Columns Replaced on Colonial House Inn

Top: The four front porch columns on the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace are being replaced by Marshall Builders, owing to wood rot. The inn, built in the mid- 1800s, is expected to be open by March, said owner Chris Green. She is also redecorating the inn's former gift shop, on the north side of the building, as a gathering room for groups. Ms. Green said the room should be ready by summer. The threestory building includes seven Victorian rooms. A 10-room motel is connected on the south side. At left: Rick Marshall of Marshall Builders sets a chalkline on one of the four large wood posts that support the upper porch of the Colonial House Inn. The posts will be covered with a manufactured shell to keep the original look of the wood columns they replace.