Kishman Fish Company Buildings

Three barn-like warehouse buildings on the east side of Main Street in Vermilion, between Liberty Avenue and Huron Street, make up part of the Kishman Fish Company complex. Dating from the 1880s, they are one story tall, with heavy timber construction, a stone foundation, wood siding in clapboard and vertical board-and-batten, and gable roofs of seamed metal. The design is plain, with massive wood beams, interior columns and small, simple window openings. Vermilion has long been connected with maritime activity, including the fishing industry, and these buildings are described as the last visible reminders of that past. They sit along the river on broad lawns with riverfront piers and large shade trees, a setting that suggests strong potential for re-use. Plans have been drawn up in the past to use the land for condominiums. The buildings are still used as warehouses and are reported to be in good condition inside and out.