Thank you, Gerald! My family & I joined the Preservation Society of Newport, and visited several prestigious mansions. We also toured the quaint Colonial streets, and the wharves. We were astonished! It’s a great obstacle to preserve sites in NYC lately. I will further explore Newport’s preservation strategies.
Thank you, Gerald, for your prompt reply! I live in NY & just returned from Newport. I would be interested in learning more about measures taken to preserve the character of Newport, in terms of its architectural history. Would you know how much of Newport is an official historic district?
Thanks for posting the photos & bringing this matter to our attention. I don’t consider it a good example of adaptive reuse. When did the theater close, and when did it become Express? :(
Utilizing portions of the Paramount facade, and converting it into an apartment building, must have stirred up a controversy at the time. I would consider it an insult to Newport history & theater fans. This has to be one of Newport’s eyesores, which are few & far between. When was the conversion done? :(
Thanks for posting! The heart of the community has been torn out, and I’m wondering… Which bureaucrats are ultimately responsible for this destruction? The contractors are also responsible, since they didn’t have to choose that job in the first place. It is as if one enters a museum and turns the place upside down, whether legal or illegal. Art is an extension of the soul. Please try to salvage additional remnants. Thank you for your work, Tim!!!
I am from NY, but my heart goes out to you and all the residents who favored &/or fought for this gem. Shame on the developers and all other parties who didn’t think it was a big deal. I detest selfish people. I believe in a divine presence, and this behavior will not go unrecorded. Don’t let them get away with this without putting up a fight. Thank you for documenting it. Please continue to keep us posted. Power to the people!!!
Thank you for sharing, Ian! It is a shame that this 60’s Modernistic glazed blue brick facade was recently concealed with lackluster white stucco. What is happening to our city? Several older theaters i.e. the Beekman, Sutton, etc. have been demolished over the course of the past few years. :(
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz committed himself to the preservation of Loew’s Kings Theatre. Despite some deterioration of the infrastructure (around the time of the guided tour), he indicated he would see to it that it’s restored and reopened as part of the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Christopher Gray’s title of the article is very misleading, and causes me to question who’s side he is on. He is a noted historian, but now I am frowning upon his pessimistic attitude and style.
To all Brooklynites, theater enthusiasts, and public officials: Please work together to fulfill your promise to achieve the greatest for one of Brooklyn’s “Wonders.” Wholeheartedly thanking you in advance!
Al has wonderful ambitions for the Ridgewood Theatre and the community. I know we all care about this theater, so why not assist him in getting his plans underway? We wouldn’t want the theater sold to a developer that will gut or demolish it for a chain store.
Let’s all meet, brainstorm, and work towards achieving a financial goal. The Senator Theatre in Baltimore (despite the scenario) was very successful in raising the necessary funds in no time, but how about here? Ridgewood needs you!
This theater does have great potential. Its renovation/restoration will foster revitalization of the existing town. I am particularly fond of the glazed terra cotta work on the facade. Please keep us informed. Bless you all!
This theater does have great potential. Its renovation/restoration will foster revitalization of the existing town. I am particularly fond of the glazed terra cotta work on the facade. Please keep us informed. Bless you!
“That’s what movie memories are really all about.”
I agree with you entirely! :–) I appreciate it that you shared this story. It’s very touching!!! I hope the restoration & reopening of the Loew’s Kings comes shortly, now that the city has taken an interest. It will be another grand chapter for many people. I am anticipating my first visit!
Hi “Youngnyer1!” I am amazed by some of the tax photos that you posted. Thank you for sharing them with us! I am a preservationist who has high hopes for a number of these properties. I would like to correspond with you via e-mail, since I have a few questions to ask. Please e-mail me at Thanks! – Michael
Hi Antony! I haven’t had any communication with the owner. I prefer composing the RFE (Request For Evaluation) report on my own, and then I will gladly share it with fellow members for any additional input. From experience, it is better to work that way in most cases.
Welcome back to Cinema Treasures! I look forward to hearing about your visit.
For those of you who are curious about latest developments at the site, I entered in 135-35 Northern Blvd (different address from main menu of this thread above), and retrieved the following:
Click on the “proposed jobs” and “permits in process/issued” by the Dept. of Bldgs, and see what comes up. The latest permit was issued Dec 27, 2006 for asbestos removal at the site, and expires Dec 21, 2007. I advise everyone to take strong precautions. Perhaps Shaya Boymelgreen is salvaging the significant architectural elements for his own use or reuse, and ridding the theater of asbestos, and then plans on making a profit? I’m really baffled as to what’s going on! Also, please share your thoughts on my idea and press contacts posting above.
MEDIA RECOMMENDATION – Alex’s photos (asphoto) are quite a site to behold! May he be blessed for further documenting a gem that has potential!!! I also admire that he & other members are bringing the abuses of owners/developers to the forefront.
Is anyone willing to send a press release or a general e-mail containing our hope for the Keith’s, with accompanying photos? A larger percentage of the public should see why it’s worth fighting for a greater restoration than that of the presently landmarked lobby. Alex would probably be the best candidate. If not, we would need his permission to use his photos:
Thank you, Gerald! My family & I joined the Preservation Society of Newport, and visited several prestigious mansions. We also toured the quaint Colonial streets, and the wharves. We were astonished! It’s a great obstacle to preserve sites in NYC lately. I will further explore Newport’s preservation strategies.
Thank you! I take pride in knowing that its neighbor, Opera House cinemas, is undergoing a restoration at the very least.
Thank you, Gerald, for your prompt reply! I live in NY & just returned from Newport. I would be interested in learning more about measures taken to preserve the character of Newport, in terms of its architectural history. Would you know how much of Newport is an official historic district?
Thanks for posting the photos & bringing this matter to our attention. I don’t consider it a good example of adaptive reuse. When did the theater close, and when did it become Express? :(
Utilizing portions of the Paramount facade, and converting it into an apartment building, must have stirred up a controversy at the time. I would consider it an insult to Newport history & theater fans. This has to be one of Newport’s eyesores, which are few & far between. When was the conversion done? :(
Will the next phase of restoration include the rebuilding of the 2nd-story facade, and a replacement for those lackluster aluminum storm doors?
Thanks for posting! The heart of the community has been torn out, and I’m wondering… Which bureaucrats are ultimately responsible for this destruction? The contractors are also responsible, since they didn’t have to choose that job in the first place. It is as if one enters a museum and turns the place upside down, whether legal or illegal. Art is an extension of the soul. Please try to salvage additional remnants. Thank you for your work, Tim!!!
Hi Tim!
I am from NY, but my heart goes out to you and all the residents who favored &/or fought for this gem. Shame on the developers and all other parties who didn’t think it was a big deal. I detest selfish people. I believe in a divine presence, and this behavior will not go unrecorded. Don’t let them get away with this without putting up a fight. Thank you for documenting it. Please continue to keep us posted. Power to the people!!!
You can keep track of this building’s property profile & the latest permits and job filings by following:
View link
It seems as if it’s being converted to office and warehouse use. I hope the facade is preserved at the very least.
Those wishing to read Ron Marzlock’s “I Have Often Walked” column documenting this theater, please follow this link:
View link
This building deserves a sensible restoration. A wise choice needs to be made soon. I’ll add it to my list of projects.
Glad it went through this time. Thank you for letting me know!
Thank you for sharing, Ian! It is a shame that this 60’s Modernistic glazed blue brick facade was recently concealed with lackluster white stucco. What is happening to our city? Several older theaters i.e. the Beekman, Sutton, etc. have been demolished over the course of the past few years. :(
Do you wish to contact Christopher Gray of the NY Times? His e-mail is: Let me know if that goes through.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz committed himself to the preservation of Loew’s Kings Theatre. Despite some deterioration of the infrastructure (around the time of the guided tour), he indicated he would see to it that it’s restored and reopened as part of the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Christopher Gray’s title of the article is very misleading, and causes me to question who’s side he is on. He is a noted historian, but now I am frowning upon his pessimistic attitude and style.
To all Brooklynites, theater enthusiasts, and public officials: Please work together to fulfill your promise to achieve the greatest for one of Brooklyn’s “Wonders.” Wholeheartedly thanking you in advance!
Al has wonderful ambitions for the Ridgewood Theatre and the community. I know we all care about this theater, so why not assist him in getting his plans underway? We wouldn’t want the theater sold to a developer that will gut or demolish it for a chain store.
Let’s all meet, brainstorm, and work towards achieving a financial goal. The Senator Theatre in Baltimore (despite the scenario) was very successful in raising the necessary funds in no time, but how about here? Ridgewood needs you!
(AL) & (Michael)
www.crossthelinemovie.com
www.myspace.com/alliewayfilms
PLEASE WRITE US.
Here’s a May 2005 photo of the RKO Madison. The facade is most likely intact beneath the overwhelming sign.
View link
This theater does have great potential. Its renovation/restoration will foster revitalization of the existing town. I am particularly fond of the glazed terra cotta work on the facade. Please keep us informed. Bless you all!
This theater does have great potential. Its renovation/restoration will foster revitalization of the existing town. I am particularly fond of the glazed terra cotta work on the facade. Please keep us informed. Bless you!
“That’s what movie memories are really all about.”
Hi “Youngnyer1!” I am amazed by some of the tax photos that you posted. Thank you for sharing them with us! I am a preservationist who has high hopes for a number of these properties. I would like to correspond with you via e-mail, since I have a few questions to ask. Please e-mail me at Thanks! – Michael
Hi Antony! I haven’t had any communication with the owner. I prefer composing the RFE (Request For Evaluation) report on my own, and then I will gladly share it with fellow members for any additional input. From experience, it is better to work that way in most cases.
Ed, I support your idea in its entirety!
Welcome back to Cinema Treasures! I look forward to hearing about your visit.
For those of you who are curious about latest developments at the site, I entered in 135-35 Northern Blvd (different address from main menu of this thread above), and retrieved the following:
View link
Click on the “proposed jobs” and “permits in process/issued” by the Dept. of Bldgs, and see what comes up. The latest permit was issued Dec 27, 2006 for asbestos removal at the site, and expires Dec 21, 2007. I advise everyone to take strong precautions. Perhaps Shaya Boymelgreen is salvaging the significant architectural elements for his own use or reuse, and ridding the theater of asbestos, and then plans on making a profit? I’m really baffled as to what’s going on! Also, please share your thoughts on my idea and press contacts posting above.
MEDIA RECOMMENDATION – Alex’s photos (asphoto) are quite a site to behold! May he be blessed for further documenting a gem that has potential!!! I also admire that he & other members are bringing the abuses of owners/developers to the forefront.
Is anyone willing to send a press release or a general e-mail containing our hope for the Keith’s, with accompanying photos? A larger percentage of the public should see why it’s worth fighting for a greater restoration than that of the presently landmarked lobby. Alex would probably be the best candidate. If not, we would need his permission to use his photos:
Press contacts are as follows:
Queens Tribune:
, , (Editor Brian Rafferty)
Queens Chronicle:
Daily News:
(Queens reporter Nicholas Hirshon)
Queens Courier:
, (Owner Victoria Schneps)
Queens Ledger & affiliates:
, (Editor/Repoter Shane Miller)
Times Ledger series (i.e. FH Ledger, Ridgewood Times, etc)
, (Reporter Nathan Duke)
Queens Gazette:
Times NewsWeekly:
, (Reporter Robert Pozarycki)
Metro NY:
AM-NY:
Editor-in-Chief: (Vera Haller)
Managing Editor: (Pete Catapano)
City Editor: (Michael Clancy)
Reporter: (Chuck Bennett)
NY Post:
(Steve Cuozzo) & (Editor Stephen Lynch) &
NY Sun:
,
NY Times:
(David Dunlap), (Robin Pogrebin), (Jeff Vandam)
Queens Crap – Blog that exposes development abuses and grants hope
and http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/
Four Borough Preservation Alliance – Spearheads preservation endeavors in the outer boroughs:
(Chairman Bob Furman has numerous press contacts)