Split Rock Lighthouse gets spiffed up
Spring seems to have settled in here in the Twin Cities. Just two weeks ago, a blizzard generated 60 m.p.h. winds and dumped about 10 inches of snow in Two Harbors, Minnesota. That slowed work on the preservation work that's underway at the Split Rock Lighthouse, a North Shore icon that overlooks Lake Superior and is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Collaborative Design of Minneapolis is overseeing an overhaul of the building, which includes repainting "the interior and exterior of the 'lantern' or top portion of the lighthouse," writes Lee Radzak, site manager at the lighthouse.

Here's a more items on Collaborative Design's to-do list:

• Painting the metal windows and doors on the Fog Signal building
• Cutting and pointing on the three dwellings including installation of a shear wall and anchor system to stabilize failing walls
• Rebuilding select porches
• Rehabilitating the doors, windows sashes, storm windows and screen windows
• Repair of the barns, including painting
• Re-roof and siding repair of the Well House

The Associated Press reports that the cost of the project is $900,00 and is being paid for through the state's bonding bill. Work should be completed by about May 15.