“Breakwater Lighthouse is one of a kind. There is no other with its pattern in the United States.”
Built in 1931 on the edge of Lake Michigan, waves and harsh weather have caused significant rust and structural decay.
“Today it stands brutally battered after nearly a century of nature’s abuse.”
Restoring the lighthouse is Kimberly Lange’s passion project.
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is leading the project.
Known as “Keeper Kim,” Lange provided a progress report to Muskegon city commissioners.
Mihm Enterprises began work in September to stabilize and preserve the structure for future generations.
“As a welcoming sign to the coming thousands of commercial ships, cruise ships, pleasure ships and the general public who come to enjoy it from the beach itself.”
The total restoration price tag is $1.6 million.
It received an $800,000 state grant and local supporters are asking the public for donations to complete it this fall. Resident and business owner
Don Kalisz put it this way:
“Think of how weird, how odd it would look out there without that lighthouse. You’ll have terrible pictures. All the photos of Muskegon have that beautiful lighthouse in it.”
Donations can be made through the Muskegon Community Foundation or the Save Our Light website.
