One of MorningSide’s jewels is the Alger Theater, a 1935 art deco movie house that sits at the corner of East Warren Avenue and East Outer Drive.

Since 1986, the Friends of the Alger Theater, a non-profit, community-based organization, has been raising money to save, restore and breathe new life into this facility. The building received historic district designation in 2008.

In late summer, the Friends group began focus groups in the community to explore possible uses for the 12,000-square-foot, 800-seat theater, including a performing arts community center.

In September, the group held an open house for the theater. It drew residents from MorningSide, East English Village, Cornerstone Village and beyond. The event featured live music, refreshments and a bit of history about the theater.

Participants also got to take a look at the theater in its current state and hear about the Friends group’s future goals for the building.

The group estimates that it needs about $1.5 million to restore the building.

The Alger Theater is at 16451 E. Warren Ave.

For information about the theater, visit Alger Theater. The group can also be reached at friends@algertheater.com.

Words and photos: Candice Williams, MorningSide board