Projects

The following are current renovation projects for the theater. Most of our repairs and physical improvements to date addressed weatherization, fire safety requirements and hazardous material removal to allow people to safely occupy the building. For more information about active projects and how you may help, please contact us at friends@algertheater.org

Rooftop Terrace

Through the generosity of Alger Friends, Lear Corporation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Patronicity program for Public Spaces, Community Places, we are strengthening the rooftop over the East Warren storefronts and creating an open-air terrace. As part of the project the original storefronts will be configured and new facade, windows and doors installed. Work started in February 2017 and is scheduled to be completed by summer. The current work is funded with $250,000 and a project gap of $30,000 is required for completion.

Tenant Readiness

The Alger Theater is participating in the Motor City Match program. We have matched with a tenant, Reilly Craft Creamery, who was awarded the Design award that provides architectural services to design the interior of the store. The Friends are raising funds to provide utilities to the space, install a new floor and walls prior to the tenant build-out. Our rooftop project contractor is working on drawings and a bid. Project costs to prepare the space are estimated at $75,000 - $100,000.

Auditorium Ceiling

The final life-safety improvement for our auditorium required by the city's Buildings Department is the auditorium plaster ceiling. Before we can be approved to host public events in our main space, we must address the ceiling issues caused by many years of water damage and the lack of heating. Several solutions have been investigated and priced, including a full restoration, partial replacement and secure netting. Costs for ceiling repairs would range from $265,000 to $35,000 depending on the which strategy is selected.

The Marquee

The theater marquee has been stabilized but remains open to the elements, provoking recurring issues with marquee lighting. The Friends have solicited quotations for re-wiring, re-lamping and weatherizing the marquee. This project is estimated at $9,000. Sales of marquee messages have been a consistent source of revenue for the theater since 1987 and have been a primary source for community outreach. Ideally and eventually, the Friends intend to restore the marquee to it's original 1935 design. Complete restoration may cost $500,000 or more.