Alberta Rose Theater

On the 6th of May 1926 the Alameda Theater opened its doors on Alberta Street which has a known history with the African-American community of Portland. The Spanish Colonial style building was designed by Walter E Kelley and it operated as a theater until 1978 before being closed down and converted to a variety of churches. During its operation it when through multiple name changes such as 30th Ave Theater, Cine 20, and finally the Alberta Rose Theater in 2010 when the building was reopened for community as a theater. The original theater was owned by Seltzer and Sons, a local Portland family that comprised of a team of siblings; Leo, Oscar, and Celia. On opening day the theater held 750 people and housed and orchestra with an organ made by William Wood Pipe Organ Company. In 1928, the Alameda Theater received an organ for the orchestra from the Highway Theater. On its opening night, the theater showed Classified and held an opening ceremony with a 10-piece orchestra. In 2010, years after their closure, the owners of the building raised $300,000 to re-open and refurbish the building. It now holds 300 viewers in its seats and has become a small "listening room" as described on their current official website. The Spanish Colonial courtyard building remains in the heart of the Arts District of Alberta, Portland.