michigan, and Gull Rock Lighthouse, on Lake Superior were awarded a combined $106,000 in Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program matching grants, the state announced.
Roof restoration, cleaning and painting, and historically accurate doors are on the work lists for these two historic lights.
Awarded through the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, or SHPO, the grants are entirely funded by the sale of specialty Save Our Lights license plates. This is the 25th year of the program, which has awarded more than $2.9 million in matching grants for dozens of lighthouses.
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SHPO “is proud of the important work that has been accomplished across the state to restore and repair these irreplaceable icons,” said Ryan Schumaker, state historic preservation officer.
The grants are an investment in Michigan’s maritime heritage, he said.
The Gull Rock Lighthouse will receive restoration work as a result of a state grant. The active navigational aid was built in 1867 on a small island in Lake Superior, off the Keweenaw Peninsula.Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
Gull Rock Lighthouse
Roof work, exterior painting and new doors are slated for this 1867 lighthouse, which remains an active navigational aid on Lake Superior.
“Protecting and restoring these lighthouses is a wonderful reminder of the long and important history America has had with our Great Lakes,” David Younkman, secretary for the Gull Rock Lightkeepers.
Planned restoration work includes cleaning and re-staining the cedar roof; cleaning and repainting eaves and the exterior of the lantern room, deck, and railing; and installing historically compatible doors at exterior entries. The grant is for nearly $46,500 with a match of just over $23,200.
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Located on a small island east of the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Gull Rock is one of the most remote lighthouses on the Great Lakes. In 1913, the lighthouse was among the earliest to be automated. It was never equipped with electricity, indoor plumbing or phone service.
The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse at sunset. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive)
Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse
Built in 1948, this Lake Michigan lighthouse will be cleaned and painted on portions of the interior and exterior through its $60,000 grant and $80,500 in matching funds.
“This important project will ensure the long-term stability and preservation of Charlevoix’s beloved South Pier Lighthouse, which plays a significant role in the city’s identity,” Denise Fate, of the Charlevoix Historical Society.
Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse is owned by the city of Charlevoix and managed by the Charlevoix Historical Society.
Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program
The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program awards matching funds to help rehabilitate and preserve lighthouses for visitors and residents to explore and appreciate.
With more than 120 lighthouses standing along 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Established in 2000 – when many lighthouses were transferred out of federal ownership – MLAP helps lighthouse stewards restore and repair these historic icons, which helps keep them open and an active part of local economies around the state as tourist and learning destinations.
Many of Michigan’s lighthouses are open for tours in the warm weather season. Others are home to bed and breakfast lodging or museums. Find more information about Michigan’s lighthouses here.
