Alger Theatre - Detroit MI

Address: 16451 E Warren Ave
City: Detroit
State: MI
Zip: 48224
County: Wayne
Open: 1935
Capacity: 825
Owner History: United Detroit Theatres
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 21749
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Source: Cinema Treasures

Opened in 1935, the Art Deco Alger Theater could seat 1,182 in its auditorium. It was originally built for the United Detroit circuit, but was not long afterwards acquired by the Wisper & Wetsman chain, and later by Suburban Detroit Theatres. The Alger had its interior modernized in the early 70s. Its exterior, complete with the tower with the theaters name on it, was left relatively untouched.

In 1977, the Alger stopped showing movies and switched to live shows, for which a new stage was built. However, by 1983, it was screening films once again. During a screening of "Friday the 13th Part 5" in 1985, a riot broke out in the auditorium and a fire was set, which caused heavy damage to much of the interior, forcing the Alger to close down.

In 1987, the theater was purchased by a group called The Friends of the Alger, and restoration was begun to return the theater to its 1930s appearance. While restoration work has been ongoing, the Alger has reopened for live stage presentations. Its marquee may also be rented out for personal and business messages.

Info Updates:
2/26/2015 - Barney Theisen
I am a member of the Friends of the Alger Theater. If anyone has pictures of the inside of the theater it would be appreciated if you could share them here. Also, if there are any additional photos of the exterior of the theater they would be appreciated as well. Thanks.
10/25/2010 - Dexter Harris
I remember the last time i went to the Alger Theater was in 1984 with some of my high school classmates. The movie that we all saw was The Terminator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and other action movies. The theater is located on the corner of East Warren and Outer Drive. The neighborhood it's self was very peaceful. I really do miss The Alger.
10/24/2006 - Scott Michaels
I was a projectionist at the Alger for a few years, during the Erv Steiner reign. Worked under my favorite boss, Judy Toft. I remember when Steiner first opened it after a lengthy closure, trying to make it in to a live venue. Saw the Tommy Dorsey band there, a few amateur theater productions. I remember the Alger also had a bomb threat back in the 60's when they showed Klute. Last time I snuck in, the projectors were long gone.
 Photos:19
Alger Theatre - From American Classic Images
From American Classic Images
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - From Chris Hurley
From Chris Hurley
Alger Theatre - Old Photo From Detroityes
Old Photo From Detroityes
Alger Theatre - Alger Marquee
Alger Marquee
Alger Theatre - Alger Marquee
Alger Marquee
Alger Theatre - Marquee From Street
Marquee From Street
Alger Theatre - Another Angle
Another Angle
Alger Theatre - From The Sidewalk
From The Sidewalk
Alger Theatre - Auditorium Now
Auditorium Now
Alger Theatre - Old Shot Of Marquee
Old Shot Of Marquee
Alger Theatre - Old Photo
Old Photo
Alger Theatre - Birds Eye View
Birds Eye View
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