Original Construction
1880’s
Completion Date
Ongoing
National Historic Register 

Fishtown, a National Register-listed historic site along the Leland River, preserves more than a century of Great Lakes maritime and commercial fishing heritage. Its collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, docks, fishing tugs, net racks, and other artifacts reflects the region’s historic fishing industry and its enduring cultural significance. The Fishtown Preservation Society acquired the property and its associated resources to protect them from intrusive development and ensure their continued vitality. The ongoing challenge has been to preserve the site’s historic integrity and defining character while accommodating necessary improvements, supporting sustainable operations, and allowing for the adaptive reuse needed to maintain its social and economic relevance as one of the Great Lakes’ remaining commercial fishing communities.

HopkinsBurns, in collaboration with Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, developed a comprehensive Master Plan for the preservation and restoration of Fishtown and its historic structures. The team conducted a cultural resource assessment, documented and evaluated the existing conditions and historic integrity of ten structures and the surrounding site, established design guidelines for compatible infill and adaptive reuse, and facilitated public outreach and charrettes. High-definition laser scanning was incorporated to improve the efficiency and accuracy of architectural documentation. The team also prepared an innovative Historic Structures Report combining folklore research with historic preservation methodologies, recommending a “touch lightly” approach to restore and adaptively reuse the fishing shanties while minimizing visual alterations to their historic character. An interpretive plan with exhibit designs was developed to deepen visitors’ understanding of Great Lakes fishing heritage. The Historic Structures Report was subsequently published as an award-winning book, extending the project's contribution to historic preservation and cultural interpretation.