South Haven Lighthouse Preservation

Project: South Haven Lighthouse Preservation – South Haven, MI

Type: Entire Structure – Rust removal and application of rust converter, inhibiting primer  and moisture sealants to joints and perimeter ring structure.

Date Completed: October 2016

Project summary: The original South Haven lighthouse, a wooden structure, was constructed in 1872. It was replaced by the current steel lighthouse in 1903. The lantern portion is believed to be from the original lighthouse. The catwalk leading to the lighthouse is one of only four that survive in Michigan. In 2012 the lighthouse was decommissioned by the federal government and ownership was transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the Historical Association of South Haven with the stipulation that it be maintained. The new owners quickly realized that a major restoration of the deteriorating structure was going to be necessary The Historical Association then hired Mihm Enterprises to make the following restorations and repairs.

The Interior Lighthouse restoration project started in 2015.  On the top floor, ceiling panels were straightened, tin waist panels were restored to keep as much historic materials as possible.  The ceiling china hat/drip cap was replaced with glass and glazing compound. The second floor was prepared and made ready for plaster by completely sand blasting the interior metal surfaces and applying an epoxy marine coating.  After the second story was primed the plaster was installed, primed and painted.

The Exterior restoration project started in 2016.  The lighthouse had to be completely encapsulated to provide a negative air system which would capture the dust and debris created by the sand blasting of the entire exterior of the lighthouse.  Next a zinc rich marine epoxy primer was then applied to the exterior lighthouse, followed by a high build epoxy and finally a high performance urethane coating which was “Lighthouse Red” to match to historical color. Some glazing mullions required repair and a cast iron/bronze foundry made replacements, Brass vent screens were installed on the Lantern finial ball to allow for adequate ventilation.  This project was completed in approximately 7 weeks.

 

 

 

Ottawa Beach Pump House Restoration

 

Project: Historic Ottawa Beach Pumphouse Restoration – completed June 2015

Historical Interior and Exterior Restoration, lead paint abatement, masonry restoration, structural steel work, rough carpentry, window and door replication and restoration, finish carpentry and painting
Ottawa Beach Pumphouse project was performed in 2015.

The work consisted of: Replication of wood doors, restoration of wood windows & trim, Lead paint abatement, interior- concrete work, stripping and repainting of wood tongue & groove siding, interior & exterior painting work, new roofing installed, interior & exterior masonry restoration and new structural steel beams and lintels installed. Rough & finish carpentry. There was an official opening held out on the boardwalk over lake Macatawa where a city official cut the ribbon and speeches were made by 3 representatives.

Chapin Mansion Wood Window Restoration

Project: Chapin Mansion Window Restoration
Client: City of Niles
Location: Niles, MI
Architect: Greg Kil-Kil Architecture/Planning
Date Completed: September 2015
Project summary: Complete removal of 51 window sashes, complete abatement of lead paint, epoxy consolidate sashes and jambs, re-glaze window sashes, prime, paint, weather strip & install back in orginal openings.  Removal of 7 art glass, leaded stained glass sashes, worked with subcontractor specializing in art glass restoration, restored jambs in place, reinstalled art glass sashes and installed custom wood storm windows.

Copper Fabrication and Installation

We specialize in copper fabrication including historical reproductions. We are committed to the preservation of our valued historical structures, working with building owners and architects to keep the historical look while often improving function. Our craftsman have vast and varied experience working on historical structures from Lighthouses and period park buildings to private homes, libraries, churches and government buildings.

Our Copper and Metal Fabrication Services include:

  • Repair & restoration of historical copper roofing and other architectural features
  • Ornamental Copper fabrication – repair, restoration and fabrication of you unique copper/metal decorations
  • Copper & Metal Roofing Installation, repair and restoration – Standing seam, modern copper shingles, soldered shingle and flat roofs
  • Copper cornice, flashings, Fascia and Valleys
  • Copper Gutters & Downspouts
  • Copper Roofs for Bay Windows, Dormers
  • And much more… Call us for all your needs

Some of our projects that showcase our coppersmithing

We travel when the project requires, Call us today at 1-800-479-6855 with your needs large or small.