The Alger Theater’s Latest Momentous Achievement – A New Roof!

The new roof is fully installed at the Alger Theater. Image courtesy of Jim West

The question: How do you eat an elephant?
The answer: One bite at a time.

The massive undertaking of repairing, restoring, reopening and reprogramming the Alger Theater has been a feat that many would find difficult to wrap their heads around.The Friends of The Alger is a non-profit organization which has taken on the task of restoring this gem with the purpose of servicing our neighboring communities and their community focused programs.

Under normal circumstances non-profits are able to raise funds through large organizations only after viable programs have been established. Since the building was left vacant and fell to ill repair, the past and present boards have been tasked with first restoring this building to a condition where we can provide space for such community programs, especially those that are art and youth focused. Once we’re able to invite these programs under our roof we’re able to open the doors to further and more sustainable funding.

Speaking of roof, we can proudly state that the Alger Theater has a new roof, with no more holes! In addition to: bringing water into the building for the first time in over 30 years; completing out building of the attached retail spaces along East Warren; completing a rooftop terrace; installing ADA compliant restroom facilities; installing an ADA compliant elevator; we have a new roof and parapet over the entire structure. This means we can actually start on completing the theater itself!

Now that the HOPE Property Tax Exemption Program has been completed and moved out of the Alger’s retail spaces, we’ve begun preparing for a Holiday Wonderland at the Alger. Spoiler alert: It’s going to feature lots of those adorable Santa Bears you may remember from the days when Hudson’s Department Store was still open.

If you’d like to help create this fun holiday event, or if you’re looking for other ways to help shape the Alger Theater’s future, please contact board President, Jackie Grant, as 313-720-3904.