Business Details
40 Years
experience
Preserving Detroit's Historic Alger Theater & Community Hub
Founded in 1986, Alger Theater is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to preserving Detroit's historic Alger Theater as a vital community resource. Our mission combines cultural preservation with neighborhood empowerment, focusing on two core objectives: restoring the 1935-built theater as a functional entertainment venue and supporting local residents through critical programs like the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) assistance. Over nearly four decades, we've cultivated partnerships with the City of Detroit, foundations, and local businesses to implement transformative projects including ADA-compliant infrastructure upgrades, roof restoration, and community-driven streetscape improvements.Our team has directly assisted over 5,500 east side homeowners with tax exemption applications while fostering economic development through initiatives like the Next Chapter Books retail incubation program. With major renovations underway and a renewed focus on community engagement, we continue advancing our vision of a revitalized cultural hub that strengthens Detroit's east side neighborhoods.
Services
Theater Preservation
HOPE Program Assistance
Community Events
Marquee Rentals
Neighborhood Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have 38 years of experience preserving Detroit's cultural landmarks
- Our team partners with major Detroit foundations and city organizations
- We've directly assisted 5,500+ homeowners with tax exemption applications
- Our community-first approach has incubated local businesses like Next Chapter Books
- We implement major infrastructure upgrades meeting ADA compliance standards
Services
Theater Preservation
Alger Theater specializes in preserving Detroit's 1935-built Alger Theater through structural repairs and modernization projects. Our work includes roof restoration, ADA-compliant upgrades, and marquee preservation that maintains historical integrity while ensuring safety and accessibility. This service supports cultural heritage conservation and neighborhood revitalization efforts across Detroit's east side communities.
HOPE Program Assistance
We provide critical support for Detroit homeowners seeking property tax relief through the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program. Our team assists with application preparation, document collection, and submission processes for residents meeting income guidelines. With ten years of program experience, we've helped thousands of homeowners reduce tax burdens while connecting them with additional community resources.
Community Events
The Alger Theater serves as a community event space hosting local performances, film screenings, and neighborhood gatherings. Our programming supports emerging artists and organizations while fostering community engagement through partnerships with east side cultural institutions. The theater's rooftop patio and retail space provide additional venues for public interaction and economic development.
Marquee Rentals
Our iconic theater marquee offers businesses and individuals prominent visibility at the East Warren and East Outer Drive intersection. Available for weekly rentals, the marquee accommodates personalized messages with pricing structures for both commercial and nonprofit entities. This service generates maintenance funds while promoting local enterprises and community announcements.
Neighborhood Partnerships
We cultivate strategic partnerships with city agencies, foundations, and local businesses to advance neighborhood revitalization. Current collaborations include streetscape design initiatives, retail incubation programs, and community outreach campaigns. These partnerships strengthen local economic ecosystems while supporting coordinated development efforts across Detroit's east side neighborhoods.
People
Jackie Grant
President
Jackie Grant leads the board of directors in advancing the Alger Theater's preservation mission. With extensive local leadership experience, she oversees strategic planning and community engagement initiatives while coordinating partnerships with Detroit cultural institutions and neighborhood organizations.
Clinton Griffin
Secretary
Clinton Griffin serves as board secretary, managing organizational records and governance matters. His background in community development supports the theater's neighborhood revitalization efforts while ensuring proper administrative oversight of preservation projects and financial reporting.
Sonya Gray
Board Member
Sonya Gray contributes to fundraising initiatives and community programming decisions. As a dedicated board member, she focuses on expanding the theater's role as a cultural resource while supporting outreach efforts to engage local residents in preservation activities.
Marc Tirikian
Board Member
Marc Tirikian supports the theater's infrastructure improvement projects and financial planning. His board involvement emphasizes sustainable development practices and strategic partnerships that align with the organization's long-term preservation goals for Detroit's historic landmark.
Questions
What is Friends of the Alger Theater's primary mission?
We preserve Detroit's historic 1935 Alger Theater while supporting east side neighborhoods through cultural programming and homeowner assistance programs like HOPE tax exemption help.
What community events does the Alger Theater host?
We host film screenings, live performances, neighborhood meetings, and cultural events in our restored theater space and rooftop patio area. Programming focuses on local artists and community organizations.
Can businesses rent the Alger Theater marquee?
Yes, businesses can rent our prominent marquee for $75 minimum plus $3 per letter. Personal/Non-Profit messages start at $50 minimum with $2 per letter pricing.
What recent improvements have been made to the theater?
Recent upgrades include ADA-compliant elevator installation, new roof over the auditorium, restroom renovations, and artist mural commissions on the rooftop space.
How does the organization fund its preservation efforts?
We receive funding through donations, marquee rentals, and partnerships with foundations like Hudson Webber and Rocket Community Fund, plus corporate sponsors including DTE Energy.
Reviews (2)
William Rushlow
May 24, 2021
Report
Drove over to Detroit's East Side to go and check out the 86 year old Art Moderne Alger Theater on Memorial Day.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this gem.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this gem.
Calvin Black
Jun 01, 2017
Report
Attended great events and receptions. A historic site that is a work in process. Improving all the time.
