Help Support West Duluth's Theater Revival

Duluth’s theatrical history is steeped in rich traditions, with iconic venues like The West Theatre and The Alhambra Theatre standing as cultural beacons in the community. These historic landmarks not only drew audiences from across the region but also became deeply woven into the social fabric of Duluth.

  Built in 1937, The West Theatre was a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. It became a popular gathering spot for movie lovers and community members alike. With the changing tides of the entertainment industry and urban development, however, the theater was forced to close its doors in 1976. After decades of dormancy, The West Theater was triumphantly revived in 2019, bringing back its historical charm while serving a new generation of arts and culture enthusiasts.

The Alhambra. Circa 1913

  Similarly, The Alhambra Theater—famed for its lavish design and opulent interior—was a space where vaudeville acts and films transported audiences into worlds of imagination and creativity. While it, too, faced challenges from modern entertainment trends--shuttering with the advents of "talkies"-- the efforts to restore this gem are nearly complete.

  These restorations are more than just architectural projects. They represent the preservation of Duluth’s artistic legacy and the rekindling of community spirit. With The West Theater restored and The Alhambra’s renovation nearing completion, these venues will once again offer spaces where art, performance, and culture thrive.

  By supporting the revival of these theaters, future generations can experience the magic of live performances and cinematic history, keeping Duluth’s cultural heart beating strong.

Help Support West Duluth’s Theatre Revival

The West Theatre is a unique establishment offering movies and entertainment for the community. The Alhambra offers a unique theatre experience as well as entertainment in a beautifully restored venue.

The Alhambra restoration is nearly complete. Located in the heart of West Duluth at 321 N. Central Ave., the theater is on the cusp of reopening, thanks to the dedication and vision of its current owner Bob Boone, and a host of volunteers. To complete the project Boone is offering the following incentives for contributors:

Visionary - Save A Seat $2500/year (or $220 per month)
•  Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Four pairs of movie passes.
* Four certificates, each good for a pair of drinks.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet opportunities
* Film party for you and twenty of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $350)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
* Personal Marquee Message
* Annual Unlimited Film Pass For Two
• Name engraved on a brass plate on a seat at The Alhambra.
 
Directors Circle - Save A Seat   $1000/year (or $88 per month)
 • Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciationn night
• Four pairs of movie passes.
* Four certificates, each good for a pair of drinks.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet opportunities
* Film party for you and twenty of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $350)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
• Name engraved on a brass plate on a seat at The West.
 
Icon $500/year (or $44 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Three pairs of movie passes.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet oopportunities
* Film party for you and fifteen of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $200)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
 
Leading Role $250/year (or $22 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
* Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Two pairs of movie passes.
* Film party for you and ten of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)*
* Locally crafted coffee mug
 
Supporting Cast Membership $100/year (or $9 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
* Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• One pair of movie passes.
 
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
* Benefit packages will be mailed directly to members.
* The West and Alhambra are not a 501 C3 non-profit. (In theory, anyway)
* Film parties include private use of our Black Lounge, viewing of a scheduled current film, and free pop and popcorn for you and your guests.
Licensing fees will incur if you want to show your favorite film. There may be a fee if scheduled outside normal operating hours.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP HERE:

https://www.thewesttheatre.com/support

https://www.thewesttheatre.com/

Essentia Health Donates $50K To Support AICHO Indigenous Food Market

GOOD DEEDS DEPT.

Seeking community feedback at the opening in November.

Our first home in Duluth was two blocks above the Nettleton School in the Central Hillside. (Bob Dylan's first home here was two blocks East of the Nettleton School, fwiw.) Two blocks down toward the lake from the school was a conveniently located grocery store called the Fourth Street Market. The business closed several years back which was unfortunate because it was a convenient place to fetch milk and other staples. The large grocery stores required transportation and were not easily accessible for low income families in the Hillside.

When the market closed it was more than a disappointment for many. Then, this past July we learned that the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) had acquired the building, with a vision for its future. In November AICHO held an opening ceremony, dedicating the space with a tradition pipe ceremony and drums. The place was packed and some of their vision was shared.

This past week it was announced that Essentia Health, a neighbor four blocks to the East, has donated $50,000 toward the conversion of the former 4th Street Market into what will be the Nijwin Indigenous Food Market. This was a pretty exciting gift indeed.

The building was packed when they held their opening
celebration in early November.

I reached out to LeAnn Littlewolf to learn more about the emerging plans for the market. Part of the vision involves taking advantage of the view of the lake offered by the rear side of the building. Ultimately the Niiwin will be a retail grocery store that showcases Indigenous foods, including wild rice that identifies sources. An Indigenous deli, coffee roasting, along with all the staples of the local grocery.

The renovated space aims to be a meeting place as well, though the ultimate aim is access to healthy, fresh food for the low-income neighborhood, and regional access to nutrient-dense traditional Indigenous food products.

Ms. Littlewolf said they have plans to have food education take place there as well, with information about food processing and the nutrients in their food. People will learn the difference between flint corn and white corn, how hominy corn is process with wood ash, and other processes that have been emerging through the Native Food Movement.

"It's exciting to learn about traditional ways of cooking food. We have a rich Indigenous food history," she said.

* * * *

The Essentia grant has been designated for new equipment. In the meantime there will be Pop-Up events like the Winter Market as the work continues.

For more information, contact LeAnn Littlewolf at leann.aicho@gmail.com