Kewaunee's City Council approved a proposal Monday night to have the exterior of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse repainted. The project was orchestrated by the city's Lighthouse Committee, who oversee the restoration of the building. In advance of the city's vote, the non-profit Friends of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse unanimously approved to finance the entire cost of the project - the sanding and painting the 1st story of the lighthouse, which is expected to cost $10,236. (Contribute to future projects!)
The exterior restoration which took place in 2017 concentrated on the upper portion of the lighthouse. (See Photo Below) The exterior paneling on the tower was replaced, as was the paneling outside the 2nd story. The asphalt roof was replaced with a metal roof as well. No work was done on the steel sheeting covering the 1st story at that time.
In 2023, six steel plates covering windows on the 1st floor were removed and the ten existing windows were replaced with replicas. In early 2024, a metal band was installed to cover the gap between the steel sheeting of the 1st level and the concrete foundation. This gap had been allowing water into the building.
To tie these all of these repairs together, the lighthouse committee has decided to have the steel sheeting covering the 1st floor of the lighthouse sanded (where needed) and repainted white. A local painter, John Kruse (JK Sealants) bid $10,236 for the job, and expects to be able to complete the painting this fall.
Photos showing the area to be painted. Notice the spotty and worn paint on the steel, compared to the bright, new paint of the foundation band.
Jim Schaller of the Lighthouse Committee is excited to see this next big step forward, saying it will really enhance the appearance of the exterior. Schaller also spearheaded a 2023 project to reinstall electricity in the lighthouse, allowing the entire building to be lit at night, as well as orchestrating the 2024 foundation band project.
THANK YOU to our donors! Without your contributions, this project would have been impossible.
This project will be funded entirely via funds donated to the nonprofit Friends of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse.
To contribute to the ongoing restoration of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse, visit our Donation page or mail a check to PO Box 23, Kewaunee, WI 54216.
If you represent a business and would like to support the lighthouse, please email us.
Your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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