LEXINGTON, MI — A long-planned redevelopment of Lexington’s waterfront is moving forward this year as state-funded work begins at Tierney Park and major maintenance projects line up at the village’s harbor, setting the stage for intermittent closures through 2026 and 2027.
The effort builds on years of planning and public discussion around aging infrastructure at the harbor, marina and breakwall — facilities local leaders have said are well past their intended lifespan.
The work is being carried out in phases by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, alongside village-led improvements at Tierney Park.
“The park, harbor, and breakwall are well overdue for repairs and upgrades. We got the funding now and wish to get it done,” said Max Garbarino, Lexington village manager.
The current round of work is supported by an $8 million state grant secured through a legislative earmark. Garbarino said additional funding will likely be needed to complete related projects tied to the broader waterfront redevelopment.
Harbor construction will affect access in phases through 2027, with some periods requiring a full marina closure.
What work is being planned?
Planned work includes dredging, breakwall repairs and replacement of in-water marina structures, with seasonal impacts to slips and boating access.
The entire marina will be closed from Sept. 8, 2026, through May 28, 2027, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
While harbor operations are managed by the state, village officials say park improvements are moving forward on a separate timeline.
Construction at Tierney Park includes new restroom facilities, an amphitheater and infrastructure upgrades, with the park expected to reopen in time for the summer season.
As part of the park improvements, the Village of Lexington opened bidding Monday, Feb. 2, for operation of the new Tierney Park concession stand.
Proposals are due by 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, with the selected vendor expected to be ready to begin operations when the park opens later this year.
Local impact
However, local business owner Richard Laframboise, who owns the Windjammer, said the extended timeline is already having an effect. He said the restaurant has been reviewing costs across its operations to offset the impacts of prolonged construction.
He said the project was originally presented as a one-year effort but has since expanded into a three-year timeline involving local, state and federal agencies, along with private partners.
“Three years of construction is going to impact any business considerably,” Laframboise said.
Laframboise added that tourism-driven communities like Lexington are especially vulnerable to prolonged construction during peak seasons, which are critical to sustaining local businesses.
Despite the challenges, village officials say the long-term benefits remain the focus.
“We are very excited to see this project come to reality. It’s going to be transformational for the park, marina and community. The whole community is excited,” Garbarino said.
The waterfront redevelopment traces back more than a decade, with village leaders repeatedly pressing the state to address breakwater design issues and deteriorating marina facilities.
In December 2023, a final consensus plan shaped by public input outlined expanded boardwalk access, gathering spaces and long-term improvements intended to support tourism and recreation along Lake Huron.
State and local officials have previously described the investment as transformative for the village, citing both infrastructure needs and the harbor’s role in the local economy.
Updated information is available on the village’s website. Bidding details can be found here.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Lexington waterfront redevelopment advances into 2026
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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