Alabaster, MI Gypsum Loading Dock Demolition 6/28/2020

This video shows the progress of demolition of the offshore gypsum loading dock near Alabaster, Michigan on June 28, 2020.
August 5, 2020 update: Everything on the main rectangular foundation has been cleared away and the foundation remains. All the round piers are still in place.

[@nightengale7163]

Such a rich history .... sad to see it go. Thank you for the footage! 🙂👍

[@merlinmonson2133]

They just cant leave anything alone.

[@HelicopterDr]

They are taking it down because the foundation and the building are from the 1920's and the weather and elements were taking its toll on the structure and foundation.

[@mizdrmcdoogles3858]

@@HelicopterDr wouldnt have hurt anyone to have it fall apart a mile offshore

[@FJB8885]

When I was a kid in the 60s my parents used take our family to Alabaster, Michigan, not too far from that gypsum mine. The sand was different than any other parts of Michigan. If you ran your hand across the sand it squeaked. It squeak when you walked on it. Something about the sand was really unique.

[@oldbamadirt2148]

i have not seen that place in 50 yr.

[@haroldwoods861]

too bad it had to be torn down,

[@davebrock6618]

any idea of the depth of water in that area?

[@michigandon]

Went in there a couple times on the Calcite II and the Myron C Taylor.

[@alanmast9025]

Alan Mast
I lived two miles north on Lake Huron shore and attended school at Alabaster, fifth thru eighth grade, 1948 thru 1951.
In 1951, my older brother, ran the bucket tram for about a year. Loading the building with gypsum.
Family and I fished perch off building deck in area of video shown at 2:42 -2:45 min. (between the now tree area).
Buckets would drop off the line and were recovered by diver. Recovery boat was stored at wooden dock and boat house on shore.
All the Alabaster kids dove and swam from this dock.
One day when swimming, an F-86 Sabrejet flew under the bucket line then about 35 feet directly over our heads, with after burner on. Looking up, hearts 500 beats per min, to see blue flames 100- 200 feet out of the blow torch over head. A THRILL NEVER TO FORGET!

[@wkinne1]

Is the concrete base still there? If so, who owns it? Is it for sale?

[@rodneybrocke]

The foundation was still there as of late 2020. I don't know if it's for sale, who owns it or what the plans are for it.

[@wkinne1]

@@rodneybrocke I would love to purchase it and build a restaurant or home on it, maybe both. I emailed the township and asked, hoping for a reply.
Thanks

[@rodneybrocke]

I like your thinking, Wayne. Lake view on all sides!

[@wkinne1]

@@rodneybrocke Ya, it really could be a beautiful location. Had the gypsum company not abandoned it I'm sure they would sell it, but now the DNR or some other State agency prolly owns it and that might make it unattainable.

[@fredted1611]

@@wkinne1
LoL I bet you'd love to be there when a storm curbs up that lake.

[@scottrmclaughlin3495]

Did you catch the name of the demolition company..?

[@HelicopterDr]

Ryba Marine Construction out of Cheboygan

[@davebrock6618]

excavators are labeled 'Pitsch' out of Grand Rapids Mi

[@robertpapps3618]

Perhaps a few less roosting places for cormorants.

[@maxkmodels9652]

MY

[@maxkmodels9652]

AT

[@maxkmodels9652]

QSALA

[@AYY116]

I'm surprised peta isn't crying 😢 about the unhoused sea gulls & pigeons. They must have been payed homage to..