MPol, as a resident of Forest Hills and a frequent visitor to the Kew Gardens, let me assure you that this is a VERY safe neighborhood. The Kitty Genovese tragedy was an extreme aberration then and, in no way, reflects the nature this very safe community. So come and enjoy the wonderful Kew Gardens Cinema!
This is interesting. It opened as the Reo in 1921, when a German name was probably still a no no and then only assumed its Teutonic personna when doing so became less of a concern – but before the onset of the Third Reich.
While it is certainly something of a rip off, the Ridgewood Times' 100th anniversary edition’s $10 price is worth the cost. There is just too much there – and not just the old movie houses – to justify the price. For those who did not heed my plea to buy it up ASAP on the Bushwick page when it was for $1 sale, please dig deep into your pockets and do so now.
Regarding dish nights, I came in at the end of this era when, in Greenpoint, it was only being offered at the American (then Chopin)theater up through the early 1960,s. My mother, grandmother and aunt made countless Wednesday pilgramages to this place to receive the plate – and all too often, gravy dish – of the date. I believe I am still eating from these acquisions!
By that time, only the second level theaters were engaging in this practice. It seemed beneath the dignity of the RKO Greenpoints, Meseroles – and, in this context, the Madisons and Ridgewoods – of their time. I would be very interested to know if dish nights ever occurred at these “first class” venures.
Warren, to access the Building Dept’s site, start by logging in to the NYC web site – www.nyc.gov Once you get in, scroll down the agency listing to Buildings Dept. and enter. On the home page is a place where you can enter the borough and address that you wish to access.
With regard to the Eagle, the certificate of occupancy information is not helpful. Instead, you should look to the bottom of the page and click on “Actions”. This is where the applications that I noted above – as well as the architect’s phone number – can be found.
Hope you – or any other interested person – will find this helpful in detrmining what exactly is happening here.
I was able to visit this site after voting on Election Day and – guess what – no change.
I also reviewed the Building Dept. records for this address. While the they are not at all clear, several action submissions made in 2007 point to an alteration rather than a demolition. Since the architect’s telephone number was included on the form, I called it and left a few messages. While I don’t expect to hear from them, I will report any response that may occur.
I hope anyone with a keen eye for these things – or at least a keener eye than mine – will visit the Building Dept’s. web site and look up this address. I may very well be missing something here.
As one who lives a few blocks from the Trylon and walks by it a few times a week, I think I can fill in a few details about this theater and its recent history.
The Bucharians are an orthodox Jewish group who have emigrated into central Queens from what was once Soviet Central Asia. A number of them have become quite successful and have, most notably, built many of the “McMansions” that have been constructed in Forest Hills' oldest residential community – the Cord Meyer development. This has, to put it mildly, generated a strong reaction from the older residents. (An extensive – and well balanced – account of this conflict appeared about a month or so ago in the NY Times.)
The re-use of the Trylon for its present purpose was pretty much a “done deal” soon after the theater closed. For reasons that I am not aware of, however, the project did nor get off the ground and the old theater stood vacant for a number of years.
When the project finally commenced, the Bucharians applied the same architectural aesthetic that they used in constructing the McMansions. Most visibly, the art deco ticket booth and outer lobby were rudely destroyed almost overnight.
These actions generated strong protests from the preservation community, especially Michael Perlman. A “Save the Ridgewood” like petition was created and an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure landmark status was initiated. (Far more extensive accounts of these actions appear in previous posts.)
While these efforts proved unavailing, some informal arrangements were made regarding the course of future exterior work. This is why the awning, which suffered serious deterioration during the years of unuse, was refurbished to somewhat reflect its former design. (Obviously, it once again needs more work.) This is also why the tower was not gutted and replaced by some monstrosity. Finally, this is why the signage for the center that replaced the Trylon’s signage retained the former’s style and lettering. The results may be as unsatisfactory as the previous comments suggest, but this did prevent the wholesale eradication of the old theater’s exterior. (Michael, I would very very interested to hear your take on these “arrangements” since you are clearly more familiar with the specifics than I am.)
While I have not been inside the theater, the reports that I have received have not been encouraging. Suffice it to say, garish marble and ostentatious chandeliers have apparently replaced the art deco glory. While I hope these reports prove unfounded, I very much doubt that that will be the case.
I hope this did not repeat too much of what many of you already know, but I also believe that presenting a more comprehensive picture of this story has its merits.
Hope to hear from you on this – especially those who will tell me where I got things wrong – and where I got it right.
Just wanted you to know that the Ridgewood Times/Times Newsweekly has just printed its 100th anniversary issue. It contains a treasure trove of old pictures of the Ridgewood, Bushwick, Glendale, Middle Village, etc. communities. Included therein are, of course, MANY pictures of the great movie houses – including the Bushwick – that once served the area. While the edition will probably go on line in a little while, many of the pictures might not be carried over. So, if you can, you really should take a trip to the old neighborhood to fetch a copy – and enjoy.
After I posted the last message, I reviewed the Buildings and Finance Department data about this address and made a second site visit. The findings are by no means consistent but basically indicate that the long since demolished New Ideal Theatre was located between the building with the Hebrew script and Melrose St. The “Hebrew” building probably abutted the movie theater but was not part of it, though this is not clear.
In 1920, the Buildings Dept. awarded a Certificate of Occupancy for “151 – 163” Knickerbocker. The subject of the award is illegible but appears to concern “stores” or at least some sort of commercial use. (If anyone can make better sense of this document, good luck.) Then, in 1940, an – unexplained – zoning variance was granted for 151-159. These documents appear to verify that the site was approved for a theater in 1920 and then OKed for something else on the latter date. (The Finance Dept. map also verifies this location of 151 Knickerbocker.)
Things get a little more complicated when we turn to the 1990’s. In 1995, two C of O’s were granted for 151 Knickerbocker. These, however, concerned the portion of the block between Flushing Ave. and the “Hebrew script” building. So it seems that 151 Knickerbocker is one of the most desired addresses in all of Brooklyn!
Finally, during my site visit, I noted that a sign for the CRT Trading Company, which occupies the buildings situated between the “Hebrew script” building and Melrose St. states a 151 Knickerbocker Ave. address. (Phone calls made to the stated number were not answered.)
Based on all this, it appears most likely that the New Ideal was situated between the “Hebrew script” building and Melrose St. Whether that enigmatic building ever served any cinematic function is unlikely, but certainly not out of the question.
Any additional assistance in clearing this up will be greatly appreciated.
My journey today took me to this site, and I have a lot to report.
Although it has been partially demolished, the iron beams that supported the Eagle’s roof and its entire side and rear brick shell have been retained. This strongly suggests that the new use will not entirely replace what previously existed but will build upon the old structure’s shell.
In any event, what now exists makes a terrific picture – which the lack of a camera prevented me from taking. So get out there before it’s too late – and snap away!
I visited this site today. This is really interesting stuff.
151 Knickerbocker Ave. is a narrow – 19 ft. wide – 3 story brick building that was clearly built early in the last century – well after the movie use dates noted in the introduction. The first floor appears to be commercial and it also extends a bit further back than do the upper two floors. (This could be a more recent extension.) The two upper floors look residential – though this is hardly clear. Most tellingly, a frieze exists above the first floor windows that is written in Hebrew script. By the looks of things, this suggests a public (religious) use – probably a small synagogue. (If anyone who can read Hebrew can visit this site, it would be most appreciated.)
If not for the Hebrew frieze, I would have to conclude that this building never hosted any public use – much less a movie theater. But the first floor may have had a more interesting life. In short, this can be either a totally fictitious site – or one of the most interesting.
I made an on-site visit of this site today and can report the following.
368 Bushwick is located accross the street from what Bway suggests. Specifically, the Echo was situated right down the block from the Bushwick Public Library (340 Bushwick) and near the intersection of Bushwick Ave. and Morell St. Along with Morell St., it is now included within the confines of the Bushwick-Hylan housing project, which was constructed around 1950.
Given the Echo’s demise in the 1940’s, this scenario makes sense.
Well, an on-site visit has undercut one of my stronger arguments regarding the Casino’s current site. Specifically, the two buildings with 1900 era building permits were NOT part of the same development. Instead, they are wood frame buildings that definetely were constructed before their masonry built neighbors. (This is a problem that occurs when you rely too much on the internet for research.)
However, it still seems pretty clear to me that the brick buildings were still constructed before the Ridgewood Casino became history.
The key point here, at least for me, is that all of the buildings on the block-front containing 383 Knickerbocker were almost certainly constructed at least a decade prior to the date on which the Ridgewood Casino appeared in the records. Unless a clearly erroneous address was provided at that time, one that would have placed the theater on an entirely different block – certainly a possibility – it is difficult not to conclude that the building that hosted this tiny theater still exists. (Slight discrepancies like the 381/383 Knickerbocker that exists here have cropped up many, many times in these pages.)
Thanks for the compliment, Lost Memory, but without sounding like a broken record, I hope you would take a glance at the posts that I have entered on the Ridgewood Casino page. I think I am on to something regarding this long forgotten theater, and I would be fascinated to hear your assessment of my findings.
A previous post to this page stated that 474 Hamburg Ave. initially hosted a theater called the Jefferson Casino. So that probably explains the name appearing on the facade in the picture.
In addition, the theater in the 1908 photo does not at all appear to be large enough to accommodate a 600 person capacity. For this reason, the 1926 alteration that Lost Memory noted above probably involved a pretty significant reconstruction and expansion of what became the Grove. It would be great if anyone can come up with a post 1928 picture.
In this case, the – at least short term – fate of the Grove was different than that experienced by small pre-code theaters like the Ridgewood Casino, that closed and then saw their buildings converted into other commercial uses.
Michael, your upbeat response to my rather cynical comment shamed me into entering a piece on the Ridgewood petition in the www.BushwickBk.com blog. It appears that this has generated at least a few additional signatures. Hopefully, more people will read the piece and sign the petition in the future.
Turning to living theaters, has anyone heard how the Cinemart is doing these days? I know that when the Atlas mall opened, a real fear was expressed on the Cinemart’s page that the end might very well be near. But its demise has, to date, not come about. So, does anyone have any news to share?
Peter, as always I have enjoyed your comments on this and many other pages.
Turning to the Ridgewood’s current plight, I think we need to reflect upon the rather paltry response that the “Save the Ridgewood” campaign has generated to date. Let’s face it, slightly over 200 signatures – many of which possess no relationship whatsover to the Ridgewood – has not been very impressive. It may also – as much as I hate to admit it – reinforce Warren’s caustic comments that most of this page’s entries have not reflected current moviegoing patterns. In any event, unless we can devise a strategy to significantly increase community support, this whole effort may simply provide the owner with an additional justification to do whatever he pleases.
Previously, I tried to bring the new residents of Bushwick into the mix. I doubt that this had much of an effect. In addition, efforts should be made to ask the two affected community boards – Brookly #4 and Queens #5 – to get involved. But the fact remains that, minus real and current local support, the Ridgewood does not have much going for it.
Let me end on a personal note. When you visit the Ridgewood Theater site, please also take a gander at the Ridgewood Casino. This ancient – and hardly visited – site may provide some hidden surprises. In several posts, I have tried to establish that the actual site of this old theater – which clearly closed in the 1910’s – still exists. I really hope that the Peters and Bways and Lost Memories – and even the Warrens – spend a few moments here and provide your comments – even if you conclude that I do not know what I am talking about!!
Still one more point on this item. While no Building Dept. action involved 383 Knickerbocker prior to 1915, a number of such actions affected other Knickerbocker Ave. buildings on that block as early as 1900. Since the the entire blockfront was almost certainly constructed at the same time, it seems pretty clear that the building that hosted the Ridgewood Casino was the same building that stands today.
Thus, unless compelling arguments to the contrary can be presented, I believe the theater should be listed as closed but not demolished. I would really love to hear some comments on this item – even those that demonstrate that I don’t know what I am talking about. Please respond.
These are wonderful pictures, Warren. Thanks so much.
Having sneaked in to catch the end of a mass several years ago, I agree that you really need to see the old theater in person to appreciate the success of the conversion.
A real key to the external conversion concerns the selection of the style – Romanesque – that the church made. Since Romanesque churches could not support large windows, as the outer walls had to bear the building’s full weight, the lack of any side windows does not undercut the success of the project. In addition, the Romanesque portal and bell tower seamlessly conform to the dimensions of the old theater’s entrance.
In short, this was a terrific achievement. As it did not have to turn out this way, it should not be taken for granted.
After reading several comments from other pages, I came up with another reason to conclude that the old movie site still exists. Specifically, until the mid 1910’s, building codes covering movie houses were nearly nonexistent. Even after their enactment, the codes were rarely enforced. This means that a 200 capacity “theater” could very well haved been jammed into this small storefront. While this would have been a notorious firetrap and hardly a paragon of comfort, it could have existed here, at least for a few years. In time, more aggressive code enforcement as well as the creation of superior competitors would cause the Casino’s demise; but the old building is still probably there.
Given the interest that other old theaters have generated – especially in Bushwick and Ridgewood – I am surprised by the lack of interest demonstrated here. We may have a real find just under our noses, and no one appears to care. Any ideas?
Wonderful picture, J. F. Lundy! I noticed that the supermarket that is now situated across the street from the bank was not yet a reality at that time. A few really ancient houses occupied that site.
By the way Butch, the supermarket across the street was a Bohacks, not an A&P. The latter was situated down the block from the bank and did feature two levels. Interestingly, when the A&P relocated, it moved into space that had previously been occupied by the old Greenpoint RKO. It is now a gym.
I believe the Stetson Hat sign survived for many years. I vaguely remember it in my younger years.
MPol, as a resident of Forest Hills and a frequent visitor to the Kew Gardens, let me assure you that this is a VERY safe neighborhood. The Kitty Genovese tragedy was an extreme aberration then and, in no way, reflects the nature this very safe community. So come and enjoy the wonderful Kew Gardens Cinema!
This is interesting. It opened as the Reo in 1921, when a German name was probably still a no no and then only assumed its Teutonic personna when doing so became less of a concern – but before the onset of the Third Reich.
While it is certainly something of a rip off, the Ridgewood Times' 100th anniversary edition’s $10 price is worth the cost. There is just too much there – and not just the old movie houses – to justify the price. For those who did not heed my plea to buy it up ASAP on the Bushwick page when it was for $1 sale, please dig deep into your pockets and do so now.
Regarding dish nights, I came in at the end of this era when, in Greenpoint, it was only being offered at the American (then Chopin)theater up through the early 1960,s. My mother, grandmother and aunt made countless Wednesday pilgramages to this place to receive the plate – and all too often, gravy dish – of the date. I believe I am still eating from these acquisions!
By that time, only the second level theaters were engaging in this practice. It seemed beneath the dignity of the RKO Greenpoints, Meseroles – and, in this context, the Madisons and Ridgewoods – of their time. I would be very interested to know if dish nights ever occurred at these “first class” venures.
Warren, to access the Building Dept’s site, start by logging in to the NYC web site – www.nyc.gov Once you get in, scroll down the agency listing to Buildings Dept. and enter. On the home page is a place where you can enter the borough and address that you wish to access.
With regard to the Eagle, the certificate of occupancy information is not helpful. Instead, you should look to the bottom of the page and click on “Actions”. This is where the applications that I noted above – as well as the architect’s phone number – can be found.
Hope you – or any other interested person – will find this helpful in detrmining what exactly is happening here.
I was able to visit this site after voting on Election Day and – guess what – no change.
I also reviewed the Building Dept. records for this address. While the they are not at all clear, several action submissions made in 2007 point to an alteration rather than a demolition. Since the architect’s telephone number was included on the form, I called it and left a few messages. While I don’t expect to hear from them, I will report any response that may occur.
I hope anyone with a keen eye for these things – or at least a keener eye than mine – will visit the Building Dept’s. web site and look up this address. I may very well be missing something here.
As one who lives a few blocks from the Trylon and walks by it a few times a week, I think I can fill in a few details about this theater and its recent history.
The Bucharians are an orthodox Jewish group who have emigrated into central Queens from what was once Soviet Central Asia. A number of them have become quite successful and have, most notably, built many of the “McMansions” that have been constructed in Forest Hills' oldest residential community – the Cord Meyer development. This has, to put it mildly, generated a strong reaction from the older residents. (An extensive – and well balanced – account of this conflict appeared about a month or so ago in the NY Times.)
The re-use of the Trylon for its present purpose was pretty much a “done deal” soon after the theater closed. For reasons that I am not aware of, however, the project did nor get off the ground and the old theater stood vacant for a number of years.
When the project finally commenced, the Bucharians applied the same architectural aesthetic that they used in constructing the McMansions. Most visibly, the art deco ticket booth and outer lobby were rudely destroyed almost overnight.
These actions generated strong protests from the preservation community, especially Michael Perlman. A “Save the Ridgewood” like petition was created and an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure landmark status was initiated. (Far more extensive accounts of these actions appear in previous posts.)
While these efforts proved unavailing, some informal arrangements were made regarding the course of future exterior work. This is why the awning, which suffered serious deterioration during the years of unuse, was refurbished to somewhat reflect its former design. (Obviously, it once again needs more work.) This is also why the tower was not gutted and replaced by some monstrosity. Finally, this is why the signage for the center that replaced the Trylon’s signage retained the former’s style and lettering. The results may be as unsatisfactory as the previous comments suggest, but this did prevent the wholesale eradication of the old theater’s exterior. (Michael, I would very very interested to hear your take on these “arrangements” since you are clearly more familiar with the specifics than I am.)
While I have not been inside the theater, the reports that I have received have not been encouraging. Suffice it to say, garish marble and ostentatious chandeliers have apparently replaced the art deco glory. While I hope these reports prove unfounded, I very much doubt that that will be the case.
I hope this did not repeat too much of what many of you already know, but I also believe that presenting a more comprehensive picture of this story has its merits.
Hope to hear from you on this – especially those who will tell me where I got things wrong – and where I got it right.
Great discussion.
Just wanted you to know that the Ridgewood Times/Times Newsweekly has just printed its 100th anniversary issue. It contains a treasure trove of old pictures of the Ridgewood, Bushwick, Glendale, Middle Village, etc. communities. Included therein are, of course, MANY pictures of the great movie houses – including the Bushwick – that once served the area. While the edition will probably go on line in a little while, many of the pictures might not be carried over. So, if you can, you really should take a trip to the old neighborhood to fetch a copy – and enjoy.
After I posted the last message, I reviewed the Buildings and Finance Department data about this address and made a second site visit. The findings are by no means consistent but basically indicate that the long since demolished New Ideal Theatre was located between the building with the Hebrew script and Melrose St. The “Hebrew” building probably abutted the movie theater but was not part of it, though this is not clear.
In 1920, the Buildings Dept. awarded a Certificate of Occupancy for “151 – 163” Knickerbocker. The subject of the award is illegible but appears to concern “stores” or at least some sort of commercial use. (If anyone can make better sense of this document, good luck.) Then, in 1940, an – unexplained – zoning variance was granted for 151-159. These documents appear to verify that the site was approved for a theater in 1920 and then OKed for something else on the latter date. (The Finance Dept. map also verifies this location of 151 Knickerbocker.)
Things get a little more complicated when we turn to the 1990’s. In 1995, two C of O’s were granted for 151 Knickerbocker. These, however, concerned the portion of the block between Flushing Ave. and the “Hebrew script” building. So it seems that 151 Knickerbocker is one of the most desired addresses in all of Brooklyn!
Finally, during my site visit, I noted that a sign for the CRT Trading Company, which occupies the buildings situated between the “Hebrew script” building and Melrose St. states a 151 Knickerbocker Ave. address. (Phone calls made to the stated number were not answered.)
Based on all this, it appears most likely that the New Ideal was situated between the “Hebrew script” building and Melrose St. Whether that enigmatic building ever served any cinematic function is unlikely, but certainly not out of the question.
Any additional assistance in clearing this up will be greatly appreciated.
My journey today took me to this site, and I have a lot to report.
Although it has been partially demolished, the iron beams that supported the Eagle’s roof and its entire side and rear brick shell have been retained. This strongly suggests that the new use will not entirely replace what previously existed but will build upon the old structure’s shell.
In any event, what now exists makes a terrific picture – which the lack of a camera prevented me from taking. So get out there before it’s too late – and snap away!
I visited this site today. This is really interesting stuff.
151 Knickerbocker Ave. is a narrow – 19 ft. wide – 3 story brick building that was clearly built early in the last century – well after the movie use dates noted in the introduction. The first floor appears to be commercial and it also extends a bit further back than do the upper two floors. (This could be a more recent extension.) The two upper floors look residential – though this is hardly clear. Most tellingly, a frieze exists above the first floor windows that is written in Hebrew script. By the looks of things, this suggests a public (religious) use – probably a small synagogue. (If anyone who can read Hebrew can visit this site, it would be most appreciated.)
If not for the Hebrew frieze, I would have to conclude that this building never hosted any public use – much less a movie theater. But the first floor may have had a more interesting life. In short, this can be either a totally fictitious site – or one of the most interesting.
I made an on-site visit of this site today and can report the following.
368 Bushwick is located accross the street from what Bway suggests. Specifically, the Echo was situated right down the block from the Bushwick Public Library (340 Bushwick) and near the intersection of Bushwick Ave. and Morell St. Along with Morell St., it is now included within the confines of the Bushwick-Hylan housing project, which was constructed around 1950.
Given the Echo’s demise in the 1940’s, this scenario makes sense.
No, the building is brick, but it conforms to the construction designs that dominated the first decade of the last century.
This is why the question is close.
Well, an on-site visit has undercut one of my stronger arguments regarding the Casino’s current site. Specifically, the two buildings with 1900 era building permits were NOT part of the same development. Instead, they are wood frame buildings that definetely were constructed before their masonry built neighbors. (This is a problem that occurs when you rely too much on the internet for research.)
However, it still seems pretty clear to me that the brick buildings were still constructed before the Ridgewood Casino became history.
So, this is still a pretty close question.
The key point here, at least for me, is that all of the buildings on the block-front containing 383 Knickerbocker were almost certainly constructed at least a decade prior to the date on which the Ridgewood Casino appeared in the records. Unless a clearly erroneous address was provided at that time, one that would have placed the theater on an entirely different block – certainly a possibility – it is difficult not to conclude that the building that hosted this tiny theater still exists. (Slight discrepancies like the 381/383 Knickerbocker that exists here have cropped up many, many times in these pages.)
Thanks for the compliment, Lost Memory, but without sounding like a broken record, I hope you would take a glance at the posts that I have entered on the Ridgewood Casino page. I think I am on to something regarding this long forgotten theater, and I would be fascinated to hear your assessment of my findings.
Hope to hear from you soon.
A previous post to this page stated that 474 Hamburg Ave. initially hosted a theater called the Jefferson Casino. So that probably explains the name appearing on the facade in the picture.
In addition, the theater in the 1908 photo does not at all appear to be large enough to accommodate a 600 person capacity. For this reason, the 1926 alteration that Lost Memory noted above probably involved a pretty significant reconstruction and expansion of what became the Grove. It would be great if anyone can come up with a post 1928 picture.
In this case, the – at least short term – fate of the Grove was different than that experienced by small pre-code theaters like the Ridgewood Casino, that closed and then saw their buildings converted into other commercial uses.
Thanks, Warren. I did not realize that McElfatrick designed the RKO Greenpoint, where I spent many afternoons in my youth.
The correction appears on page 2 in tomorrow’s Real Estate section.
Since the main point of the piece concerned Lanb’s EXTERIOR designs, the error was pretty egregious and certainly extremely unfair to McElfatrick.
Warren, can you provide us with a few other examples of McElfatrick’s work?
Michael, your upbeat response to my rather cynical comment shamed me into entering a piece on the Ridgewood petition in the www.BushwickBk.com blog. It appears that this has generated at least a few additional signatures. Hopefully, more people will read the piece and sign the petition in the future.
Turning to living theaters, has anyone heard how the Cinemart is doing these days? I know that when the Atlas mall opened, a real fear was expressed on the Cinemart’s page that the end might very well be near. But its demise has, to date, not come about. So, does anyone have any news to share?
Peter, as always I have enjoyed your comments on this and many other pages.
Turning to the Ridgewood’s current plight, I think we need to reflect upon the rather paltry response that the “Save the Ridgewood” campaign has generated to date. Let’s face it, slightly over 200 signatures – many of which possess no relationship whatsover to the Ridgewood – has not been very impressive. It may also – as much as I hate to admit it – reinforce Warren’s caustic comments that most of this page’s entries have not reflected current moviegoing patterns. In any event, unless we can devise a strategy to significantly increase community support, this whole effort may simply provide the owner with an additional justification to do whatever he pleases.
Previously, I tried to bring the new residents of Bushwick into the mix. I doubt that this had much of an effect. In addition, efforts should be made to ask the two affected community boards – Brookly #4 and Queens #5 – to get involved. But the fact remains that, minus real and current local support, the Ridgewood does not have much going for it.
Let me end on a personal note. When you visit the Ridgewood Theater site, please also take a gander at the Ridgewood Casino. This ancient – and hardly visited – site may provide some hidden surprises. In several posts, I have tried to establish that the actual site of this old theater – which clearly closed in the 1910’s – still exists. I really hope that the Peters and Bways and Lost Memories – and even the Warrens – spend a few moments here and provide your comments – even if you conclude that I do not know what I am talking about!!
Talk soon.
Still one more point on this item. While no Building Dept. action involved 383 Knickerbocker prior to 1915, a number of such actions affected other Knickerbocker Ave. buildings on that block as early as 1900. Since the the entire blockfront was almost certainly constructed at the same time, it seems pretty clear that the building that hosted the Ridgewood Casino was the same building that stands today.
Thus, unless compelling arguments to the contrary can be presented, I believe the theater should be listed as closed but not demolished. I would really love to hear some comments on this item – even those that demonstrate that I don’t know what I am talking about. Please respond.
These are wonderful pictures, Warren. Thanks so much.
Having sneaked in to catch the end of a mass several years ago, I agree that you really need to see the old theater in person to appreciate the success of the conversion.
A real key to the external conversion concerns the selection of the style – Romanesque – that the church made. Since Romanesque churches could not support large windows, as the outer walls had to bear the building’s full weight, the lack of any side windows does not undercut the success of the project. In addition, the Romanesque portal and bell tower seamlessly conform to the dimensions of the old theater’s entrance.
In short, this was a terrific achievement. As it did not have to turn out this way, it should not be taken for granted.
After reading several comments from other pages, I came up with another reason to conclude that the old movie site still exists. Specifically, until the mid 1910’s, building codes covering movie houses were nearly nonexistent. Even after their enactment, the codes were rarely enforced. This means that a 200 capacity “theater” could very well haved been jammed into this small storefront. While this would have been a notorious firetrap and hardly a paragon of comfort, it could have existed here, at least for a few years. In time, more aggressive code enforcement as well as the creation of superior competitors would cause the Casino’s demise; but the old building is still probably there.
Given the interest that other old theaters have generated – especially in Bushwick and Ridgewood – I am surprised by the lack of interest demonstrated here. We may have a real find just under our noses, and no one appears to care. Any ideas?
Wonderful picture, J. F. Lundy! I noticed that the supermarket that is now situated across the street from the bank was not yet a reality at that time. A few really ancient houses occupied that site.
By the way Butch, the supermarket across the street was a Bohacks, not an A&P. The latter was situated down the block from the bank and did feature two levels. Interestingly, when the A&P relocated, it moved into space that had previously been occupied by the old Greenpoint RKO. It is now a gym.
I believe the Stetson Hat sign survived for many years. I vaguely remember it in my younger years.
Again, thanks for the memories!
Warren, thanks so much for the pictures. What a loss!!