Alger Theater Looks Back at an Exciting Year

Did you know that the Alger Theater opened to great excitement in 1935, a neighborhood theater on the east side of Detroit with first-rate Hollywood films? Over the years, the Alger added a performance stage for live local theater like Bye Bye Birdie and live music, including Dave Brubeck, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

But in 1981, the theater closed and was left vacant. It was left to decay until 1986 when the Friends of the Alger was formed, and the theater was purchased. Funds for repairs were scarce. With the discovery of an undisclosed tax bill coupled with a declining economy and business district, work on the theater progressed slowly.

Fast-forward 40 years. The Alger is making great progress, raising over $300,000!

The Friends of the Alger are more determined than ever. Our east side community has forged new partnerships with the city of Detroit, foundations, corporations, neighborhood organizations, and local businesses, leading to remarkable successes. We are all excited about the economic opportunities the new streetscape is offering to the Morningside, East English Village, and Cornerstone Village communities.

As President of Alger’s Board of Directors, I am excited to report some of the results of our recent efforts, which have culminated this past year. We sincerely thank all who have supported us and patiently watched our progress. We know many repairs and improvements are not visible from the street, but progress is aggressive and continuous. From adding improvements to our rooftop deck to collaborating with neighborhood organizations to provide needed resources to our neighbors, the Alger is proud of where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

In addition to our neighbors and members, we’d like to acknowledge some of our recent major supporters:

Hudson Webber Foundation
Lear Corporation
Rocket Community Fund
DTE Energy
Helen Laidlaw Foundation

As a result of these generous contributions, we are happy to report the following major recent improvements and collaborations:

• Installed a new ADA-compliant elevator to our rooftop patio

• For the first time in 30 years, a new water line was brought into the building.

• Commissioned and installed artist Desiree Kelley’s mural of Ava Duverney on rooftop

• Currently in the process of installing new ADA-compliant restroom, heat, and concrete floors in retail space

We are also happy that these donations paid for the necessary straightening of the iron frame on the building for our community marquee. We anticipate applying a fresh coat of our signature red paint this spring. Our marquee board seems to be a community landmark, and we’re happy to take your messages on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have a message to display, please go to our website or call (313) 343-9087.

The Alger is about the Community

In addition to our efforts to maintain and repair the theater, the Alger is happy to continue working towards providing a community space for local events and programs. We have partnered with Rocket Community Fund to canvas 5,500 east side homes in 2023 to hear residents' needs and to alert neighbors to available services. Last year, we opened our doors to assist neighbors in completing their 2023 HOPE applications, providing much-needed property tax assistance. We held community meetings to introduce local entrepreneurs who proposed their business ideas for the retail spaces along East Warren. Along with other community organizations, we partnered with the City of Detroit to host meetings to determine the design for the new E. Warren Avenue streetscape. And here’s something we are really proud of – we opened our doors and helped incubate Next Chapter Books, which has now moved into its own space a block away at Kensington and E. Warren.

We are excited about the changes both inside and out of the Alger and about the changes along East Warren. Please sign up for upcoming meetings and for volunteer opportunities. Become a member of the Friends of the Alger. And if you can, DONATE and help us continue our progress. We hope to see you at the Alger soon and wish you and your loved ones a prosperous, healthy, and joyous New Year!