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The waterfront platform that runs along the north side of the Lakeshore Center in downtown Houghton collapsed just after 5:00 Wednesday evening. It is currently blocked off from pedestrian traffic and much of the concrete is now submerged having fallen down the bank of the Portage Canal.
The water line is nearly to the foundation of the building and emergency protocols have been put into place. Crews have already examined the site and are developing a plan for repairs. Any staff who work at the Lakeshore Center are being asked to do so remotely for at least the next two weeks.
Michigan Tech owns the property and will be responsible for repairs. In a statement put out by the university, it says the dock was being actively monitored and walkers had been kept off the structure for the past two weeks due to concerns about its stability.
Tech says it believes Lakeshore Center is in no danger, but precautions are being taken.
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Late in the afternoon on August 25, a portion of a concrete dock next to the Lakeshore Center fell into the Portage Waterway. The Lakeshore Center is a Michigan Tech building that houses some administrative functions—it is located away from the main campus. The dock had been under surveillance due to cracking and shifting, and foot traffic on the dock was restricted two weeks ago while its condition was under assessment. Michigan Tech Public Safety and Police Services, as well as UP Engineers and Architects, were on the scene immediately after the dock portion fell.
Initial reports indicate the Lakeshore Center was not damaged and is not at risk. Out of an abundance of caution, access to the building is currently restricted, with only those who are helping assess and repair the damage allowed on-site. Employees have been asked to work remotely for approximately 10-14 days until repairs are complete.
