Historic Alma Auditorium set to reopen after community-backed renovation

ALMA, Neb. — One of Alma’s oldest buildings is getting a new lease on life.

Alma's City Auditorium is nearly ready to reopen after years of renovations and community input.

City leaders say the building, which is over 100 years old, faced an uncertain future as its condition continued to deteriorate.

Officials considered whether to tear it down or invest in restoring it — a decision that ultimately came down to residents.

“The city had talked about it quite a while, and what we decided to do was either let it fall down and put a parking lot here or to rebuild some of it so it was a sound building,” said Alma Mayor Hal Haeker. “We did surveys and town hall meetings... and the overwhelming majority wanted to save the building.”

Following that feedback, the city began a multi-year renovation process focused on stabilizing and preserving the structure.

Early work included roof repairs and exterior improvements, such as tuck-pointing the brick, before crews moved inside to modernize the space.

A major turning point in the project came with the awarding of a $1 million economic development grant, which helped fund upgrades and keep the renovation moving forward.

City officials say the grant support made it possible to complete work that would have otherwise been difficult for a community of Alma’s size.

The building will reopen as a full-scale event center, offering space for nearly 300 people, with city leaders saying the renovated facility will be available to residents and visitors alike.

“This is going to be a big addition to the city,” said City Administrator Steve Ardiana. “It gives us an event center with almost 300 people capacity and a nice place to do proms, wedding receptions, weddings, group meetings — something to give the community a place to gather.”

City officials say having a central gathering space is critical for smaller communities, both for hosting local events and for attracting visitors from surrounding areas.

The building will be available for public and private rentals, with reservations handled through the city.

A public grand opening is expected later this month, allowing residents to tour the renovated space and see how the historic building has been transformed while still preserving its role as a community hub.