Friends of Alger Theater chugs along with restoration plans

The Alger Theater is an art deco gem that is considered to be the anchor of the E. Warren business district. The goal of the Friends of the Alger Theater is for the facility to be fully restored in order to host film, theater and concert events, as well as community arts and education programs, youth development programs and neighborhood association activities.

So far, the organization's Board of Directors has achieved historic designation for the theater, cleaned and reinforced the marquee's steel structure and reinforced and weather-proofed the roof.

The group was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from New Detroit Inc. for organizational capacity building and plans to embark on a capital fund campaign in early 2010. They are also applying for various grants through foundation sources such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Art Van Foundation that, if awarded, will finance such pre-development costs, such as architectural/engineering services, environmental analysis and abatement services and legal consulting fees.

The theater will be open for viewing at the Friends' membership appreciation event set for Sept. 27. Keep up to date at their website.

Source: Marc Tirikian, FOTAT
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

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