DETROIT, Feb. 8, 2017 — Friends of the Alger Theater are about to take their mission to create a welcoming destination for arts and culture in the City of Detroit to another level. The organization announced today that it has commenced construction of a new Rooftop Terrace that will debut this year.
Construction on the Alger Rooftop Terrace is expected to last through spring of 2017. The new open-air, elevated patio will serve as a public gathering space for outdoor films, performances, party rentals, meetings and a place to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. The Alger Rooftop Terrace is scheduled for public debut in mid-June.
The new project marks the next phase of the non-profit group Friends of the Alger Theater’s mission to activate and restore the theater and establish a welcoming destination all members of the community. Volunteers and loyal donors have paved the pathway over the past 30 years in order to make this project to be possible.
This phase of The Alger Theater reactivation is made possible through a number of funders and agencies. Fundraising kicked off a 2015 Patronicity campaign through a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Funds raised from individuals were matched by the MEDC. The Lear Corporation provided the balance of dollars required for design and permitting this first phase construction. To date $200,000 has been raised for the rooftop terrace and related construction.
The project includes the face of the East Warren storefronts which will be available for rent. Additional funds are needed to prepare the storefronts for commercial tenants. Specifically funds are needed for the installation of electric, plumbing, heating and the build-out of the interior spaces. Tax-deductible donations can be made at www.algertheater.org.
The construction project is overseen by D&S Contractors of Berkley. The theater has national, state and local historic designation requiring the appearance of the exterior of the building is to remain in character with the original 1935 design. The Friends have used historic photos as a reference for selection of new materials since none of the original architectural plans are known to exist. Any remaining fixtures or architectural details that may be original to the building will be archived to provide visual reference for the future.
The mission of The Friends of The Alger Theater is to activate and restore the Alger Theater and establish a welcoming destination for arts, entertainment, and education in the community. The revitalized Alger Theater is intended to become the neighborhood catalyst driving new commercial, social, and cultural development to advance a vibrant community. More information is available at www.algertheater.org.