Dedicated to reviving the Madison Theater as a cornerstone of community life and economic development in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany, NY.
		About Us Friends of the Madison was initially established in late 2004 as a response to a proposal to demolish the Madison theater and several other buildings in the Pine Hills section of Albany, NY and replace them with a large, stand-alone store with a parking lot and drive-through. We have since developed as an advocacy organization working with other neighborhood groups on the future of Upper Madison. Our group of concerned citizens involves hundreds residents from across the city, including business owners, members of the arts community and representatives of area colleges. Many city stakeholders recognize that the future of the Madison Theater has impact far beyond the traditional Pine Hills Neighborhood area. Friends of the Madison is dedicated to reviving the Madison as a neighborhood and citywide resource. We are actively working on multiple fronts to bring this goal to fruition including: Striving for a solution that rehabilitates the building as a cornerstone of community life and economic development in Pine Hills Engaging neighbors, residents, and potential developers to discuss and identify potential uses for the theater and retail spaces; and Ensuring the stability of the building. Friends of the Madison believes that the Madison presents Albany with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn a special building into a neighborhood and community asset. Appropriately redeveloped, the Madison could be a centerpiece in the continued success of Pine Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods. These walkable, urban neighborhoods provide a unique alternative of single- and multi-family homes to either downtown row houses or post-war suburban housing that has proven extremely attractive to residents in a range of socio-economic groups. We're thrilled that a group of investors from Amsterdam, NY purchased the Madison in March 2005 and plans to operate it as a community oriented, first run theater. We're pleased that the new owners are interested in working with Friends of the Madison and are looking forward to helping them succeed!