Historic House Fund
To restore and repair the historic Alger family home
Help revive the 1910 Alger House
For the past 75 years, the striking 1910 Alger House, originally named The Moorings, has stood as the cherished abode of The War Memorial. Crafted by the skilled architect Charles A. Platt for Marion and Russell Alger, Jr., this architectural gem is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1949, the esteemed Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association has been honored to call this Italian villa and its expansive grounds its home.
With the recent expansion of our programmatic spaces in the Fred M. Alger Center, we are better equipped than ever to commit the requisite time and resources to safeguard the longevity of our cherished historic buildings and grounds. Embarking on a new chapter, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Historic House Fund, dedicated to the meticulous restoration and enhancement of the Alger House.
Led by Anthony Kartsonas, owner of Historic Surfaces LLC, we have assessed the building and conditions of the rooms in the Alger House, which will help to develop a plan for the long-term care and preservation of these beatific interiors. Our inaugural Phase 1 of this multifaceted project began with assessment and consultation in late 2023. In 2024 we will concentrate on water mitigation measures for the exterior, as well as, the restoration of plaster, woodwork, and French doors within the house's interior. This crucial endeavor is set to breathe new life into this historic dwelling, ensuring its endurance for the next century.
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us in this exciting venture. By supporting The War Memorial, you contribute to our mission of being a steadfast patriotic, cultural, and community leader for the generations yet to come. Together, let us preserve the legacy and grandeur of The Moorings for another hundred years.
Areas of Focus
Library Water Damage
The library of the Alger House has significant water damage on the former exterior wall. This requires extensive repairs to the antique crown molding at near the ceiling and granite molding near the floor.
Wall Renovations
Much of the interior walls on both the first and second floor of the home were covered in monks cloth, which has also been painted over many times throughout the years. This will be removed and the walls restored.
The Reception Room requires restoration work to the ceiling, walls, and both the interior and exterior double doors. There are many splits, cracks, and broken portions on each set of doors.
The back of the house facing the lake requires concrete repair on the terrace connecting to the reception room above the terrace and to the stairs leading to the back lawn greens. These terrace doors also require repairs from damage due to age, usage, and weather.
Back of House
Reception Room
About Historic Surfaces LLC
Historic Surfaces LLC was founded by husband and wife team Anthony and Mata Kartsonas who have over 50 years combined experience in the field of preservation and conservation.
They provide consulting and services to preserve and restore historic finishes. This includes a variety of different services from preliminary investigations all the way to implementation of conservation treatments and restoration. Some of the consulting services include period interior consulting, paint and finish analysis, restoration and conservation feasibility studies, and other consulting. Historic Surfaces LLC also self performs conservation and restoration work on painted finishes, murals, wood finishes, plaster, scagliola and other architectural finishes.
Historic Surfaces self performs conservation and restoration work on painted finishes, murals, wood finishes, plaster, scagliola and other architectural finishes. They have completed similar projects, like the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Michigan, Hegeler Carus House in Illinois, the Brucemore Estate in Iowa, and the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
Portions of the the historic consultation, restoration, and repair projects have been funded by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.