(Munising) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Superintendent Jim Northup announced today that the park plans to remove an old garage and storage building from along the Sand Point Road within the Sand Point area of the national lakeshore.
“This old garage is in very poor condition, and has become an eyesore and a potential safety problem,” Northup said. “After more thoroughly researching the history of this particular out-building, we discovered that it was not in fact directly connected to the history of the former Coast Guard operations or residences at Sand Point. It was added at a later date and consequently is considered a non-contributing building to the history of the Coast Guard era at Sand Point,” according to Northup.
The Michigan State Office of Historic Preservation has concurred with this analysis and formally determined that the removal of the building will have “No Adverse Effect” on historic resources at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
“We remain fully committed to taking care of the historic structures and out-buildings within the National Lakeshore, including those at Sand Point, in full compliance with our specific park mission and the National Historic Preservation Act,” Northup emphasized. “But this particular building is not historically significant and has fallen into disrepair. To improve the aesthetics and public safety within the Sand Point area, and as part of our overall effort to focus limited resources on the highest priority needs, we plan to remove the building and rehabilitate the area to a more natural condition,” Northup concluded.
Questions or comments regarding the park’s planned removal of this building may be directed to the Superintendent or to Gregg Bruff, Chief of Heritage Education and Cultural Resources at 906-387-2607, ext. 208.