The Mission Point Lighthouse located north of Traverse City on the Mission Point peninsula at the north end of M-37 is very popular historic attraction. First lit in 1870, Mihm is proud of it’s work to restore this iconic Michigan treasure.
Our work in 2018 consisted of lantern restoration by installing new glass and base flashing at waist panels to stop water infiltration, and caulking and painting the lantern.
Our work on the Grand Haven Lighthouse included:
Re-roofing project of Stuart Manor in Portage, MI
Work included:
Charles Egeler Correctional facility, Jackson, MI, Tore off asphalt shingles & installed new standing seam metal roofing, metal wall panels, & new gutters and downspouts, rebuilt & extended 600 l.f. of eaves added R30 insulation to eave area
Established in 1889 and in service for 65 years, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is a treasure who’s restoration Mihm Enterprises has been proud be part of. Restoration of this structure started in 1999 with our responsibility including roofing and window restoration.
2005 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation
Project: Detour Lighthouse Restoration – Lake Huron, MI
Type: Historical Exterior & Interior Restoration of Lighthouse
Strip, sandblast and paint entire exterior. Restoration of interior, restoration of windows, restoration of metal roof, copper downspouts, and restoration of concrete walls. Complete plaster, painting, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical restoration.
Project: Israelite House of David – Benton Harbor, MI
Type: Historical Exterior Restoration and Renovation of 3 buildings. Roofing, extensive cornice replacement, new copper roofing on turrets, new copper spires & stars, complete 3 story front porch re-building, new handrails, masonry chimney restoration, and new custom copper gutters/downspouts.
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.
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.
At the Manistee Light Tower, Mihm Enterprises completed the exterior restoration, removed lead paint, installed marine coatings, replaced lantern glass, deteriorated metal and concrete steps.
Project: Manistee Light Tower Rehab – Lake Michigan
