Overview

Living up to its name, Wind Point Lighthouse is recognized for withstanding gale force wind gusts off of Lake Michigan. After experiencing harsh weather for more than a century, the lighthouse was given the ultimate facelift in 2007. Wind Point Lighthouse, a winner of the JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative, now has the latest in window and door technology, designed to perform reliably in all climates, including coastal conditions. For lighthouses, which are exposed to severe weather year after year, windows and doors are crucial to preserving the structural integrity of the building. The restoration ensures that Wind Point Lighthouse will continue to be a cherished landmark on the Great Lakes for many years to come.

Before

Built in 1880 and designed by famed Great Lakes architect Orlando Poe, this iconic lighthouse was in dire need of repair. More than 120 years of exposure to coastal weather resulted in inexpensive, dysfunctional replacements or completely boarded up windows. An exterior steel replacement door was already showing its wear and tear, and did not reflect historical designs of the late 19th century. To protect the structure and beauty of this historic building, nine windows and one exterior door needed to be replaced.

After

The Custom windows are stylistically similar to the original radius top and rectangular fixed windows, but include high-tech features such as AuraLast^® Wood, a revolutionary preservation process developed by JELD-WEN that protects against wood rot, water saturation and termite infestation with a 20-year warranty. To preserve the original frame of a double-hung window, a JELD-WEN sashpack replacement unit was an easy to install solution. The windows also include low maintenance features such as custom cladding, plus Low-E insulated glass to help keep the tower warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

An exterior Custom Aurora^® Fiberglass door with a historic four-panel design uses JELD-WEN’s state-of-the-art technology, developed to withstand harsh coastal conditions yet look and feel like a wood door. JELD-WEN fiberglass doors require little maintenance yet won’t expand, swell or absorb moisture over time.

Project Team

• Village of Wind Point
• Pro Millwork - Racine, WI
• Nielsen, Madsen & Barber SC - Racine, WI
• Katt Construction - Racine, WI
• Masonry Restoration, Inc. - Madison, WI
• Orlando Metcalfe Poe, architect (1832-1895)