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Press Releases
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Weather Bureau Restoration Receives Major Funding
August 05, 2008
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The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society is pleased to announce receipt of a Clean Michigan Initiative Grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, through the City of Sault Ste. Marie, for historic restoration of the exterior of the U.S. Weather Bureau Building. This is one of seven grants recently funded by the DEQ in a very competitive process. The award is full funding in the amount of $100,000; a required match will be provided by the Shipwreck Society.
Michigan Lieutenant Governor John Cherry visited the building in Soo Locks Park on Monday, August 4, to present the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Shipwreck Society with a ceremonial check. Pictured left to right are: Jim Hendricks, City Planner; Spencer Nebel, City Manager; Steve Rose, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Tony Bosbous, Mayor; Amy Butler, Michigan DEQ; Tom Farnquist, GLSHS; Lt. Gov. John Cherry; Jeff Hukill, DEQ; and Sean Ley, GLSHS.
Funding will support the following work items:
Removal of existing shingles from mansard roofs, flat roof, and porch roofs
Installation of new underlayment and 18” western red cedar singles on mansard and porch roofs
Installation of modified bitumen membrane on flat roof area
Installation of two terne coated historic replica metal cover dormers
Installation of historic decorative wrought iron handrail around flat roof perimeter
Installation of metal roof flashings
Installation of historic replica chimney
Construction of barrier-free ADA access ramp
Elevation of porches to accommodate barrier-free access ramp
Repair of front and rear porches including stairs, balusters, and rails
Installation of replica gutters and downspouts
Construction of steel roof access to observation roof deck
Exterior brick tuckpointing
Landscaping
Installation of security fencing
Work will begin in early September, as soon as administrative contracts are finalized.
The Weather Bureau Building, located within Soo Locks Park, is both an element of the St Marys Falls National Historic Landmark and the City’s Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Walkway Plan, which outlines a complete recreational walkway along the south bank of Sault Harbor for visitors to the City. This Plan is being implemented by the City as funds become available, and restoration of the Weather Bureau is an important part of it.
The Society sincerely thanks the DEQ; and the City of Sault Ste. Marie for this funding. An Open House date for the Weather Bureau has not yet been set; readers of Shipwreck Journal will be the first to receive notice of this historic event. The Shipwreck Society’s opening of this building will be the first time it has ever been made accessible to the public.
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