THE RESTORATION

OVERVIEW

Since taking ownership of the North Manitou Shoal Light in 2016, NMLK has been working to preserve and restore the lighthouse structure. As the majority of the exterior work has been accomplished, our focus has shifted to the lighthouse interior. New finishes will be tasteful and honor the history of the lighthouse, while also making comfortable spaces for visits and overnight stays. All restoration activities are being conducted in accordance with EPA, SHPO, and Coast Guard requirements.

A full list of completed and pending restoration projects is provided below. Sponsors for this work are an instrumental part of getting us to the finish line, which is in sight now! Click here to find out how you can become a sponsor!

 

2024 RESTORATION UPDATE

Despite some challenging winds and weather this spring and summer, numerous restoration projects continued.

Removal of the main deck steel began last fall with about 20% of the steel removed before the season ended. This year, the remaining 80% was removed, revealing the original concrete deck which hadn't been seen since 1980. Removing the steel required a tremendous amount of heavy, back-breaking labor. The deteriorated steel deck surface had to be cut into dozens of smaller, manageable pieces, loaded on to pallets and lowered via deck crane to the work boat below. Approximately 15,000 lbs of steel was hauled back to Leland for proper recycling. This winter, we will be consulting with experts and applying for grants to determine the best way to rehabilitate the concrete surfaces of the Crib. This includes the horizontal deck surfaces, the deteriorated edges, and the vertical concrete walls all the way to the waterline. This will likely be a multi-phase and multi-year project due to the magnitude and large cost of this project.

 

As we moved to the interior, several important projects began. Initial components of the solar electrical system were installed. Four solar panels (of a planned nine) were installed as well as the battery and inverter system. The system will provide 24 hour clean and quiet electricity, and meet all of the electrical demands for multi-day overnight stays at the lighthouse. Previously, we were using a propane powered generator, so this clean and quiet electrical system is a welcome change.

 

The water-damaged ceilings in the kitchen and radio/watch rooms were also removed to prepare these spaces for their upcoming rehabilitation. This was also a heavy and messy project involving the removal of several thousand pounds of cement-based plaster and lath, as well as old insulation. All had to be properly bagged (over 100 bags!) and hauled back to shore for proper disposal. We would also like to thank Peter Jenks of Inception Woodworks in Traverse City for stepping up and volunteering to build reproduction kitchen cabinetry using original plans. This is a welcome and needed donation, and will make this a truly amazing space when finished. Thanks Pete!

Restoration work is only possible thanks to our Members, Donors, and Grantors.

THANK YOU!

OVERALL PLans for restoration

Here is a list of projects we have completed so far, and projects we hope to complete in the next two years.

COMPLETED PROJECTS:

  • Cleaned Lighthouse and Removed HAZMAT

  • Primed and painted Exterior Structure

  • Restored the Original Windows

  • Replaced Lantern House Glass

  • Repaired and reopened the Sea Doors

  • Repaired and resurfaced the Lantern and L3 Decks

  • Demolished and removed temporary and non-historic Interior Walls

  • Repaired Lift Crane

  • Repaired all Exterior Doors

  • Removed steel covering L1 Deck

  • Restored L1 Deck Railing Stanchions and Chains (ready to be installed)

  • Removed water damaged ceilings from Kitchen and Radio/Watch rooms

  • Installed Solar System components providing 24 hour power to the light

FUTURE PROJECTS:

  • Repair/Resurface L1 Deck

  • Replace all Porthole Windows

  • Complete installation of new Electrical System

  • Install new Plumbing System

  • Install new Interior Finishes (includes wall repair and paint, new flooring, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, appliances, lighting fixtures, furniture, and museum displays)

Our partners

We have worked with a variety of professionals in the restoration of the North Manitou Shoal Light. We are grateful for the expertise they have shared and quality workmanship they have done on the light. Our partners over the years have included:

  • Mihm Enterprises, Inc.

  • State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

  • Cherryland Electric Cooperative

  • Czapski & Sanders Associates

  • Geoff Niessink, Jimmy Munoz, Joel Petersen and many other local craftsman