Demolition of Algoma’s historic catwalk set to begin in May

ALGOMA – Algoma’s waterfront will undergo a major change in the coming weeks when the Roen Salvage Company of Sturgeon Bay begins reconstruction of Algoma’s north pier on Friday, May 15.

The historic steel catwalk will be one of the first things removed from the pier. The Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse will be removed in early June and transported by barge to Roen Salvage in Sturgeon Bay for safekeeping during the two-year project.

The lighthouse will be returned to the pier when work is complete, but restoration of the catwalk is not included in the plan.

The catwalk is one of only two remaining on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin and has stood on Algoma’s north pier for more than 125 years. A community-funded effort to preserve this historic piece of the city’s maritime heritage has been launched.

The “Save the Algoma Catwalk Committee” is working to raise $500,000 to salvage existing steel during demolition and restore the catwalk once the pier is rebuilt.

Committee Co-Chair Tom Levy says the community needs to act quickly.
“With demolition just around the corner, this is a pivotal moment in our efforts to preserve the catwalk. We need citizens and preservation-minded individuals across the area to step up to the challenge and donate to our campaign,” he said.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.savethecatwalk.com or by sending a check to the Save the Algoma Catwalk Fund, care of Nicolet National Bank, 205 Clark St., Algoma.