Restoration

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.

A preliminary site visit was conducted to document existing conditions of the Alpena Breakwater Lighthouse and the information from this site visit was compiled for review and analysis.  All costs are estimated based upon the preliminary site visit and are used for budgetary purposes only.

Please view the Photo and Video Gallery to view the current condition of the Alpena Light.

Existing Conditions

The Alpena Breakwater Lighthouse is erected atop a concrete pier, the structure consists of a four-legged pyramid skeleton tower surmounted by a circular watch room. An octagonal lantern sits atop this watch room which is encircled by an iron gallery with a tubular safety railing. The lighthouse was constructed in 1914 and remains an active navigational light. The steel tower is in sound structural condition although in need of painting both the interior and exterior and minor structure repairs and restoration work.

MLC has identified the following historic resources and outlined the following preservation and maintenance plan based on preliminary consultations. Future site visits and consultations may influence the pace, direction and focus of these preliminary estimates. All of the proposed work listed below will be conducted by carefully following the U.S. Interior Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Recommendations

Based on site observations and identification of historic resources, the following are recommendations for stabilization, preservation/rehabilitation/restoration and ongoing maintenance and repair.  Estimated costs are preliminary estimates for planning purposes.

The Alpena Breakwater Light is in structurally sound condition.  Minimal stabilization work is required to prevent deterioration of historic resources.

PHASE I – STABILIZATION

  1. Install sealant in any open joints including areas where lantern glazing components are missing to prevent water infiltration.
  2. Inspect access ladder rungs at areas that are rusted and / or bent and repair as necessary.
  3. Inspect all ventilation openings and make operational to insure proper ventilation of the light tower lantern.

Estimated Cost:   $2,500 to $3,000

The recommended time period for stabilization work is within a year after the transfer of the deed.

PHASE II – CONDITION ASSESSMENT REPORT

A detailed Condition Assessment Report of all structures and site features shall be conducted.  This report will include:

  1. A brief history of the site features, construction, modifications and the historical significance in regards to Great Lakes Maritime history.
  2. A discussion of relevant portions of 36 CFR Part 61 “Historic Architecture” as it applies to these structures.
  3. Inventory of structural components, features and materials.
  4. The condition of each structural component.
  5. Identification of the root cause of deterioration and development of a scope of work for each condition/element requiring rehabilitation and/or restoration.
  6. Material quantities for each element.
  7. Budget cost estimates.
  8. Assignment of priority for each component.
  9.  An overall phasing plan for rehabilitation and/or preservation based on the priorities.

Estimated Cost:   $6,500 to $7,500

The Condition Assessment Report should be prepared during the third year following transfer of the deed.

PHASE III – CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Based upon the findings and recommendations of the Condition Assessment Report, final plans and specifications for both interior and exterior rehabilitation/preservation work shall be prepared by a qualified historic architect meeting the requirements of 36 CFR Part 61.  All documents shall be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service following the terms of the NLHPA. The National Park Service will undertake consultation with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.  All work shall be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Estimated Cost:
$10,500 to $12,500.  It should be noted that this cost does not include professional services for bidding and construction administration of the project.

The recommended time period for preparing construction documents would be the fourth or fifth year following transfer of the deed, assuming funding is available.

PHASE IV – EXTERIOR REHABILITATION/RESTORATION

Exterior rehabilitation/restoration work shall include:

Exterior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the Alpena Light

  1. Clean and paint the steel tower structure.
  2. Replace missing section of guardrail at lantern deck.
  3. Repair/replace damaged metal glazing stops/mullions.
  4. Remove Plexiglas panels in lantern and replace with glass
  5. Restore window(s) in lower level
  6. Repair/replace damaged metal ladder rungs
  7. Caulk all open joints in the structure
  8. Repair all damaged metal components
  9. Replace lightening rod at tip of ventilation ball

Estimated Cost:
$40,000 to $50,000 for construction.
$3,000 to $5,000 for professional services for bidding, construction administration and associated reimbursable expenses.

 

The recommended time period for exterior rehabilitation/restoration work would be the fifth or sixth year following transfer of the deed, assuming funding is available.

PHASE V – INTERIOR REHABILITATION/RESTORATION

Interior Rehabilitation/Restoration of the Alpena Light

  1. Clean and paint the interior surfaces of the structure.
  2. Clean and paint metal ladder to lantern room and center support post.
  3. Clean and paint all metal floor surfaces.
  4. Repair all damaged metal components / surfaces.

Estimated Cost:
$20,000 to $30,000 for construction.
$3,000 to $5,000 for professional services for bidding and construction administration and associated reimbursable expenses.

The recommended time period for interior rehabilitation/restoration is the seventh or eighth year following transfer of the deed, assuming funding is available.

PHASE IV – SITE FEATURES

Rehabilitation/Restoration of Site Features includes:

  1. The location of any equipment building, or installation of equipment necessary to support off-site visitor viewing, will be determined.
  2. Install a concrete pad and sidewalk at the base of the light tower where stone rip-rap is currently located for easier access to ladder (dependent upon permission from owner).
  3. Improve the walkway / access approach to the light tower (dependent upon permission from owner).
  4. Install interpretive signage where deemed appropriate such as the south breakwater.

Estimated Cost:  $10,000 to $12,000

The recommended time period for site features would be anytime following transfer of the deed, assuming funding is available and how these projects fit in with funding. For example signage would be important in the beginning and the concrete pad would help ease transport of equipment to and from the light and could be done in the beginning of the project.

PHASE VII – CYCLICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN

Recommended ongoing maintenance work for both structures includes the following:

  1. Inspect structure and adjacent site and repair any minor damage on an annual basis
  2. Touch-up deteriorated paint and caulking – Every 2 years
  3. Exterior painting – Every 15 years or as needed
  4. Interior painting – Every 15 years or as needed