Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Significant storm damage was discovered at the iconic outer lighthouse on the south pier, commonly known as the fog house. During a recent repair visit on
Sunday, November 30, contractor Bill Pushaw of Pushaw Builders found that two glass panels in the lantern room/cupola had been blown out during the extreme wind and weather events from Wednesday, November 26.
The Grand Haven lighthouses have undergone various phases of restoration work since 2010. The City of Grand Haven, in conjunction with the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy, has been working together for the last 15 years to preserve these historic treasures and ensure they remain structurally sound, aesthetically beautiful, and towering iconic beacons that welcome mariners to the port.
The Lighthouse Conservancy has been working with Bill Pushaw of Pushaw Builders for 5 years. Pushaw discovered the damage during a recent visit to replace a porthole cover. Much of his work
involves preparing the fog house for upcoming public access – touring, exhibits, and gift shop. This ongoing effort involved waterproofing the fog house to maintain moisture control before any additional interior work is done. The recent damage poses a setback to those ongoing efforts. The associated expense for this damage has not yet been determined, but will include cleanup, custom glass replacement, and installation, which will likely require crane work.
Pushaw and his crew have made a quick, temporary repair to keep the weather out until a permanent fix can be made. To help ensure the lights continue to shine, consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Grand Haven Lighthouse Rehabilitation Fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. To donate, go to GHACF.org or mail your donation to Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, 6 Sherman Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
About the Grand Haven Area Lighthouse Conservancy: Donations are appreciated and tax-deductible. “Our mission is to preserve and restore Grand Haven’s Outer and Inner Lighthouse structures along with any associated artifacts. Through public promotion and education, on-site interpretive displays and artifact presentations, the
history and importance of the lighthouse structures will be conveyed to residents and visitors alike.”
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