The Ridges Sanctuary near Baileys Harbor has raised the funds needed to fully restore the Baileys Harbor lower range light. The lower and upper range lights were transferred to The Ridges in 1965. Over the years, the organization has replaced rotting wood and repainted the structure a number of times. However, ongoing problems with humidity have left the lights in need of major repairs. Steve Leonard, the Sanctuary’s executive director, explains how the fundraising effort reached its goal…
[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Leonard01.mp3|titles=Leonard01]
Restoration work will be performed based on recommendations contained in the historic structures report issued by Restoric, LLC in 2010. Preliminary estimates, based on that report, fall in the $70,000 to $80,000 range. Since both of the range lights are on the National Register of Historic Places, the restoration will also adhere to specific guidelines. And, with the future of the lower range light secured, Leonard says The Ridges will turn its attention to the eventual restoration of the upper range light. Any monies in excess of the amount needed to complete work on the lower range light will be allocated to the future project.
