LANSING — Sen. John Proos and Rep. Kim LaSata applauded the people behind the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights restoration for the project recently being named as a recipient of a Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2017 Building Award.

“As we continue to grow and develop as a community, it is important to honor and appreciate our heritage and work to preserve it for future generations to come,’ said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Our history is the story of who we are as a community, and the restoration of the St. Joseph lighthouses that earned this award was the result of many donors throughout our community who generously donated to the effort. I applaud the local leaders behind the preservation project on this prestigious award and on a job well done.”

The award is presented once a year to an outstanding rehabilitation project that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of Michigan’s heritage. It will be presented at the 25th Annual MHPN Preservation Awards ceremony on May 19 during National Historic Preservation Month.

“For generations, the St. Joseph lighthouse has served as an iconic and enduring symbol of the place we call home,” said Rep. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township. “I am beyond thankful that the individuals responsible for preserving something so important to our area are being recognized for their great work.”

St. Joseph’s lighthouse restoration project previously earned a 2016 Governor’s Award for historic preservation.

The city of St. Joseph took ownership of the St. Joseph pier lighthouses from the federal government in 2013 in recognition of their community importance and to ensure their preservation. Donors to the Lighthouse Forever Fund supported the restoration and the Heritage Museum has arranged for access to the lighthouses for tours.

“Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state,” Proos said. “With this completed restoration of the St. Joseph pier lighthouses, they will remain a beacon for years to come and a reminder of the critical role the lakes have played in shaping our state and way of life.”

The lighthouses will be is open for tours this summer. For more information, visit StJoeLighthouseTours.org or call the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center at (269) 983-1191.