Historic Structure Report: Rock Harbor Guest House, Isle Royale National Park

Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering

This Historic Structure Report (HSR) provides a developmental history, condition assessment, and treatment plan for the Rock Harbor Guest House on Isle Royale. The objectives identified for this project include preserving the building and providing for the future use of the building as an affordable, “hostel-type” lodging alternative at Rock Harbor Guest House. This proposed use necessitates consideration of upgrades to the buildings systems and other alterations to meet applicable building codes and standards. Constructed in 1922-1923, the Guest House is a two-story, wood frame, gable roof structure situated on the shoreline and sitting on concrete foundations. It is occupied during the late spring through early autumn and is naturally ventilated with no mechanical HVAC systems. Its original function was visitor lodging, but it has not been visitor-occupied since the early 1970s. The main lobby is open to park visitors, and the bedrooms are primarily used for employee housing and general storage. The Rock Harbor Guest House is not currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the Michigan SHPO has determined that it is eligible for listing. This document provides information on the building’s historic development, its historic significance, and its integrity. Rehabilitation is the recommended treatment to convert the building into hostel style housing. Reestablishing public use of the Guest House will require major upgrades to code-mandated life safety features of the building (including the introduction of a fire suppression system), making the building ADA accessible; upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; stabilizing the foundations and structural framing systems; and addressing the water infiltration issues at the roof with a new roofing system.

Historic Structure Report: Rock Harbor Guest House, Isle Royale National Park

Series