Lion's Gates Restoration Update
After delays in the reconstruction of the Lion’s Gates at Fairy Chasm and Lake Drive, work resumed this week with the completion of the foundation work. While not very visible, this work is vital to the long-term stability of the Gates and something that was missing in many places when they were first built. Above ground work is tentatively scheduled to begin the middle of next week, as the foundation material hardens and cures the remainder of this week.
Many people have asked, why did the entire wall have to come down? The answer is quite simple. The walls had deteriorated to the point where within the next year or two, they would have fallen themselves. The walls stood for 98 years with little repair and the time had come for them to be repaired.
The other question people ask, why is it taking so long? Having been built in 1911, as the contractor removes materials and maintains the integrity of the existing structure and stone, a lot of unknowns are found. One important finding was the lack of foundation in most areas and the significant deterioration of the foundation in other areas required additional excavation and precision work to ensure the main structures remain stable. In the coming weeks, the public will soon see the walls be erected to the state they were prior to their removal of the walls.
What do we need from you? In a previous Buzz report, we requested that if anyone wished to donate stones from Lake Michigan to the project, we would welcome the donations. We are need of about 500 to 750 additional stones to complete the project. Most all of the original stones are being used but some cracked during the cleaning and removal process. Stones can either be dropped of at Village Hall or the Village will pick them up. If you would like to have them picked up, please call Village Hall at 351-8811 to let us know; and our DPW staff will stop by and pick up the rocks. Rocks that are picked up should be placed curbside and in a reusable container. The container will be emptied and left at your property. Thank you for your help and contribution towards this project.
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