Ludington State Park Beach House Renovation and Restoration

Construction of the Lake Michigan Beach House at Ludington State Park was completed in 1935. This Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) built structure has been a landmark of the Lake Michigan shoreline for countless visitors of Ludington State Park during the past 76 years. Unfortunately, the shoreline sun and sand have taken their toll and it is now necessary to restore this beautiful building.

In 2008, funding allowed the DNR to contract engineering plans for restoring the historic Ludington Beach House. This project will not only restore and improve the physical structure, but will allow the park to relocate and improve its visitor services and the interpretive program, update and add accessibility to all areas, and improve the kitchen and concession area.

First Floor Plan

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Visitor Services would occupy the entire upper level of the beach house. Areas would not only include information and orientation to the park, but both permanent and seasonal exhibits. The main interpretive focus would be on the geology and ecology of Lake Michigan as viewed from the beach house. Other exhibits would depict the Park's natural and cultural history. By relocating the interpretive resources to the beach house, it would help park staff attain the goal of reaching as many Park visitors as possible to educate them on Ludington State Park's unique resources.

Access to the upper level would be by stairs, an elevator lift or a ramped walkway, providing access to these interpretive resources for all users.

Basement Plan

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The basement level would contain a concession operation and restrooms, with these spaces separated by a central lobby. The concession side of the building would be renovated to provide an improved kitchen and dining area. The restrooms would be updated to provide access to all users. Windows in the basement area would be restored to provide abundant natural light. An outside patio that leads west of the building would be used for outdoor seating and interpretive programs.

As with the upper floor, access to this lower level would be by stairs, an elevator lift or a ramped walkway, providing access to the restrooms and concessions for all users.

Exterior Restoration

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In addition to the interior renovation and restoration, this project will include the restoration of the exterior of the building. The wood shingle roof and exterior brick will be restored, closed off windows will be reinstalled and the building will be stained using the 1935 period color. To provide deck access for all visitors, a ramp will be installed on the north end of the beach house.

What would you like to see?
Parks and Recreation staff are continuing to consider input from our visitors about what they would like to see happen to this historic structure. The following plans and renderings for the proposed Beach House restoration and renovations are here to provide you, our visitors, with the opportunity to see Parks and Recreation's vision for the beach house. Please take time to review these proposed plans and then share your comments and suggestions.

Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to:
public.comment.lsp@gmail.com

To ensure that your comment is considered, please e-mail us by September 30, 2011.