By Jim Bloch
Bulldozers and excavators reduced the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron to rubble last week.
The facility, a gathering spot for river watchers and freighter nerds, had been closed to the public since 2023. Tables and chairs dotted the interior of center and permanent picnic tables provided open-air seating. Educational video installations and a compact maritime museum helped visitors understand the dynamics of the St. Clair River. At the peak of its popularity, the center featured a food outlet serving coffee, pastries and sandwiches, operated by various downtown eateries at various times, including Kate’s and Chef Shell’s.
The center perched on the shore of the St. Clair River just south of the mouth of the Black River.
“The Great Lakes Maritime Center was closed in 2023 because of low attendance and a decision by the owner to shift gears,” said the Port Huron Museum in a Facebook post.
“The center was privately operated by Acheson Ventures for nearly 20 years, but the property had been listed for sale for several years.”
The museum has taken over the maritime artifacts on display at the center, including a nautical knot display and many items retrieved from the bottom of the St. Clair River by scuba divers.
“A great addition to our maritime collection,” said Kayla Wendt, curator of collections and exhibits, on Facebook.
“Lots of things are being made room for,” said Andrew Kercher, the museum’s community engagement lead, in the post.
Hundreds of residents complained on Facebook about the marine center being razed. “This is progress?? What a shame!!” “Unbelievable!! Very sad!!” Several people blamed the city. “At one time, Acheson Ventures turned the property over to the city as long as the city made improvements… But the city did nothing. So Acheson took it back…”
So many people blamed the Port Huron that the city issued its own statement on Facebook: “Like our community, we are sad to see the Great Lakes Maritime Center being razed to allow for future development. We understand Acheson Venture’s decision and thank them for the great memories that the facility has served to our community for many years. The city of Port Huron would like to clarify that this facility sits on and is private property and the city has no role in its current or future use.”
Dozens of more people had development suggestions for the property, including a casino, minor league ballpark, a marina, a Ferris wheel, a state-of-the-art bowling alley/hotel able to host national tournaments, a high-end restaurant, small amusement park or a Dollar Store.
Condominiums seemed to be everyone’s least favorite option. One person said: “Condo time for the rich coming.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
