OUR PROJECTS
Preserve Lawson Landmarks (PLL) was established in 2021 with priorities including the repair of the property’s six original water towers, including Judson Tower; repair of the stone walls and bridges throughout the property; and restoration of the boathouse. These structures are highlighted on this map.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
KIMEN-PEARSALL TOWER
(Formerly Teen Tower)
The all-concrete Kimen-Pearsall Tower, situated high above Norwegian Bay, is one of the most picturesque and visited towers within the conference center. It also was one of the most compromised, with a decaying roof, severe drainage problems, crumbling concrete and trees that had encroached on the structure.
The concrete issues were extensive and have been repaired and completed. The tower has new window inserts, and a new door. Overhanging and encroaching trees have been trimmed and /or removed. A new drainage system was designed and installed to solve the ongoing problem of water pooling on the tower’s landing. The other towers all had some combination of two or three issues. Kimen-Pearsall tower had every issue the others did, only worse, plus some.
And, finally, the icing on the cake, The Kimen-Pearsall roof has been completed! We now have a brand-new clay tile roof, installed by Van De Hey Roofing from De Pere, who did a phenomenal job. The clay tiles were ordered from the same company, Ludowici, that provided the original tiles back in 1912.
This spring, we will install a new walkway in front of the tower using reclaimed pavers from the Lawsons. It will truly be a gem by this summer!
Kimen-Pearsall Tower Before
Kimen-Pearsall Tower After
PROSPECT TOWER
Prospect Tower is back to its original glory thanks to the help of our donors, vendors, volunteers and in-kind donors. The new roof was a monumental undertaking and has been completely rebuilt. A new door in the original style was built and painted along with the installation of newly painted windows. The entire structure received a state-of-the-art, high-pressure surface cleaning and the trees and vegetation surrounding the tower were trimmed and cleared. We are beyond grateful to all those who donated to Preserve Lawson Landmarks first project. We are appreciative of your trust in us to get the job done!
Prospect Tower Before
Prospect Tower After
GUILD TOWER
Preserve Lawson Landmarks is thrilled to announce our second tower project is now complete. Guild Tower is located at the highly visible location just inside the main gates of the Green Lake Conference Center on Lawson Drive and Stone House Road. Guild Tower’s roof was in need of repair to stop further damage to the rest of the structure. The original clay roof tiles were removed and the compromised wood in the roof structure was replaced or repaired. A water and ice shield was applied, and a copper drip edge was added. The original clay tiles were then returned, with some new tiles added to replace damaged tiles. The second floor had a crumbling cement bench with exposed rebar, which was removed, and all the concrete on the stairs was patched. Non-original glass-block windows were removed on the second floor bringing back the unobstructed views all around. Tree and brush removal and a low-power pressure wash rounded out the finishing touches. We encourage you to stop and visit the newly restored Guild Tower.
Guild Tower Before
Guild Tower After
builders TOWER
Builders Tower, located behind the prairie received a new asphalt roof, new window inserts, a new door, tree trimming, and concrete patching. This tower has received a soft-pressure wash and is fully restored.
Builders Tower Before
Builders Tower After
Heifer TOWER
Heifer Tower, located near Beebe Court, received a new asphalt roof, new window inserts, a new door, concrete patching and tree trimming. This tower has received a soft-pressure wash and is fully restored.
Builders Tower After
FUTURE PROJECTS
WATER TOWERS
There are six original water towers on the grounds, each built during the Lawson era, between 1911 and 1914. Each tower was initially filled with water from its own well, and the towers were used for watering nearby plants and gardens, as well as to suppress the dust from the unpaved roads. Judson Tower is perhaps the area’s most famous landmark. It was built in 1908 and stands 200 feet above the lake level. It was built for use as a 75,000-gallon water tank by the Lawsons. While all six towers need repair, Prospect Tower was identified by Preserve Lawson Landmarks as the priority and the first restoration project of that tower has been completed.
STONE WALLS AND BRIDGES
There are stone walls and bridges throughout the grounds. The stones are boulders created by glaciers in the area and the Lawsons paid area farmers 50 cents a load for their stones.
BOATHOUSE
The boathouse was built in 1910, based on a design Jessie Lawson saw in Switzerland. The original green roof tiles were imported from Italy.