Wright Leppien Opera House Block

The restored Wright Leppien Opera House Block was dedicated in October 2019, its redevelopment fueled entirely by community and college benefactors. It shines as a landmark to Alma’s history and a symbol of town and college working together for community revitalization. 

Alma Opera House: An Extended History

The historic Alma Opera House Block has survived wind, storm and fire for more than a century, thanks to the quality workmanship of its original builders. Gutted by fire in 2010, the building was saved from imminent demolition and redeveloped with an eye to its original character and integrity. More than just a hardy building, the Opera House Block symbolizes the resiliency and strength of the City of Alma and its people.

Construction Begins 

The Opera House Block was built from 1877 to 1880 by Saginaw lumber baron Ammi Wright. There was need for a new building to house a branch of Wright & Dawson, his celebrated Saginaw department store, and so construction commenced on the corner of State and Superior streets. Farmers brought large amounts of stone to the site, and local workers dug the basement. Soil from the basement excavation was carted down State Street for use in Alma’s first dam, which was being built across the Pine River.

Ammi Willard Wright

Ammi Willard Wright was a lumberman, businessman, philanthropist and civic leader whose business success and generosity placed his stamp on the early development of the City of Alma. In addition to the Alma Opera House Block, Wright constructed the Alma Roller Mills, the Wright House hotel, the First State Bank of Alma, the Alma Springs Sanitarium, the Alma Sugar Company plant and the Alma Manufacturing Company gasoline engine plant. He also was instrumental in the 1886 founding of Alma College, donating 30 acres of land and more than $300,000 to found and sustain the institution in its early years.

A New Vision

Construction of the Opera House Block stalled for a year when Wright’s partnership with James Dawson dissolved. When construction resumed in April of 1879, Wright had decided to build a much larger building, and the basement was enlarged. Soil from the new excavation was used to fill a low spot by the railroad tracks, where a grain elevator was about to be built.

 

A Strong Foundation

Wright announced that a bank would be housed in the building, and a heavy foundation was built in the basement to support a vault. He also announced that five stores would be established on the first floor. Offices and a ballroom would occupy the upper floors. Thousands of cream-colored bricks for the new building came from an Alma brickyard. Scaffolding went up as framing, and brick walls rose. Masons displayed their talents in the arched windows and the amazingly detailed cornice that still survives on the building today.

The Opera House Block was completed in 1880 at a cost of $20,000, an astronomical sum to the citizens of the small town of Alma. The building featured a fire-proof roof, arched windows with keystone bricks, and the elaborate brick cornice. Wright’s department store on the first floor offered a splendid array of goods generally not found in a small town’s mercantile. Other original tenants included the post office, a hardware store and a bank. Further renovations occurred in 1897 to update the commercial spaces as well as to add electricity and heating.

The Heart of Alma

The opera house ballroom became the town’s meeting place. It was the venue for numerous theatrical productions, concerts and public lectures. Graduation ceremonies were held here. The establishment of Alma College in 1886 was announced at a public meeting in the opera house. The building served as a hub of social and economic activity.

 

 

The Masonic Temple

Ammi Wright died in 1912, and the building was sold to a real estate company. In 1918, the upper floors were leased to the Masonic Lodge, and the opera house ballroom became the Masonic Temple. When the Masons moved to a new location in the 1960s, the ballroom stood empty and was used sparingly.

The 2010 Fire

On Oct. 14, 2010, the Opera House Block caught fire, leaving its interior gutted. Following the fire, engineers were amazed to find the building’s structural foundation still sound. Ammi Wright had built a fire wall that prevented the spread of the flames, and the exterior walls had been constructed with foot-thick bricks. Kurt Wassenaar, an investor with local roots, purchased the Opera House Block and saved it from imminent demolition with a vision to redevelop the building true to its original character and integrity. 

 

2019 Renovation

Ownership of the Opera House Block transferred to Alma College in December 2017, and in August 2018, Alma Mayor Greg Mapes and Alma College President Jeff Abernathy announced a redevelopment plan to restore the building to its historic features with apartments for Alma College students on the upper floors. In 2013, the Alma Opera House Block was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 The restored Opera House Block was dedicated in October 2019, its redevelopment funded entirely by community and college benefactors. In addition to a $1.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, donors provided more than $6.5 million in philanthropic support with a lead gift by the Leppien family. 

A Leader in Downtown Alma

Today, the Wright Leppien Opera House shines as a landmark to Alma’s history and a symbol of town and college working together for community revitalization. Its 30 student apartments, which occupy the third floor, are some of the most sought-after residence spaces for students; with state-of-the-art facilities and a gorgeous view of the downtown Alma area. In the summer season, the apartments are home to students and faculty in Alma College’s first-ever Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program.

Zimmerman Hall, named after the late Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61, is home to a huge variety of events for Alma College and the public. All manner of parties take place in the space, including wedding receptions and anniversary parties. The hall is also a critical component of Alma College events planning, hosting everything from the new Barlow Trophy award presentation to various conferences and seminars. In 2021, the college hosted “Three Nights at the Opera,” a series of public events meant to showcase how the Wright Leppien Opera House was historically used by people in Alma.

But as much as the Wright Leppien Opera House means to Alma College, it means as much if not more to the downtown Alma area and the people of Alma. The who live in the apartments patronize many downtown local businesses. The parties that are hosted in Zimmerman Hall feature treats from local bakeries, decorations from local florists and drinks from local breweries. The Stephen F. ’80 and Susan H. ’83 Meyer Courtyard is used as a backdrop for high-school prom photos.

The Wright Leppien Opera House has returned to its former glory as a center for college and community life. Learn more about how you can reserve Zimmerman Hall for your special event.