07/11/2006

Funds sought for lighthouse repairs

BY CHRISTINE FINGER

cfinger@record-eagle.com

Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump
The nonprofit Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is working to raise money to repair damage to the lighthouse's foundation. It has until Aug. 1 to match a grant from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program.

NORTHPORT — The Grand Traverse Lighthouse has stood strong since 1858 at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.

But like all old houses, it needs repairs.

The restored nautical beacon — a popular visitor attraction in Northport — houses a museum featuring exhibits about local lighthouse history, foghorns and shipwrecks. During the last 20 years, community donations helped open the museum, upgrade electrical wiring and restore the lighthouse and fog-signal building.

A structural assessment several years ago, however, revealed moisture accumulations within the lighthouse's stone foundation that led to deterioration of many floor joists.

Stefanie Staley, executive director of the nonprofit museum, said the damage must be repaired sooner, rather than later.

"If you look at some of the beams you can stick a knife through them," she said.

Assessments from two architects estimate that correcting the problem and repairing damage will cost about $45,000, and could exceed that depending on results of a more thorough assessment after work begins.

Lighthouse supporters recently launched a fundraising drive to pay for foundation restoration that includes joist replacement and exterior waterproofing, as well as a perimeter drain to route water away from the building.

The museum is seeking a grant from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, and local matching funds are required to receive state funding. The organization so far has gathered $10,000 of a required $20,000 match that must be raised before the Aug. 1 application deadline. The $10,000 tally includes a recent $7,500 award from the Les and Anne Biederman Foundation.

Several upcoming events, including an Aug. 17 lobster dinner fundraiser, are scheduled to kick-start the capital drive.

Staley said she's confident the community will lend its support.

"Even if it's $5, every dollar will help us get to that point," she said.

The state of Michigan owns the lighthouse and leases it to the museum. Staley said the museum hopes to begin foundation repairs in the spring.

For more information about the Grand Traverse Lighthouse or how to donate, call (231) 386-7195.