As Mel Allen would say, “going, going, gone”. As of today, absolutely nothing remains of the old theater; it is now little more than an empty lot – that will soon be replaced by yet another high rise building. While I had hoped that some remnant of the theater could re-emerge during the demolition, this was not to be. So, adieu, City Hall Theatre!
While the Polanaise Terrace did close in 2013, it was never demolished and has remained vacant since that time. Given Greenpoint’s very hot real estate market, that is very surprising. Anyhow, an article in today’s DNA NY states that something called the Brooklyn Night Bazaar will call the old building home next September. So, the old place is still there – for the time being.
I think it was the one with Hercules – the guy who played Hercules appeared with them. A few years ago, someone noted the date of these appearances at a number of theaters. If you search this thread, you may find this reference.
This will provide an update on the demise of this building. As of today, the buildings situated between the old theater and Beekman Street to the north have been totally leveled. The demolition of the old City Hall Theatre is just beginning. Perhaps some elements of this old theater will briefly be viewable – or not – as it is razed.In any event, this will be the last time to view whatever remains of this theater.
I am sorry to say that, as I write this, the building that once housed this movie theater is in the process of being demolished. This is part of a big project that affects a number of buildings situated on the east side of Park Row, just south of Beekman Street. I am sure that yet another skyscraper will soon replace this row of five or so story buildings.
During the next few weeks, portions of the theater’s old interior may be briefly viewed as the building is demolished. So, if you have a camera, this may be the time to visit this site.
If the buildings depicted on the Google map include the old theater’s address, then the building was probably not demolished but just re-used for another purpose. All of these wood frame houses were built before the 1910’s. In all probability, this was a tiny Nickelodium type theater that had a pretty brief existence and then closed up shop.
Thanks robboehm for the photo; this is the same picture that was posted some time ago but then suddenly vanished. Hopefully, it will be featured at the top of this treater’s main page.
I was able to visit this site yesterday. Not only does the old building look in pretty good shape but the site is now being advertized as being for lease. This could provide an opportunity for the new arty community in Bushwick to secure a very interesting venue. As it appears that the old theater has not been altered, this could make for a very promising situation. Let’s see what – if anything – happens.
I finally passed by this site today and – yes- nothing of the former theater remains. Only a vacant lot – which will probably not remain vacant for long, though, who knows – remains.
I passed by the site yesterday. Construction has very much commenced on the new Alhambra apartments site. It looks like this will be a very interesting restorative job – a great homage to the past. Too bad the old day care center was swept to the wayside.
An article in a local blog indicates that the construction of a large seven story yeshiva is proposed to occur on this site. This has now become a very large and very orthodox Jewish community.
Thanks for providing not only a glimpse of the old theater but also of the long gone blockfront. Everything has changed, Queens Restaurant moved up the block and a Barnes and Noble book store now occupies the first two floors of the large building that runs through the entire block.
Thanks so much for performing this important service. By the way, do you have any idea why these parties – and we know who they are – decided to take their contributions away from Cinema Treasures? Was this done at their volition – or did the web site take any action here?
The local papers have now announced that – believe it or not – a Starbucks will open at this location. This will make it the first Starbucks to open in either Ridgewood or Bushwick.
Thanks so much for this vintage photo, robboehm. Since so many of the old pictures that were once posted have disappeared, it’s great to see some new ones.
While the picture is very blurry, I was able to – I think – make our the lower film as being “The Forest Rangers”. Since this film, which starred Fred MacMurray, Paulette Goddard and a young Susan Hayward, was released in late 1942, this shot was probably taken sometime in 1943. The fact that the Nassau was clearly not a first run theater should explain the time lapse.
Just google brownstoner and open its main brooklyn link. The article was posted earlier today. Sorry I cannot be more specific but I can’t negotiate the current way to link things in this page.
I subsequent post in Brownstoner confirmed that the old building has now been demolished in preparation for its all too modern replacement. Thus, the closed/demolished tag should now be applied to the old Public Palace. RIP.
As Mel Allen would say, “going, going, gone”. As of today, absolutely nothing remains of the old theater; it is now little more than an empty lot – that will soon be replaced by yet another high rise building. While I had hoped that some remnant of the theater could re-emerge during the demolition, this was not to be. So, adieu, City Hall Theatre!
While the Polanaise Terrace did close in 2013, it was never demolished and has remained vacant since that time. Given Greenpoint’s very hot real estate market, that is very surprising. Anyhow, an article in today’s DNA NY states that something called the Brooklyn Night Bazaar will call the old building home next September. So, the old place is still there – for the time being.
Whether this address ever or not once hosted a movie theater, it did not involve this building.
I think it was the one with Hercules – the guy who played Hercules appeared with them. A few years ago, someone noted the date of these appearances at a number of theaters. If you search this thread, you may find this reference.
This will provide an update on the demise of this building. As of today, the buildings situated between the old theater and Beekman Street to the north have been totally leveled. The demolition of the old City Hall Theatre is just beginning. Perhaps some elements of this old theater will briefly be viewable – or not – as it is razed.In any event, this will be the last time to view whatever remains of this theater.
I am sorry to say that, as I write this, the building that once housed this movie theater is in the process of being demolished. This is part of a big project that affects a number of buildings situated on the east side of Park Row, just south of Beekman Street. I am sure that yet another skyscraper will soon replace this row of five or so story buildings.
During the next few weeks, portions of the theater’s old interior may be briefly viewed as the building is demolished. So, if you have a camera, this may be the time to visit this site.
I am sure this was a very small makeshift theater that was not designed in any notable style. Most of the theaters like it closed before the 1920’s.
If the buildings depicted on the Google map include the old theater’s address, then the building was probably not demolished but just re-used for another purpose. All of these wood frame houses were built before the 1910’s. In all probability, this was a tiny Nickelodium type theater that had a pretty brief existence and then closed up shop.
This is unbelievable! Who would have thought that anything like this would ever open in this once god forsaken area.
Thanks so much for posting the three photos from 1921. They are certainly worth a look – and the Parthenon was still in Brooklyn!
What a terrific photo. Thanks for posting it.
The sheer stupidity of this continues.
Thanks robboehm for the photo; this is the same picture that was posted some time ago but then suddenly vanished. Hopefully, it will be featured at the top of this treater’s main page.
I was able to visit this site yesterday. Not only does the old building look in pretty good shape but the site is now being advertized as being for lease. This could provide an opportunity for the new arty community in Bushwick to secure a very interesting venue. As it appears that the old theater has not been altered, this could make for a very promising situation. Let’s see what – if anything – happens.
I finally passed by this site today and – yes- nothing of the former theater remains. Only a vacant lot – which will probably not remain vacant for long, though, who knows – remains.
I passed by the site yesterday. Construction has very much commenced on the new Alhambra apartments site. It looks like this will be a very interesting restorative job – a great homage to the past. Too bad the old day care center was swept to the wayside.
A terrific picture. I wonder if any of these buildings are still standing?
An article in a local blog indicates that the construction of a large seven story yeshiva is proposed to occur on this site. This has now become a very large and very orthodox Jewish community.
Thanks for providing not only a glimpse of the old theater but also of the long gone blockfront. Everything has changed, Queens Restaurant moved up the block and a Barnes and Noble book store now occupies the first two floors of the large building that runs through the entire block.
Thanks so much for performing this important service. By the way, do you have any idea why these parties – and we know who they are – decided to take their contributions away from Cinema Treasures? Was this done at their volition – or did the web site take any action here?
The local papers have now announced that – believe it or not – a Starbucks will open at this location. This will make it the first Starbucks to open in either Ridgewood or Bushwick.
Thanks so much for this vintage photo, robboehm. Since so many of the old pictures that were once posted have disappeared, it’s great to see some new ones.
While the picture is very blurry, I was able to – I think – make our the lower film as being “The Forest Rangers”. Since this film, which starred Fred MacMurray, Paulette Goddard and a young Susan Hayward, was released in late 1942, this shot was probably taken sometime in 1943. The fact that the Nassau was clearly not a first run theater should explain the time lapse.
Today’s Brownstoner blog reports that this site is now being demolished and will be replaced by a much needed supported housing development.
Just google brownstoner and open its main brooklyn link. The article was posted earlier today. Sorry I cannot be more specific but I can’t negotiate the current way to link things in this page.
I subsequent post in Brownstoner confirmed that the old building has now been demolished in preparation for its all too modern replacement. Thus, the closed/demolished tag should now be applied to the old Public Palace. RIP.