Crews have begun staging materials at the Leland Township Public Library in preparation for replacing the failing seawall along the Leland River.
Team Elmer’s is scheduled to begin driving steel sheet pilings directly in front of the existing seawall during the second week of March. That phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Library Director Mark Morton reported that, “Working closely with our construction manager, Spence Brothers, and project engineer Jim Tiffany, Team Elmer’s will begin at the south end of the wall and proceed north and west, driving steel sheet piling to form the new seawall just forward of the existing wood wall. Timber pilings will then be installed inland of the wall to support the new boardwalk, which will be constructed shortly after the pile driving is complete.”
Morton acknowledged that the work will temporarily impact the Leland Cultural District.
“While this activity will certainly be disruptive and noisy — not ideal for a library environment — we are grateful that the project can be completed before the busy summer season.”
Pile driving will be closely monitored in real time by an independent survey firm to ensure that vibration levels remain within specified limits to protect surrounding structures. Morton noted that noise levels are expected to be similar to those experienced during construction of the new Bluebird seawall across the river. Soil borings have been completed to a depth of 50 feet to minimize the risk of unexpected conditions during construction.
A 2020 engineering study commissioned by Leland Township indicated the structure was at risk of failure in the near future. The Library assumed ownership of the property from Leland Township in October 2024 in order to move the project forward and proactively address the deteriorating seawall.
Following the property transfer and with support from the Township’s capital improvement fund, the Library Board launched a focused capital campaign to secure the remaining funds needed to begin construction.
“It was through the generosity of several key individuals and foundations that we were able to move forward with this project in what we truly believe is the nick of time,” Morton said. “Given the condition of the seawall and boardwalk, we did not feel we had the luxury of a prolonged public fundraising campaign. We also wanted to complete the work prior to the boating season, when so many residents and visitors use the boardwalk to access the Library, the Leelanau Historical Society Museum, and the Village of Leland.”
