Restoration
Restoration Plans, Costs, & Milestones
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The following information outlines the restoration plan, steps involved and costs associated with each phase of the project. This is not to say that some phases can’t be completed simultaneously with other phases, it all depends on fundraising and donations from supporters.
We have documented the existing conditions of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light and the South Breakwater Light and the information from this supported our Historic Structures Report, which is the guidelines we must follow from the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in order to restore the lighthouses. All costs are estimated based upon the site visit and speaking with contractors and are used for budgetary purposes only. As restoration progresses at the lights, you run the risk of finding more wrong than what is on the surface and it is normal to figure and budget an extra 5% to 10% over run above the below estimates.
The Muskegon Lighthouses Historic Structures Report was completed in December 2015 costing $30,000. A $20,000 grant was obtained from a Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program Planning Grant. The remainder was from internal funding.
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Existing Conditions
Pierhead
The Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, our main interface with the public that would allow for tours, was planned first to open up for tours. The lighthouse is a steel tapered cylindrical tower located at the west end of the south pier at the entry channel that connects Muskegon Lake with Lake Michigan. The light tower was constructed in 1903 and remains an active navigational light with the lantern room on top dating to 1870. The steel tower is in sound structural condition although in need of both interior and exterior painting, and some moderate repairs. Interior features are minimal with a circular stair providing access to the lantern and light. Situated on the end of a large pier, there are limited site amenities.
Immediate Recommendation: An additional railing and balustrades should be added to the stairway for safety if the public is allowed access.
This was completed in 2017 costing $32,375.00. A $7,500 grant was received from the Muskegon Community Foundation. A $9,500 was received from the US Lighthouse Society with the $15,375 balance paid by internal funding and individual donations.
Breakwater
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Recommendations
Based on site observations and identification of historic resources, the following are recommendations for stabilization, rehabilitation/restoration and ongoing maintenance and repair. Estimated costs are preliminary estimates for planning purposes.
Both the South Pierhead Light and the South Breakwater Light are in structurally sound condition. Minimal stabilization work is required to prevent deterioration of historic resources; however the South Breakwater Light requires more work of the two.
PHASE I – Stabilization
Install sealant in all open joints including areas where lantern glazing components are missing to prevent water infiltration.
Estimated Cost: $ 1,500
The recommended time period for stabilization work is the summer of 2011.
PHASE II – Condition Assessment Report
A detailed Condition Assessment Report of all structures and site features shall be conducted. This report will include:
- A brief history of the site features, construction, modifications and the historical significance in regards to Great Lakes Maritime history.
- A discussion of relevant portions of 36 CFR Part 61 “Historic Architecture” as it applies to these structures.
- Inventory of structural components, features and materials.
- The condition of each structural component.
- Identification of the root cause of deterioration and development of a scope of work for each condition/element requiring rehabilitation and/or restoration.
- Material quantities for each element.
- Budget cost estimates.
- Assignment of priority for each component.
- An overall phasing plan for rehabilitation and/or restoration based on the priorities.
Estimated Cost: $ 6,000 to $8,000
The Condition Assessment Report should be prepared during the spring/summer of 2012.
PHASE III – Construction Plans & Specifications
Based upon the findings and recommendations of the Condition Assessment Report, final plans and specifications for rehabilitation/restoration work shall be prepared by a qualified architectural/engineering firm meeting the requirements of 36 CFR. All documents shall be reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. All work shall be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Estimated Cost: Approximately $30,000 to $35,0000, based upon the recommendations of the Condition Assessment Report.
The recommended time period for preparing construction documents would be the summer/fall of 2012, assuming funding is available.
PHASE IV – Exterior Rehabilitation/Restoration
Exterior rehabilitation/restoration work shall include:
A) Exterior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the South Pierhead Light
- Clean and paint the steel tower structure.
- Replace missing section of guardrail at lantern deck.
- Repair/replace damaged metal glazing stops/mullions.
- Remove plexiglass panels in lantern and replace with glass.
- Caulk all open joints in the structure.
Estimated Cost: $42,000
B) Exterior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the South Breakwater Light
- Clean and paint the steel tower structure.
- Replace/repair glazing at portal windows.
- Caulk all open joints in the structure.
Estimated Cost: $32,000
The recommended time period for exterior rehabilitation/restoration work is the summer of 2013, assuming funding is available.
PHASE V – Interior Rehabilitation/Restoration
Interior rehabilitation/restoration shall include:
A) Interior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the South Pierhead Light
- Clean and paint the interior surfaces of the structure.
- Install intermediate rails/balustrades on the stair for safety.
- Clean and paint metal stair and railings.
- Clean and paint concrete and metal floor surfaces.
- Repair damaged plaster surfaces.
- Install video cable for web-cam
Estimated Cost: $55,000
B) Interior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the South Breakwater Light
- Clean and paint the interior surface of the structure.
- Clean and paint concrete and metal floor surfaces.
- Clean and paint metal ladders.
Estimated Cost: $33,000
The recommended time period for interior rehabilitation/restoration is the summer of 2014, assuming funding is available.
PHASE VI – Site Features
Rehabilitation/Restoration of Site Features includes:
A) South Pierhead Light
- Install video cable from the Light to the mainland. Locate cable in the existing utility trench in the pier deck surface.
- Install a metal bar grate over the existing utility trench.
- Install wooden handicap ramp near NOAA Station to allow wheelchair access to the lighthouse.
B) South Breakwater Light
- Repair spalled/deteriorated concrete at landing at entry.
Estimated Cost: $5,400
The recommended time period for interior rehabilitation/restoration is the summer of 2015, assuming funding is available.
PHASE VII – Cyclical Maintenance Plan
Recommended ongoing maintenance work for both structures includes the following:
- Inspect structure and adjacent site and repair any minor damage on an annual basis
- Touch-up deteriorated paint and caulking – Every 2 years
- Exterior painting – Every 20 years
- Interior painting – Every 20 years
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