Comments from NativeForestHiller

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NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater Endangered! on Aug 6, 2005 at 12:45 pm

URGENT UPDATE (Please read): Many Forest Hills and Rego Park, NY residents feel strongly about the preservation of the Art Deco/Moderne Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd). However, last week it was heartbreaking to see demolition men smashing the Art Deco mosaic tiles on the ticket booth with a jack hammer, & boarding up the entrance pavillion. It is going to be converted into a Bukharian Center. I tried contacting the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to have at least the facade landmarked, since it is one of the LAST STANDING architectural & historical gems that bear strong significance to the 1939 World’s Fair. The LPC told me that they are aware of it, and they’re concerned as well, but they are slow in acting. They advised me to also contact other historical societies/preservation groups, and spread the word. Hopefully, we can have the Trylon theater landmarked, and possibly coordinate a fundraiser to restore the exterior. I understand that the demolition of the RKO Keith Theatre in Flushing was halted by the city a little while ago, & is currently undergoing a restoration.

I was informed by a higher official that there is still a chance that the 1939 historic Trylon Theater can be saved, designated a landmark, & then a fundraiser/restoration can be organized. The only factor that is “preventing landmark designation” from the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission is a signature from local councilwoman, “Melinda Katz,” who is reluctant to give her approval. We need detailed letters, phone calls, & E-mails to Councilwoman Melinda Katz. It is not too late to convince her to reverse her decision! (This has to be a LOCAL & NATIONWIDE effort)

**CONTACT ASAP (1ST): COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ
104-01 METROPOLITAN AVE
FOREST HILLS, N.Y. 11375-6735
(718) 544-8800
.ny.us

PLEASE CC: ROBERT B. TIERNEY, CHAIR
NYC LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1 CENTRE ST, 9TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE/FAX: (212) 669-7955
.gov

Co-Chair of the Modern Architecture Working Group & Historic Districts Council would like to be contacted as well, so he can keep track of how many letters are being sent:
John Jurayj: E-mail:
Phone: (718)782-2007

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater Endangered! on Aug 6, 2005 at 12:38 pm

URGENT UPDATE (Please read): Many Forest Hills and Rego Park, NY residents feel strongly about the preservation of the Art Deco/Moderne Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd). However, last week it was heartbreaking to see demolition men smashing the Art Deco mosaic tiles on the ticket booth with a jack hammer, & boarding up the entrance pavillion. It is going to be converted into a Bukharian Center. I tried contacting the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to have at least the facade landmarked, since it is one of the LAST STANDING architectural & historical gems that bear strong significance to the 1939 World’s Fair. The LPC told me that they are aware of it, and they’re concerned as well, but they are slow in acting. They advised me to also contact other historical societies/preservation groups, and spread the word. Hopefully, we can have the Trylon theater landmarked, and possibly coordinate a fundraiser to restore the exterior. I understand that the demolition of the RKO Keith Theatre in Flushing was halted by the city a little while ago, & is currently undergoing a restoration.

I was informed by a higher official that there is still a chance that the 1939 historic Trylon Theater can be saved, designated a landmark, & then a fundraiser/restoration can be organized. The only factor that is “preventing landmark designation” from the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission is a signature from local councilwoman, “Melinda Katz,” who is reluctant to give her approval. We need detailed letters, phone calls, & E-mails to Councilwoman Melinda Katz. It is not too late to convince her to reverse her decision! (This has to be a LOCAL & NATIONWIDE effort)

**CONTACT ASAP (1ST): COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ
104-01 METROPOLITAN AVE
FOREST HILLS, N.Y. 11375-6735
(718) 544-8800
.ny.us

PLEASE CC: ROBERT B. TIERNEY, CHAIR
NYC LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1 CENTRE ST, 9TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE/FAX: (212) 669-7955
.gov

Co-Chair of the Modern Architecture Working Group & Historic Districts Council would like to be contacted as well, so he can keep track of how many letters are being sent:
John Jurayj: E-mail:
Phone: (718)782-2007

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about URGENT! The Trylon Theater Still Needs Your Help! on Aug 6, 2005 at 12:13 pm

URGENT UPDATE (Please read): Many Forest Hills and Rego Park, NY residents feel strongly about the preservation of the Art Deco/Moderne Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd). However, last week it was heartbreaking to see demolition men smashing the Art Deco mosaic tiles on the ticket booth with a jack hammer, & boarding up the entrance pavillion. It is going to be converted into a Bukharian Center. I tried contacting the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to have at least the facade landmarked, since it is one of the LAST STANDING architectural & historical gems that bear strong significance to the 1939 World’s Fair. The LPC told me that they are aware of it, and they’re concerned as well, but they are slow in acting. They advised me to also contact other historical societies/preservation groups, and spread the word. Hopefully, we can have the Trylon theater landmarked, and possibly coordinate a fundraiser to restore the exterior. I understand that the demolition of the RKO Keith Theatre in Flushing was halted by the city a little while ago, & is currently undergoing a restoration.

I was informed by a higher official that there is still a chance that the 1939 historic Trylon Theater can be saved, designated a landmark, & then a fundraiser/restoration can be organized. The only factor that is “preventing landmark designation” from the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission is a signature from local councilwoman, “Melinda Katz,” who is reluctant to give her approval. We need detailed letters, phone calls, & E-mails to Councilwoman Melinda Katz. It is not too late to convince her to reverse her decision! (This has to be a LOCAL & NATIONWIDE effort)

**CONTACT ASAP (1ST): COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ
104-01 METROPOLITAN AVE
FOREST HILLS, N.Y. 11375-6735
(718) 544-8800
.ny.us

PLEASE CC: ROBERT B. TIERNEY, CHAIR
NYC LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1 CENTRE ST, 9TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE/FAX: (212) 669-7955
.gov

Co-Chair of the Modern Architecture Working Group & Historic Districts Council would like to be contacted as well, so he can keep track of how many letters are being sent:
John Jurayj: E-mail:
Phone: (718)782-2007

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater on Aug 6, 2005 at 12:11 pm

URGENT (Please read): Many Forest Hills and Rego Park, NY residents feel strongly about the preservation of the Art Deco/Moderne Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd). However, last week it was heartbreaking to see demolition men smashing the Art Deco mosaic tiles on the ticket booth with a jack hammer, & boarding up the entrance pavillion. It is going to be converted into a Bukharian Center. I tried contacting the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to have at least the facade landmarked, since it is one of the LAST STANDING architectural & historical gems that bear strong significance to the 1939 World’s Fair. The LPC told me that they are aware of it, and they’re concerned as well, but they are slow in acting. They advised me to also contact other historical societies/preservation groups, and spread the word. Hopefully, we can have the Trylon theater landmarked, and possibly coordinate a fundraiser to restore the exterior. I understand that the demolition of the RKO Keith Theatre in Flushing was halted by the city a little while ago, & is currently undergoing a restoration.

I was informed by a higher official that there is still a chance that the 1939 historic Trylon Theater can be saved, designated a landmark, & then a fundraiser/restoration can be organized. The only factor that is “preventing landmark designation” from the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission is a signature from local councilwoman, “Melinda Katz,” who is reluctant to give her approval. We need detailed letters, phone calls, & E-mails to Councilwoman Melinda Katz. It is not too late to convince her to reverse her decision! (This has to be a LOCAL & NATIONWIDE effort)

**CONTACT ASAP (1ST): COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ
104-01 METROPOLITAN AVE
FOREST HILLS, N.Y. 11375-6735
(718) 544-8800
.ny.us

PLEASE CC: ROBERT B. TIERNEY, CHAIR
NYC LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1 CENTRE ST, 9TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE/FAX: (212) 669-7955
.gov

Co-Chair of the Modern Architecture Working Group & Historic Districts Council would like to be contacted as well, so he can keep track of how many letters are being sent:
John Jurayj: E-mail:
Phone: (718)782-2007

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Beekman Theatre on Aug 3, 2005 at 11:09 pm

Another case in which those evil landlords win out, & another failure for the Landmarks Preservation Commission!!! We don’t have too many theaters left around the city that were erected in mid-century modernism. A DAMN SHAME!!!!!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Keith's Theatre on Aug 3, 2005 at 10:53 pm

How could anyone be so cruel to destroy such a work of art in such a brutal way?!? I’m highly anticipating the completed Keith Theatre project. Can’t wait to tour it! A victory is finally being achieved!!! (If only that applied to more Queens theaters)

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Elmwood Theatre on Aug 2, 2005 at 9:16 pm

For my collection, it would mean a lot to me if someone can please send me some scans showing the Elmwood Theatre as a work in progress. My e-mail is The Rock Community Church is doing a superb job in preserving & restoring the Elmwood, but does anyone have an idea as to when work will be completed? Wooden boards surround the front for a while now. I hope to see the base restored as well, & the graffiti on top eliminated. Thank you, RCC for reusing the old theater space, & embellishing its ornate character & Queensboro Theatre day’s glory!!! Any chance of designating it a landmark?

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Gaiety Burlesk on Aug 2, 2005 at 8:59 pm

P.S. The theatre itself was first built around 1907. Around 1910-1915, it housed “Cafe Madrid” at its base, which was most likely a cabaret venue.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Gaiety Burlesk on Aug 2, 2005 at 8:53 pm

In the late 1990’s, preservations & Mayor Guiliani agreed to preserve as much of the “old Times Square” & Broadway theatres as possible. Very funny that the Duffy Theatre & Gaiety Theatre are being demolished. Was the agreement that they made, some sort of joke??? Developers of today have no mind of their own, since they insist on mimicing the current trends (i.e. of Times Sq). A solution is to restore these old structures, & if they desire a modern structure to rise, make an addition to the existing site (i.e. the theatre that housed Howard Johnson’s). There are times when the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission fails, as many NYers would agree.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Henry Miller's Theatre on Aug 1, 2005 at 8:06 pm

Bless the Landmarks Preservation Commission for prohibiting that naughty wrecking ball from demolishing the facade of the glorious Henry Miller’s Theater. Restoration of the Georgian facade is a great idea, but what good is a facade without its core…the Georgian-styled interior??? Passed by the former theater tonight, & what a heart-breaking sight!!!!! The interior of the theater could have been restored too, don’t you think?? Erasing years of Broadway history, & erecting a modern theater in a 1917 exterior is a case for the Guinness Book of World Records for shameful developers. Rebuilding the interior from scratch is a waste of time, effort, & disrespectful to its history. Anyone feel the same?

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Cinemart Cinemas on Jun 17, 2005 at 3:47 pm

Even though I live closer to Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, I occasionally take a stroll to the Cinemart on Metropolitan Ave to check out a good movie. I recall an elaborately carvered, impressive Coffered ceiling in the entranceway, painted black, gold, red, & white. I probably saw that ceiling two years back.

Last summer, however, I noticed “heartbreaking” industry standard, paper-thin, lackluster paneling concealing that ornate ceiling. If the Coffered ceiling was in place since the theater was built in the 20’s, why cover it up now, or cover it at all? Conclusion: Some people just don’t know what’s good! Can we convince the theater to remove that modern eyesore? That would feel so good! By the way, the intricate design of the carved ceiling balances sound so much better than modern accoustical tile. E-mail if you want to talk some more.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater on Jun 17, 2005 at 3:06 pm

A member on our site, m_acevedo, posted a very interesting point on another theater strand regarding the Trylon on Feb 12, 2004. It is as follows: “Another local “ghost” theater I have kept my eye on is the beautiful little deco palace the Trylon. One would think that Queensborough Hall would go out of its way to salavage a relic of the era of the fabled 1939 World’s Fair, especially they are so keen these days to promote the legacy of the old Fairgrounds as the possible site of the 2012 Olympics.”

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater on Jun 17, 2005 at 2:38 pm

A useful link providing Trylon history & its architectural importance to the Forest Hills/Rego Park landscape, as well as support options can be found at – http://www.hdc.org/trylon.htm Show you care! Thanks!!! ^._.^

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater on Jun 17, 2005 at 2:30 pm

P.S. Perhaps we can start an online petition for the Trylon Theatre? Any ideas?

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Trylon Theater on Jun 17, 2005 at 2:23 pm

Hi fellow theater history enthusiasts!!!
I’m a new member on this board. It’s great that we have such a site to spread the awareness of the current status of theaters worldwide. So many theaters are endangered worldwide by carelessness, and the greed of landlords & developers. Hopefully, more people will see our postings, & realize the need for preservation!!! Remember that our path to the future is marked by a strong foundation of the past. It’s a shame to see the 1939 Art Deco Trylon Theater sitting there in a state of disarray. I believe the Trylon Theatre on Qns Blvd is not a landmark at this point. It baffles me as to why Melinda Katz won’t give her approval to the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission (http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/about/), which is creating a major burden towards landmark designation. Selfish, isn’t it?? Is Joseph Nocerino an option? If you feel that any site is worthy of landmark designation, e-mail .org No one posted on this forum since March 2005. Has anyone heard any news lately regarding the Trylon? Wouldn’t it be great if we can organize a fund-raiser to at least restore the exterior, if not parts of the interior? Anyone interested? Let’s get a group together. Please write back. E-mail It’s a shame how history is being wiped away right before our eyes like an eraser applied to a blackboard. Let’s show that the “little people” can make a BIG difference!!!