State gives $100K grant for Alpha gym restoration
The Alpha Porter Gym has been awarded a $100,000 state grant to boost its efforts to preserve the century-old building as a community center. The funds will go toward repairing the damaged exterior masonry and make it weathertight to prevent further deterioration. The new roof and exterior trim work on the gym have been completed. (Contributed photo)
The original Alpha Porter Gym floor was removed last year after being severely warped by extensive water damage. (Contributed photo)
A draft rendition of what the renovated Alpha Porter Gym might look like when finished. (Contributed photo)
The wall mural at the Alpha Porter Gym that Linda Stoor recently completed. The piece restores a mural originally painted by Ellie Elczuk in the 1960s that had been painted over in more recent years. (Contributed photo)
The Alpha Porter Gym has been awarded a $100,000 state grant to boost its efforts to preserve the century-old building as a community center. The funds will go toward repairing the damaged exterior masonry and make it weathertight to prevent further deterioration. The new roof and exterior trim work on the gym have been completed. (Contributed photo)
The original Alpha Porter Gym floor was removed last year after being severely warped by extensive water damage. (Contributed photo)
A draft rendition of what the renovated Alpha Porter Gym might look like when finished. (Contributed photo)
The wall mural at the Alpha Porter Gym that Linda Stoor recently completed. The piece restores a mural originally painted by Ellie Elczuk in the 1960s that had been painted over in more recent years. (Contributed photo)
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ALPHA -- The Alpha Porter Gym has received a $100,000 grant to help preserve one of the village's historic landmarks and restore it as a community center.
The grant was awarded through the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office's Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program, which distributed about $673,000 to eight rural Michigan communities. The program is supported by one-time funding from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
"Through the SHPO's Statewide Preservation Plan engagement process, we consistently heard from rural communities about their need for financial support to preserve historic downtowns and community corridors," Michigan's State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan M. Schumaker said. "With funding from the National Park Service, the Rural Heritage Partnership Program is now supporting preservation efforts in eight communities and helping to use those projects as catalysts for economic development and community pride. We're excited to offer this funding opportunity to rural communities across Michigan."
The non-profit will use funds to support reconstruction and repair of damaged exterior masonry to make the gym weathertight and prevent further deterioration.
"The Alpha Porter Gym is honored to receive this grant from SHPO, which will allow us to repair the brick on the historic gym," project manager Lydia Novitsky said. "Without this financial support, the project could not move forward with the integrity needed to prepare for a future of continued community use."
Joe and Anne Novitsky took ownership of the Porter School complex in 2024 and formed The New Porter LLC to restore the aging property and preserve its historic character. The couple, who operate JSN Architecture in Berkley, hopes to once again create a gathering place for residents of Alpha and surrounding Iron County communities.
Built in 1914 at the top of the hill on County Road 424, the Porter School was planned around the Alpha Mine. The gymnasium was added later and served the community for years. The gym, estimated at 1,800 to 2,200 square feet, includes a kitchen and locker rooms. The complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"The grant is only part of this revitalization," Anne Novitsky said. "The most important part has been, and will continue to be, community participation."
"With this grant, the Alpha Porter Gym will stand proudly, with doors open, serving Alpha and Iron County once again. Many thanks to the MEDC and SHPO for selecting our community project, and helping us through the process along the way," Lydia Novitsky added.
Anne Novitsky explained the Alpha Historic District's designation in 1984 has allowed the non-profit to pursue federal and state funding, including the $100,00 grant for the gym's masonry repairs.
"We are obligated to fulfill the grant's requirements, including funding much of it ourselves, and following National Park Service guidelines for historic preservation," she said. "It's a rare thing to be given this opportunity."
Several improvements have already been completed.
Roofs on both the school and gym were replaced, addressing one of the project's biggest challenges.
Electricity has been restored to the gym, a water-damaged ceiling has been repaired, and plumbing work is underway.
Interior painting and repairs to deteriorated windows are also progressing, while seats that can be salvaged have been set aside for reuse, noted Anne Novitsky.
Students from Forest Park High School have helped clean out both buildings, removing debris over the course of numerous dumpster loads.
Despite the progress, additional work and funding are needed before the gym can reopen.
She said initially they had hoped for this year, but mysterious plumbing issues and the need to install a heating system have made that timeline less likely.
"We've applied for the gas hookup for our furnaces, but we have yet to procure funding for the furnaces," Anne Novitsky said.
Water damage also required the removal of the original gym floor last year. The remaining surface is unsuitable for sports or dancing, and new flooring cannot be installed until the water and heating issues are resolved.
"All things in the right order will make the project a success," Ann Novitsky said.
The project also incorporates efforts to preserve the complex's cultural history. A recently completed mural by Linda Stoor restored a mural originally painted by Ellie Elczuk in the 1960s that had been painted over in more recent years.
Novitsky said the long-term goal is to preserve Alpha's history while supporting its future.
"When you drive up the hill to Alpha, you will see a school standing proudly as testament to the history of the U.P., and the resiliency of the people still there making a future," she said.
Updates on the project and more information are available on the New Porter LLC Facebook page.
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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.