Perhaps the only solution would be to gut and renovate.The remaining ornamentation in the theater could be removed and restored while the mural, and any other significant pieces including historic photographs could be put on display in the new lobby which could be used as a gallery.
I went to visit this theatre with an aunt who lives on the island, a few years ago and there was a group of unruly teenagers throwing candy at the screen and talking very loudly. The theatre is a large and not of architectural significance, but then neither is my aunts 1950’s, split level, imitation tudor, suburban tract home.
If a preservation group is started please keep us posted. I would love to make a contribution and I am sure that others would as well.
Remember that New York City has a great deal of resources that just need to be tapped into. If this is a commercial infill site, adjacent retail space can be used to generate income and the buisness would get tax incentives. I am sure that with good marketing the people of NYC would love to support this palacial structure. This is the last of the five wonder theaters that is not being developed into some type of venue. Such an edifice should be preserved, especially with the demise of American architecture these days.
Dont let them trample on the divine!
And that is even more reason to preserve it. Come up with a smear campaign that will make them appear to be corporate giants depriving the community of treasures. Handcuff yourselves to it if you must.
This will be a glorious occasion. I have already called to order an invitation. Tickets to the black tie gala opening on Dec 4th will be available for $150.00. Perhaps we can all sit at the same table and finally meet. It should be great fun!
When I receive the information an update will be provided.
It is such a trajedy that this movie palace has suffered demise but in its current state it has beautiful artistic qualities. The music video at: http://216.219.202.231/bigbirdie.html was so energetic and hip embracing the faded glory of this former grand theatre.
Thank you for sharing Kevin. You did a wonderful job capturing the esscence.
It probably isn’t sarcasm to “those people”. Why dont we wait for one of them to view the comments and voice their opinion on the topic to determine this.
Oh no Andy, I have definately got the right guy, or have you forgotten the posting you left 9 spaces up?
My indignation was made approrriately, It was your comment that was inappropriate. Although you seem to have changed your attitude on the topic.
Doug,
I agree with you 100% on this sensitive conversion. In NYC too many picture palaces have been gutted for oversized drugstores and other retail venues. If only all buisness owners would take time to restore embellishments on formerly grand buildings, they would attract more custostomers who enjoy surrounding themselves in oppulence. Recently a vacant bank building in the Bronx NYC has been turned into an upscale Mexican restaurant/nightclub and it has been applauded by the community for all of the restoration work done on the elaborate grillwork, as well as the delicious food and goregeous mariachi singers in decadent costume.
Andy,
It is disgusting to think that in modern American society, some people still havent culturally advanced enough, to stop their fear and prejudice toward other ethnic groups. Especially in a community where South Americans and Mexicans live. The majority of them have been on the western hemisphere longer than us and survived brutal colonialism from both the Spaniards and the Americans. Mexico would probably have been more prosperous if greed hadn’t driven America to steal California with its gold, Nevada with its silver, and Texas with its oil as well as Arizona and New Mexico which were all part of their empire. We are all immigrants in some way or another. Over sixty percent of the people in these groups are Spanish speaking Aztec, Mayan, Inca, and Native American decendants. Yet when they migrate north they are greeted by hate.I suppose this is a repeating pattern that always occurs when new waves of ethnic groups enter any region of North America.It happened to the waves of Irish and Italian immigrants arriving in New York at the turn of the century when help wanted signs would bear the cruel words “no Irish” or “no Italians”.It happened to upper and middle class Jews who could not live on Park or Fifth Avenue and had to build a Jewish Fifth Ave (The Grand Concourse). We all know what happened to the African American community upon arrival with the evils segregation policies.
So I suppose that this might be a tradition in New York.
In this cultural melting pot we have to find a way to live together and embrace all of the colors in this rainbow that that we know as New York City.
Prejudice is taught, so unteach yourself.
Once you let go of those fears, you will be free and have love for everyone.
Warren,
The owners must be doing something right since they are still doing good buisness with subtitles in Spanish. I wasnt aware that the subtitles block the entire screen and would cause patrons to go elsewhere. I for one will be attending since it will help me practice for my Spanish class next semester. Are you saying that it is inapprorriate to have subtitles since Spanish, a language spoken by most of the area residents, buisness owners and patrons of the theater. Perhaps you should suggest that subtitles be removed from theaters showing foreign films as well. At foreign film festivals we can all just sit around in the dark and guess what the actors are saying.
I attended the wedding of my mothers office clerk at the crystal Palace and there are some beautiful elements in the lobby but the banquet hall we were in was somewhat tacky and overdone. There was an oversized light fixture in the center adorned with plastic prisms that fell off when the bride tossed the bouquet. It is not oppulent and graceful to the trained eye with good taste.
This theater became a hot sheet motel and was an eyesore for years.
Not too long after Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion was sworn in, he and a van full of policeman raided the former movie palace and closed it down. Since then Howard Johnson has taken over and renovated the interior and exterior of the building. Because of this and increased police prescence prostitutes have been doing buisness elsewhere. The entire area which suffered from the urban decay and mysterious fires in NYC during the 70’s is being revitalized by community groups, the trendy Bronx river art gallery and a team of Bronx River restoration organizations that have installed a greenway along the banks of the river. NYC Market rate homes are now being built on former empty lots with more applicants than homes as well as affordable housing for seniors and the low income families.
Actually these fires werent mysterious at all they were usually set by landlords in rent controlled apartament buildings to milk the insurance companies. So what did the city do about it?
They shut down several fire houses down in the decade when the south central section of the bronx was burning.
I believe that the interior is still in tact althoug it closed before I was of legal age to enter since the arthouse became graphically artistic in the 1980’s.
Woody Darling,
Your story was wonderful, but when you write that there were dirty old trouser fumblers hanging round the door having a fag it can mean something completely different in American English for those that dont understand the true meaning of the word fag. Be careful with that phrase.
To answer your question Anita, we must support the venue by attending performances and by informing people of this theaters splendor. Though once the press preview is done with I’m sure that we wont have to inform people about it. The theater is already known throughout the country with all the tourists who would go home and tell others about their experiences. I work for a prestigious cultural institution in the Bronx NYC and even foreigners have questioned me about the legend. Fordham Road has improved greatly, and as Bronxites we should continue to shop here and support our local economy.
Perhaps the only solution would be to gut and renovate.The remaining ornamentation in the theater could be removed and restored while the mural, and any other significant pieces including historic photographs could be put on display in the new lobby which could be used as a gallery.
I went to visit this theatre with an aunt who lives on the island, a few years ago and there was a group of unruly teenagers throwing candy at the screen and talking very loudly. The theatre is a large and not of architectural significance, but then neither is my aunts 1950’s, split level, imitation tudor, suburban tract home.
Has anyone ever been in the theatre during an earthquake/power failure?
If a preservation group is started please keep us posted. I would love to make a contribution and I am sure that others would as well.
Remember that New York City has a great deal of resources that just need to be tapped into. If this is a commercial infill site, adjacent retail space can be used to generate income and the buisness would get tax incentives. I am sure that with good marketing the people of NYC would love to support this palacial structure. This is the last of the five wonder theaters that is not being developed into some type of venue. Such an edifice should be preserved, especially with the demise of American architecture these days.
Dont let them trample on the divine!
Does anyone have images of the interior/exterior?
What is standing in its place?
And that is even more reason to preserve it. Come up with a smear campaign that will make them appear to be corporate giants depriving the community of treasures. Handcuff yourselves to it if you must.
TRY!
It wont hurt.
This will be a glorious occasion. I have already called to order an invitation. Tickets to the black tie gala opening on Dec 4th will be available for $150.00. Perhaps we can all sit at the same table and finally meet. It should be great fun!
When I receive the information an update will be provided.
It is such a trajedy that this movie palace has suffered demise but in its current state it has beautiful artistic qualities. The music video at: http://216.219.202.231/bigbirdie.html was so energetic and hip embracing the faded glory of this former grand theatre.
Thank you for sharing Kevin. You did a wonderful job capturing the esscence.
The new number is: (201) 377-3100.
Absolutely magnificent! So sad that this unique movie palace was demolished in such recent times.
It probably isn’t sarcasm to “those people”. Why dont we wait for one of them to view the comments and voice their opinion on the topic to determine this.
Oh no Andy, I have definately got the right guy, or have you forgotten the posting you left 9 spaces up?
My indignation was made approrriately, It was your comment that was inappropriate. Although you seem to have changed your attitude on the topic.
Doug,
I agree with you 100% on this sensitive conversion. In NYC too many picture palaces have been gutted for oversized drugstores and other retail venues. If only all buisness owners would take time to restore embellishments on formerly grand buildings, they would attract more custostomers who enjoy surrounding themselves in oppulence. Recently a vacant bank building in the Bronx NYC has been turned into an upscale Mexican restaurant/nightclub and it has been applauded by the community for all of the restoration work done on the elaborate grillwork, as well as the delicious food and goregeous mariachi singers in decadent costume.
Very well said (or written) br91975!
Did anyone ever get to see the live canaries in the balcony?
What about the stuffed pigeons suspended from the ceiling in mid flight?
Andy,
It is disgusting to think that in modern American society, some people still havent culturally advanced enough, to stop their fear and prejudice toward other ethnic groups. Especially in a community where South Americans and Mexicans live. The majority of them have been on the western hemisphere longer than us and survived brutal colonialism from both the Spaniards and the Americans. Mexico would probably have been more prosperous if greed hadn’t driven America to steal California with its gold, Nevada with its silver, and Texas with its oil as well as Arizona and New Mexico which were all part of their empire. We are all immigrants in some way or another. Over sixty percent of the people in these groups are Spanish speaking Aztec, Mayan, Inca, and Native American decendants. Yet when they migrate north they are greeted by hate.I suppose this is a repeating pattern that always occurs when new waves of ethnic groups enter any region of North America.It happened to the waves of Irish and Italian immigrants arriving in New York at the turn of the century when help wanted signs would bear the cruel words “no Irish” or “no Italians”.It happened to upper and middle class Jews who could not live on Park or Fifth Avenue and had to build a Jewish Fifth Ave (The Grand Concourse). We all know what happened to the African American community upon arrival with the evils segregation policies.
So I suppose that this might be a tradition in New York.
In this cultural melting pot we have to find a way to live together and embrace all of the colors in this rainbow that that we know as New York City.
Prejudice is taught, so unteach yourself.
Once you let go of those fears, you will be free and have love for everyone.
Darling, I always play nice.
CORRECTION: the number(201) 659-1892 is now the number of a private residence.
Warren,
The owners must be doing something right since they are still doing good buisness with subtitles in Spanish. I wasnt aware that the subtitles block the entire screen and would cause patrons to go elsewhere. I for one will be attending since it will help me practice for my Spanish class next semester. Are you saying that it is inapprorriate to have subtitles since Spanish, a language spoken by most of the area residents, buisness owners and patrons of the theater. Perhaps you should suggest that subtitles be removed from theaters showing foreign films as well. At foreign film festivals we can all just sit around in the dark and guess what the actors are saying.
I attended the wedding of my mothers office clerk at the crystal Palace and there are some beautiful elements in the lobby but the banquet hall we were in was somewhat tacky and overdone. There was an oversized light fixture in the center adorned with plastic prisms that fell off when the bride tossed the bouquet. It is not oppulent and graceful to the trained eye with good taste.
This theater became a hot sheet motel and was an eyesore for years.
Not too long after Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion was sworn in, he and a van full of policeman raided the former movie palace and closed it down. Since then Howard Johnson has taken over and renovated the interior and exterior of the building. Because of this and increased police prescence prostitutes have been doing buisness elsewhere. The entire area which suffered from the urban decay and mysterious fires in NYC during the 70’s is being revitalized by community groups, the trendy Bronx river art gallery and a team of Bronx River restoration organizations that have installed a greenway along the banks of the river. NYC Market rate homes are now being built on former empty lots with more applicants than homes as well as affordable housing for seniors and the low income families.
Actually these fires werent mysterious at all they were usually set by landlords in rent controlled apartament buildings to milk the insurance companies. So what did the city do about it?
They shut down several fire houses down in the decade when the south central section of the bronx was burning.
I believe that the interior is still in tact althoug it closed before I was of legal age to enter since the arthouse became graphically artistic in the 1980’s.
Wonderful! Next time I am in the area I will stop by for a look.
Will this be a movie theater or lecture hall?
Woody Darling,
Your story was wonderful, but when you write that there were dirty old trouser fumblers hanging round the door having a fag it can mean something completely different in American English for those that dont understand the true meaning of the word fag. Be careful with that phrase.
To answer your question Anita, we must support the venue by attending performances and by informing people of this theaters splendor. Though once the press preview is done with I’m sure that we wont have to inform people about it. The theater is already known throughout the country with all the tourists who would go home and tell others about their experiences. I work for a prestigious cultural institution in the Bronx NYC and even foreigners have questioned me about the legend. Fordham Road has improved greatly, and as Bronxites we should continue to shop here and support our local economy.