Featured Projects
Historic Granot Loma Log Building Restoration – Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Year Built: 1926
Year Repaired: 1994 & 1987
Repair(s) Completed: Log Repair / Replacement, Sand Blasting, Staining
This early log cabin restoration effort was featured in Log Home Guild for Builders and Buyers in 1987, in the article “Granot Loma, Michigan’s Log Masterpiece”, showcasing the importance of the property and the craftsmanship behind its preservation. The successful project helped cement our reputation as trusted experts in log cabin repair and restoration—work we proudly continue to this day.
1987 Granot Loma Log Cabin Repair
In 1987, American Log Restoration completed a landmark log home repair and restoration project on the iconic Granot Loma estate in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Superior, Granot Loma is one of the largest handcrafted log structures in the world—designed with unmatched detail and built to stand out as a true American masterpiece.
Our work focused on repairing damage caused by decades of extreme weather exposure, including heavy snow, driving rain, and lake-effect moisture. We performed log replacement on several sides of the building using both half log and full log techniques, helping to restore and preserve the structure’s integrity while staying true to its historic craftsmanship.
Granot Loma is rich in history and design. Built as close to the lake as possible, its basement and chimneys are constructed entirely of native stone. Each room was designed with its own character, using horizontal or vertical logs, varying log diameters, and diverse ceiling treatments. The home is decorated with American Indian motifs, reflecting a deep appreciation for Native American art and materials. Over the years, it has welcomed guests such as Fred Astaire, Lionel Barrymore, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter.
The 1994 Log Home Restoration
In 1994, American Log Restoration was once again called upon to help preserve Granot Loma, one of the most iconic and historic log structures in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Often recognized as one of the largest handcrafted log structures in the world, Granot Loma sits directly on the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, where punishing winds, blowing rain, snow, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles constantly challenge the integrity of the building’s massive logs.
This was not our first time working on Granot Loma. In fact, our team originally performed restoration work on the property in 1987, which was featured in the Log Home Guild for Builders and Buyers in the article titled “Granot Loma, Michigan’s Log Masterpiece”. That early restoration helped stabilize key structural elements and paved the way for continued preservation efforts.
The Challenges of Restoring Granot Loma in 1994
By the time we returned in 1994, further deterioration had occurred due to the ongoing exposure to Lake Superior’s intense weather patterns. The combination of lake-effect snow, persistent moisture, and aging materials had led to extensive rot and water damage on multiple sides of the building.
Our continued work on the property was recognized in Architectural Digest – The International Magazine of Interior Design and Architecture in May 1995. The feature article, titled “Granot Loma in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – A Classic American Retreat on the Shores of Lake Superior,” showcased the scale, beauty, and historical value of the building—and the craftsmanship behind its restoration.
Our Restoration Approach
Our skilled team carried out extensive log replacement using a combination of:
Half log replacement to preserve interior structural integrity while replacing compromised exterior surfaces.
Full log replacement in areas where logs had deteriorated beyond repair.
Complete log home restoration techniques including hand-scribing, joinery repair, and applying new caulking and sealants for weather protection.
Because of the building’s historic and architectural significance, every replacement log was hand-selected and custom-fitted to match the original craftsmanship. Maintaining the seamless appearance of the logwork while ensuring modern durability was a key objective—and one that demanded high-level precision and experience.
American Log Restoration – 30+ Years of Trusted Craftsmanship
Our restoration work on Granot Loma over multiple decades stands as a testament to the skill, reliability, and deep industry knowledge that defines American Log Restoration. From landmark properties like Granot Loma to everyday cabins across Michigan and the Midwest, we continue to provide expert log home repair and restoration services that honor traditional craftsmanship while applying the highest modern standards.