I will post my work after much of the visual and written research is complete. It should be around the time I am submitting it to the LPC. I will gladly share any photos with any CT member upon request, as soon as I complete the facade and streetscape documentation. Looking forward to sharing it with everyone!
I haven’t taken that route to Jahn’s, but ate there in 1999 and March 2006. Although unofficial, that is a landmark within itself which might be included in the potential Richmond Hill historic district, if the LPC acts soon. After attending movies at the Cinemart, frequenting Eddie’s Sweet Shop is a treat! I believe it’s been in existence since 1909, and it has a completely intact interior with marble, stools, a mosaic inlaid floor, great woodwork, and an ornate tin ceiling. I would say the only modern addition is a TV.
I live in Forest Hills & walk to the Cinemart quite often. You can walk about 4 blocks east along Austin St to Ascan Ave, and then approximately 10-12 blocks past the trestle to the Cinemart on Metropolitan Ave. It seems as if the mild weather will continue, and if you’re up for walking, it also gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Tudor-inspired Forest Hills Gardens community. Please let us know your thoughts. Hope this helps!
You’re welcome, Peter! The LPC stands for Landmarks Preservation Commission, the organization that has a tendency of frowning upon Queens. However, I must remain optimitic. The proposal, noted as a “Request For Evaluation,” will contain detailed current photos of the exterior & streetscape, historic photos, a few paragraphs documenting its history & architectural significance, as well as your article and possibly others. I am also hoping to include letters of support from preservation groups, individuals, and elected officials. The more material included, the stronger it will be for our case. I’ll keep everyone posted.
Congratulations, Peter, for generating superb press coverage!!! I haven’t had too much time on my hands recently, but I do plan on finalizing my visual & written research for this theater, and submitting it to the infamous LPC. Hopefully, it will be preserved for posterity! – Michael
Hi Luis! Thank you for pointing out the presently landmarked Valencia as a “Wonder Theater.” Queens deserves all it can get, especially since it’s a politicians' back alley (i.e. those who pretend to care about landmarks), as well as a developer’s paradise (those who score high on violations & illegal work). Let’s all chant & sing the praises of the… “RKO KEITH’S!!!” This theater is too good to be forgotten!
My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a native Queens resident. I am a preservationist who formed the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater in summer 2005, and I’m also on the board of directors of the Four Borough Preservation Alliance. My experience ranges from advocating for the preservation of historic theaters to other landmark-worthy properties borough-wide. I believe in adaptively reusing, restoring, and landmarking historic community fixtures, for economic purposes, and ultimately, inspiring current and future generations.
As rumor has it, owner/developer Boymelgreen might be considering to put Flushing’s RKO Keith’s Theatre up for sale, and Cinema Treasures theater enthusiasts and other preservationists Queens is seeking a saviour. However, if Boymelgreen’s proposed redevelopment plan of the site succeeds, almost all of the theater will be demolished, with the exception of the already landmarked lobby and lounge. I feel that enough of the original interior architectural elements are present to restore it, and reuse it as a music-related venue.
The RKO Keith’s Theatre has been the subject of debate since the 1980’s, and has sat in a state of disarray as a result of unlawful developers (i.e. Huang) and a handful of politicians who were unwilling to respect the community’s desires. Since its closure, the Committee To Save The RKO Keith’s was formed, and offline petitions, letter campaigns, and other actions have resulted. A recently launched petition that currently has over 400 signatures with commentary is as follows:
Some of the most famous vaudeville acts and films are imbedded in the theater’s walls and people’s minds. Our consensus is that if this theater is demolished, Flushing will not only lose an unofficial landmark & noteworthy piece of architecture, but the heart of borough-wide residents and numerous enthusiasts will be torn out. Please acknowledge our pleas, and work with us in any way you can to polish a gem, and put to rest a controversy in Flushing, Queens. The Bronx has Loews Paradise, Brooklyn has Loews Kings, and NJ has Loews Jersey (all in good hands), but this is the only remaining “wonder theater” in Queens. We will assist you to the fullest extent!!!
My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a native Queens resident. I am a preservationist who formed the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater in summer 2005, and I’m also on the board of directors of the Four Borough Preservation Alliance. My experience ranges from advocating for the preservation of historic theaters to other landmark-worthy properties borough-wide. I believe in adaptively reusing, restoring, and landmarking historic community fixtures, for economic purposes, and ultimately, inspiring current and future generations.
As rumor has it, owner/developer Boymelgreen might be considering to put Flushing’s RKO Keith’s Theatre up for sale, and Cinema Treasures theater enthusiasts and other preservationists Queens is seeking a saviour. However, if Boymelgreen’s proposed redevelopment plan of the site succeeds, almost all of the theater will be demolished, with the exception of the already landmarked lobby and lounge. I feel that enough of the original interior architectural elements are present to restore it, and reuse it as a music-related venue.
The RKO Keith’s Theatre has been the subject of debate since the 1980’s, and has sat in a state of disarray as a result of unlawful developers (i.e. Huang) and a handful of politicians who were unwilling to respect the community’s desires. Since its closure, the Committee To Save The RKO Keith’s was formed, and offline petitions, letter campaigns, and other actions have resulted. A recently launched petition that currently has over 400 signatures with commentary is as follows:
Some of the most famous vaudeville acts and films are imbedded in the theater’s walls and people’s minds. Our consensus is that if this theater is demolished, Flushing will not only lose an unofficial landmark & noteworthy piece of architecture, but the heart of borough-wide residents and numerous enthusiasts will be torn out. Please acknowledge our pleas, and work with us in any way you can to polish a gem, and put to rest a controversy in Flushing, Queens. The Bronx has Loews Paradise, Brooklyn has Loews Kings, and NJ has Loews Jersey (all in good hands), but this is the only remaining “wonder theater” in Queens. We will assist you to the fullest extent!!!
According to Mike69’s above post, the stage floor is gone. The more photos, the merrier!
Mike69, were you able to visit the Keith’s today, meet the same woman, & take additional photos? The significant amount of plasterwork that is fairly intact should be a model for the entire theater’s restoration. I’d hate to see what’s left end up in a landfill! Once & for all, the politicians (“public servants”) should work for us, & do it the right way. It would mean a victory for a quarter of a century battle. LONG LIVE THE RKO KEITH’S!!!
Hi Peter! Thank you very much for contacting the Queens Chronicle & Times NewsWeekly about Ridgewood Theatre’s 90th. I appreciate your dedication! Did you submit a formal press release or a casual e-mail? If you would be willing to contact more local papers, their e-mail addresses are as follows. Also, please let me know if you would like some quotes from me. Feel free to e-mail me at or correspond through this forum.
Queens Tribune:
, , (Editor Brian Rafferty)
Daily News:
(Nicholas Hirshon)
Queens Courier:
Queens Ledger & affiliates:
Times Ledger series (i.e. FH Ledger, Ridgewood Times, etc)
, (Reporter Nathan Duke)
Queens Gazette:
If the owners are not planning a celebration, that would be a very poor business tactic for the oldest extant theater & noteworthy unofficial Queens landmark!
Wow, you pretty much have the calculations down to a tee! True about restoration costs. We all need to create a formal committee (if he’s selling), set goals, and make pledges. We can apply for grants & tax credits, as well as hold fundraisers. Power to the “real” people!!!!!! ;–) Boymelgreen is no comparison.
Thank you for posting some great photos, Mike, & having the courage! They’re very touching images that will forever be preserved. How dare anyone strip the theater of such rare & ornate craftsmanship! I am looking forward to hearing about your visit tomorrow. Thank you again!!!
If it’s true that Boymelgreen is selling, it would be great if each CT member who’s interested, can make a pledge towards its purchase. CT will make news as purchasing its first theater. That way, we can guarantee a preservation-minded victory! “A dream come true!” Any thoughts? (If Boymelgreen purchased the site for $12 million, he would probably want to sell it for double though).
I came across 2 NY Times articles that may be of interest:
“Small & Strassburg Add Metropolitan Avenue Property to Their Chain” (Metropolis Theatre), March 12, 1927
“Sign Assails Theatre Tax – Forest Hills Show Owner Says It Forced Closing of House” (Inwood Theatre & Pres. Eisenhower’s decision not to lift the 20% tax on tickets), August 31, 1953
I don’t know how to post a PDF file on this forum. If you’re interested in obtaining the article, please e-mail me at & I’d be happy to share it with you. Also, if you can share suggestions on how to post PDFs, I’d appreciate it. – Michael
It’s certainly worth restoring this gem. It is mostly intact & the city is willing to take on a long and costly project. By all means, let them do something special for us, once & for all! They have waited long enough.
Even though I’m not a fan of its current use, I must say that this is one of the most appealing (and probably the only) theaters on this stretch of 8th Ave. The pink, green, & gold color scheme is great! It is a rare survivor that deserves landmarking. Any thoughts?
For anyone who wants to tour the interior and take photos, it does not pay to enter the premises illegally. The site could possess environmental hazards & what-not. I suggest you inquire with the property owner, Boymelgreen, as well as the local councilmember, and arrange an appointment. Boymelgreen’s contact info is in a previous posting.
I passed by on Friday and saw the intact detail on the very top being stuccoed over. More exterior elements are being concealed, and it’s just getting worse. Sorry to share this bad news. has anyone tried contacting the Rock Church? Please let me know.
I would like to see landmark status for the Cinemart, but the exterior has been altered extensively, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission will not take action in designating it. The Trylon Theater’s exterior had few alterations, and the LPC declined (in violation of the Landmarks Law). The Ridgewood Theatre is the highest candidate. It is generally best NOT to involve the owners in such preservation efforts. It’s the LPC’s role to reach out & speak with the owners once a property is being considered, prior to calendaring it for a public hearing. Calendaring grants temporary legal protection of the property. Perhaps the Cinemart retains original facade elements beneath the newer facade. However, after spending lots of money to renovate, I doubt the owner will reverse the alterations. Historic properties, however, most often yield greater property values. The Forest Hills Theatre’s exterior would be a great landmarking candidate, as well as the Midway in Forest Hills, & Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights. The Elmwood was until now. I am working on a bunch of Request For Evaluations to send to the LPC for consideration. Any other theater that comes to mind? Please share your thoughts. Thanks!
I will post my work after much of the visual and written research is complete. It should be around the time I am submitting it to the LPC. I will gladly share any photos with any CT member upon request, as soon as I complete the facade and streetscape documentation. Looking forward to sharing it with everyone!
I haven’t taken that route to Jahn’s, but ate there in 1999 and March 2006. Although unofficial, that is a landmark within itself which might be included in the potential Richmond Hill historic district, if the LPC acts soon. After attending movies at the Cinemart, frequenting Eddie’s Sweet Shop is a treat! I believe it’s been in existence since 1909, and it has a completely intact interior with marble, stools, a mosaic inlaid floor, great woodwork, and an ornate tin ceiling. I would say the only modern addition is a TV.
Thanks!!! :–)
I live in Forest Hills & walk to the Cinemart quite often. You can walk about 4 blocks east along Austin St to Ascan Ave, and then approximately 10-12 blocks past the trestle to the Cinemart on Metropolitan Ave. It seems as if the mild weather will continue, and if you’re up for walking, it also gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Tudor-inspired Forest Hills Gardens community. Please let us know your thoughts. Hope this helps!
You’re welcome, Peter! The LPC stands for Landmarks Preservation Commission, the organization that has a tendency of frowning upon Queens. However, I must remain optimitic. The proposal, noted as a “Request For Evaluation,” will contain detailed current photos of the exterior & streetscape, historic photos, a few paragraphs documenting its history & architectural significance, as well as your article and possibly others. I am also hoping to include letters of support from preservation groups, individuals, and elected officials. The more material included, the stronger it will be for our case. I’ll keep everyone posted.
Congratulations, Peter, for generating superb press coverage!!! I haven’t had too much time on my hands recently, but I do plan on finalizing my visual & written research for this theater, and submitting it to the infamous LPC. Hopefully, it will be preserved for posterity! – Michael
Hi Luis! Thank you for pointing out the presently landmarked Valencia as a “Wonder Theater.” Queens deserves all it can get, especially since it’s a politicians' back alley (i.e. those who pretend to care about landmarks), as well as a developer’s paradise (those who score high on violations & illegal work). Let’s all chant & sing the praises of the… “RKO KEITH’S!!!” This theater is too good to be forgotten!
(Copy of e-mail I sent to Jessica at )
Hi Jessica!
My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a native Queens resident. I am a preservationist who formed the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater in summer 2005, and I’m also on the board of directors of the Four Borough Preservation Alliance. My experience ranges from advocating for the preservation of historic theaters to other landmark-worthy properties borough-wide. I believe in adaptively reusing, restoring, and landmarking historic community fixtures, for economic purposes, and ultimately, inspiring current and future generations.
As rumor has it, owner/developer Boymelgreen might be considering to put Flushing’s RKO Keith’s Theatre up for sale, and Cinema Treasures theater enthusiasts and other preservationists Queens is seeking a saviour. However, if Boymelgreen’s proposed redevelopment plan of the site succeeds, almost all of the theater will be demolished, with the exception of the already landmarked lobby and lounge. I feel that enough of the original interior architectural elements are present to restore it, and reuse it as a music-related venue.
The RKO Keith’s Theatre has been the subject of debate since the 1980’s, and has sat in a state of disarray as a result of unlawful developers (i.e. Huang) and a handful of politicians who were unwilling to respect the community’s desires. Since its closure, the Committee To Save The RKO Keith’s was formed, and offline petitions, letter campaigns, and other actions have resulted. A recently launched petition that currently has over 400 signatures with commentary is as follows:
View link
Some of the most famous vaudeville acts and films are imbedded in the theater’s walls and people’s minds. Our consensus is that if this theater is demolished, Flushing will not only lose an unofficial landmark & noteworthy piece of architecture, but the heart of borough-wide residents and numerous enthusiasts will be torn out. Please acknowledge our pleas, and work with us in any way you can to polish a gem, and put to rest a controversy in Flushing, Queens. The Bronx has Loews Paradise, Brooklyn has Loews Kings, and NJ has Loews Jersey (all in good hands), but this is the only remaining “wonder theater” in Queens. We will assist you to the fullest extent!!!
To follow the RKO Keith’s thread, visit: /theaters/834/
Please e-mail Thank you!
Hi Jessica!
My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a native Queens resident. I am a preservationist who formed the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater in summer 2005, and I’m also on the board of directors of the Four Borough Preservation Alliance. My experience ranges from advocating for the preservation of historic theaters to other landmark-worthy properties borough-wide. I believe in adaptively reusing, restoring, and landmarking historic community fixtures, for economic purposes, and ultimately, inspiring current and future generations.
As rumor has it, owner/developer Boymelgreen might be considering to put Flushing’s RKO Keith’s Theatre up for sale, and Cinema Treasures theater enthusiasts and other preservationists Queens is seeking a saviour. However, if Boymelgreen’s proposed redevelopment plan of the site succeeds, almost all of the theater will be demolished, with the exception of the already landmarked lobby and lounge. I feel that enough of the original interior architectural elements are present to restore it, and reuse it as a music-related venue.
The RKO Keith’s Theatre has been the subject of debate since the 1980’s, and has sat in a state of disarray as a result of unlawful developers (i.e. Huang) and a handful of politicians who were unwilling to respect the community’s desires. Since its closure, the Committee To Save The RKO Keith’s was formed, and offline petitions, letter campaigns, and other actions have resulted. A recently launched petition that currently has over 400 signatures with commentary is as follows:
View link
Some of the most famous vaudeville acts and films are imbedded in the theater’s walls and people’s minds. Our consensus is that if this theater is demolished, Flushing will not only lose an unofficial landmark & noteworthy piece of architecture, but the heart of borough-wide residents and numerous enthusiasts will be torn out. Please acknowledge our pleas, and work with us in any way you can to polish a gem, and put to rest a controversy in Flushing, Queens. The Bronx has Loews Paradise, Brooklyn has Loews Kings, and NJ has Loews Jersey (all in good hands), but this is the only remaining “wonder theater” in Queens. We will assist you to the fullest extent!!!
To follow the RKO Keith’s thread, visit: /theaters/834/
Please e-mail Thank you!
Thank you! Happy holidays and a prosperous 2007 to all!!!
Hi Bobosan! I know someone who is an RKO Keith’s expert. Please e-mail me at and I will be happy to put you in touch. – Michael
According to Mike69’s above post, the stage floor is gone. The more photos, the merrier!
Mike69, were you able to visit the Keith’s today, meet the same woman, & take additional photos? The significant amount of plasterwork that is fairly intact should be a model for the entire theater’s restoration. I’d hate to see what’s left end up in a landfill! Once & for all, the politicians (“public servants”) should work for us, & do it the right way. It would mean a victory for a quarter of a century battle. LONG LIVE THE RKO KEITH’S!!!
Hi Peter! Thank you very much for contacting the Queens Chronicle & Times NewsWeekly about Ridgewood Theatre’s 90th. I appreciate your dedication! Did you submit a formal press release or a casual e-mail? If you would be willing to contact more local papers, their e-mail addresses are as follows. Also, please let me know if you would like some quotes from me. Feel free to e-mail me at or correspond through this forum.
Queens Tribune:
, , (Editor Brian Rafferty)
Daily News:
(Nicholas Hirshon)
Queens Courier:
Queens Ledger & affiliates:
Times Ledger series (i.e. FH Ledger, Ridgewood Times, etc)
, (Reporter Nathan Duke)
Queens Gazette:
If the owners are not planning a celebration, that would be a very poor business tactic for the oldest extant theater & noteworthy unofficial Queens landmark!
Thanks, Lost Memory for your help! As soon as I have a chance, I will follow your advice & post the links.
The Ridgewood Theatre wins the crown!
Wow, you pretty much have the calculations down to a tee! True about restoration costs. We all need to create a formal committee (if he’s selling), set goals, and make pledges. We can apply for grants & tax credits, as well as hold fundraisers. Power to the “real” people!!!!!! ;–) Boymelgreen is no comparison.
Thank you for posting some great photos, Mike, & having the courage! They’re very touching images that will forever be preserved. How dare anyone strip the theater of such rare & ornate craftsmanship! I am looking forward to hearing about your visit tomorrow. Thank you again!!!
If it’s true that Boymelgreen is selling, it would be great if each CT member who’s interested, can make a pledge towards its purchase. CT will make news as purchasing its first theater. That way, we can guarantee a preservation-minded victory! “A dream come true!” Any thoughts? (If Boymelgreen purchased the site for $12 million, he would probably want to sell it for double though).
I came across 2 NY Times articles that may be of interest:
“Small & Strassburg Add Metropolitan Avenue Property to Their Chain” (Metropolis Theatre), March 12, 1927
“Sign Assails Theatre Tax – Forest Hills Show Owner Says It Forced Closing of House” (Inwood Theatre & Pres. Eisenhower’s decision not to lift the 20% tax on tickets), August 31, 1953
I don’t know how to post a PDF file on this forum. If you’re interested in obtaining the article, please e-mail me at & I’d be happy to share it with you. Also, if you can share suggestions on how to post PDFs, I’d appreciate it. – Michael
Thank you for your contributions, Bway & Ed! What a unique photo! I haven’t seen it previously.
You’re welcome, Al! You are not alone :)
It’s certainly worth restoring this gem. It is mostly intact & the city is willing to take on a long and costly project. By all means, let them do something special for us, once & for all! They have waited long enough.
Even though I’m not a fan of its current use, I must say that this is one of the most appealing (and probably the only) theaters on this stretch of 8th Ave. The pink, green, & gold color scheme is great! It is a rare survivor that deserves landmarking. Any thoughts?
Thank you very much!!!
For anyone who wants to tour the interior and take photos, it does not pay to enter the premises illegally. The site could possess environmental hazards & what-not. I suggest you inquire with the property owner, Boymelgreen, as well as the local councilmember, and arrange an appointment. Boymelgreen’s contact info is in a previous posting.
I passed by on Friday and saw the intact detail on the very top being stuccoed over. More exterior elements are being concealed, and it’s just getting worse. Sorry to share this bad news. has anyone tried contacting the Rock Church? Please let me know.
I would like to see landmark status for the Cinemart, but the exterior has been altered extensively, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission will not take action in designating it. The Trylon Theater’s exterior had few alterations, and the LPC declined (in violation of the Landmarks Law). The Ridgewood Theatre is the highest candidate. It is generally best NOT to involve the owners in such preservation efforts. It’s the LPC’s role to reach out & speak with the owners once a property is being considered, prior to calendaring it for a public hearing. Calendaring grants temporary legal protection of the property. Perhaps the Cinemart retains original facade elements beneath the newer facade. However, after spending lots of money to renovate, I doubt the owner will reverse the alterations. Historic properties, however, most often yield greater property values. The Forest Hills Theatre’s exterior would be a great landmarking candidate, as well as the Midway in Forest Hills, & Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights. The Elmwood was until now. I am working on a bunch of Request For Evaluations to send to the LPC for consideration. Any other theater that comes to mind? Please share your thoughts. Thanks!