S.O.S. (Save Our Station) Vermilion is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Station at Vermilion Point on Lake Superior.
The Vermilion station was one of the first four life-saving stations built on Lake Superior, and the only one left standing of the Lake Superior Type architectural style. The station is located on 175 acres owned by the Little Traverse Conservancy. S.O.S. Vermilion is partnering with the conservancy to preserve and restore the Vermilion Point U.S. Life-Saving Service station building. Our intent is to restore the station to its original 1876 appearance.
RESTORATION PLAN
Phase One: Completed in August 2023, Phase One consisted of constructing a new treated wood foundation slightly East of the existing building location. Lifting and moving the building, replacing deteriorated and missing lower wall framing and sheathing, and placing it down on the new foundation. The cost of Phase One was $100,000. Prior to Phase One, some very deteriorated building additions constructed in the early 1900s were removed by volunteers.
Phase Two: Currently underway, Phase Two consists of the restoration and repair of the roof structure and installation of new cedar shingle roofing. Twenty-one squares of northern white cedar shingles were purchased by S.O.S. Vermilion in 2024, and volunteers recently completed staining the shingles “red” to match the color of the original wood shingles. Missing and deteriorated fascia and soffit will also be replaced as part of this work. A contract has been executed with a roof restoration contractor and the roof restoration work will occur in September 2025. The cost of Phase Two will be in the range of $80,000 to $90,000.
Phase Three: Consists of reconstructing the exterior wood siding and trim. Most wood siding and trim is in poor condition and will require replacement. New material will match the dimensions and profiles of original material. All siding and trim will be painted. Estimated cost of Phase Three is $70,000 to $80,000. Phase Three will begin when funding is available.
Phase Four: Consists of installing windows. All original windows are missing, therefore new replica wood windows will be fabricated and installed. The new windows, sash, frames and trim will be painted. Estimated cost of Phase Four is $40,000 to $50,000. Phase Four will begin when funding is available.
Phase Five: Consists of installing doors. The Boat Room doors and the front entry door are currently missing. (A temporary front entry door was installed as part of Phase One). New replica wood doors and hardware will be fabricated, painted and installed. Estimated cost of Phase Five is $20,000 to $25,000. Phase Five will begin when funding is available.
All of this work has been done and will be done though the help of our S.O.S. Members and donors. Because of the remote location of the station, this restoration is expensive, and it would not be possible without our generous volunteers. Consider donating or becoming a volunteer today!