Two iconic lighthouses near Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon will soon be owned and operated by the city, as commissioners this week voted in favor of the idea.
Officials say, the south pierhead lighthouse,” and the “south breakwater lighthouse near Pere Marquette Beach are part of the historical fabric of Muskegon, and one of the city’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks.
Constructed in 1930 however, the city says the lighthouses are in dire need of repair, however, they are currently owned and operated by the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy.
For now.
Earlier this year, the conservancy asked if the city would be willing to assume control of the two lighthouses, and this week, commissioners said “yes.”
Commissioner Rebecca St. Clair said at a recent commission work session.
“This makes a lot of sense to me for us to get behind,” St. Clair said. “There’s funding. There’s community support. There’s an active and passionate volunteer base that really wants to take this work up.”
Officials say the total cost of renovations is an estimated $1.5 million. In 2022, then State Rep. Terry Sabo successfully lobbied for $800,000 in this year’s budget to be allocated for lighthouse repairs. The city will have to raise the other half, however, several potential donors to the project have already expressed interest.
