The following article is written by Carrie Estrella for the Rahr-West Art Forward series.
Almost a full 8 months from groundbreaking to grand opening in early June, the new Lighthouse Pavilion is a welcoming sight to visitors who come to stroll along the Blue Rail Walkway or walk the Mariner’s Trail.
The pavilion was built to be accessible all year round, including indoor heating in the winter. The facilities include restrooms, benches with USB ports, outdoor shaded areas and a beach shower facility. The bubblers in the facility have been set at different levels, making them accessible to all (including your shorter furry companions.)
The design of the building pays homage to the boathouses of the early 1900’s, creating an open structure easily accessible from all sides. The greyish-blue stone walls hail from Door County, just up the lakeshore from us, while the sailboat weathervane is in honor of the many sailors and other boaters who come here to ride the waters of Lake Michigan.
But the beauty of the structure does not stop at its façade and its function; inside the building is a large wrap-around mural designed and painted by Don Krumpos and Erin LaBonte. The fantastical and imaginative maritime-themed mural tells a story as it wraps around the interior. The street-facing composition consists of a Poseidon-like god of the wind and water blowing a ship across the lake. A dropped anchor lies in the foreground. Around the corner into the hallway, visitors will find the water and sky are spinning and all-encompassing, while fish swirl below in a current created of lake-like shades of blue. The upper corners of the diptych reference maritime maps, with a compass and topographic marks.
Leading visitors into the restrooms one will find the two permanent residents of the pavilion – the ship’s captain and a finely-dressed lady – both with eyes cast on the horizon through a pair of looking glasses.
“Don was lead designer on the project”, says LaBonte. “There were parts that had to be designed as we went, like the hallway. We really couldn’t project and had to free-hand much of the project. The mural took a long time to paint. We had to make sure it looked good up close and far away.” Both artists say the project was challenging and equally rewarding. They were excited to be part of such a beautiful addition to the lakeshore.
Come check it out for yourself. The facilities are open sunup to sundown.