Happy New Year!!! Thank you for the update, Peter, and thanks for your designation wishes, John! It would also be great if the LPC calendared a hearing for the mostly intact theater lobby. Individual Landmark status for the facade is the first priority. Anyway, the co-owner Mario Saggese said at the LPC hearing last March that they are committed towards preserving as much of the theater’s original features uncovered as possible. We must be proactive and on top of these preservation issues, but also feel somewhat relieved.
Demolishing this theater is a preservation travesty to all! The article references policians that doesn’t act on behalf of constituents and other theater preservationists and patrons. It is not at all beyond restorable.
Has City Council ever heard of acquiring grants after applying for State & National Register status? Landmark status? Working with the League of Historic American Theatres?
Hi Bway! Happy holidays!!! Do you have any photos from the time you patronized the Midway? It would be helpful, since I’d like to add as many noteworthy semi-vintage and vintage photos as possible, and give you and other parties credit on my Midway Theatre flickr photoset. I look forward to hearing from many other Cinema Treasures members on this thread. E-mail
I remember it being a quad theater as well, when I was younger. I am not sure if the screens were gutted completely in the late 90s. I assume that they took each of the 4 screens and divided them in half to bring us to 8 screens, and then was able to provide an additional screen by using a storage space, or carving one space of the quad into 3 rather. Thoughts, anyone?
This is an updated photoset courtesy of Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge each photo, and choose the resolution/size you prefer to view them in. It consists of facade photos in day & night, detailed theater lobby/foyer images, vintage images, and vintage ads. It will be updated on a gradual basis. If you have any other vintage photos or blueprints, or ads that we may not already have, please e-mail
They don’t care about our quality of life. They did it to line their pockets. The only way to restore the beautiful courtyard, would be to sell the building and have the future owner demolish the construction that lacks integrity. Shamefully, some of our neighbors are a disgrace. We must teach our children from early on, so they’ll be community-minded visionaries.
Thank you for your comment! The demolition of the Polk Theatre was a shame, so let’s hope that history won’t repeat itself. Would you be able to reach out to the former owner of the theater you worked at, and ask for some photos of the following theaters below?
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
The same article by Reporter Weilun Soon appears in the Queens Tribune. This is a great piece that is preservation-friendly, rather than drowning the theater in what a minute fraction of people want; another oversized condo with a demolished historic site. Hats off to Weilun Soon!
Based upon Boymelgreen’s vision for an “Anytown USA” high-rise, and Suzuki not being more open with the public regarding his plans, should he take it over, it doesn’t sit well. Will they ever get it? Their reputation is drastically diminished by a diverse, extensive coalition. May the sensible citizens with a creative vision prevail! A performing arts center in a restored theater could symbolize a major economic boom. This is no ordinary theater. It was designed by one of the world’s greatest, and the memories within its walls are phenomenal.
Read the latest piece of coverage – “A Community Emerges To Preserve A Beloved Flushing Theatre” by Weilun Soon, Dec 1, 2009 of Queens Uncovered: View link
I am from NY, and I hear the cries of CT members and that of locals. A theater is a cornerstone of all communities, and some have statewide and national significance. Willing demolition due to a developer’s greed is bad enough, but it is additionally sad when it happens unexpectedly due to fire. It is truly indeed a sad day. I hope the cause is investigated, and a conclusion is made. When the timing is right, the theater owners should realize the pivotal role the theater played in the community, and in conjunction with elected officials, and community residents, rebuild a historic Art Deco gem; an endangered species countrywide.
I am from NY, and I hear your cries and that of locals. Willing demolition due to a developer’s greed is bad enough, but it is additionally sad when it happens unexpectedly due to fire. It is truly indeed a sad day. I hope the cause is investigated, and a conclusion is made. When the timing is right, the theater owners should realize the pivotal role the theater played in the community, and in conjunction with elected officials, and community residents, rebuild a historic Art Deco gem; an endangered species countrywide.
I hope the 1939 Eagle/Earle Theatre (73-07 37th Road) and the 1924 Jackson Triplex (40-31 82nd Street) reopens as movie theaters, while any future owner would respect and restore their Art Deco and Italian Renaissance architectural features, respectively. They are a “diamond in the rough” with so many theaters demolished and shuttered today, and Queens cannot afford to lose anymore. We need someone with a creative vision, and has the community at heart.
Can someone please take a few up to date photos of the both theaters? I am seeking photos of the following:
The facades, including the marquee and entrance pavilion.
Some close-ups boasting its Art Deco and Italian Renaissance details, respectively.
A wide-angle of the block consisting of the theater as a central unit of a commercial strip.
Any building components that are not viewable from the frontage (i.e. side & back facades).
Interior photos
Any vintage photos you come across.
I will give you a photo credit, since I may be interested in featuring them in a few places as part of a preservation & revitalization campaign.
Preservation-minded parties should contact me, and I will provide advice on how to restore the theaters (funding opportunities) and make it viable. This approach has been successful for numerous theaters countrywide. Thank you!
Michael Perlman, Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp Queens VP
At the March 2009 Ridgewood Theatre Public Hearing, to determine its eligibility as an Individual Landmark (the facade), the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission said the commissioners will take a vote this fall, but the fall is almost over, and their calendar/agenda on their website does not indicate a date for the vote to be taken.
** The Ridgewood Theatre should NOT be amongst the “heard but not designated properties” list, where testimony was taken, but a vote and ultimately the property remained stagnant. Therefore, YOU CAN HELP by calling the Landmarks Commission and encouraging them to take a vote ASAP on the Ridgewood Theatre, so history shouldn’t repeat itself. Call &/or e-mail both LPC parties below, and post your findings here and e-mail Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre Chair Michael Perlman at Thank you!
Jenny Fernández
Director of Intergovernmental & Community Relations
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007
P: (212) 669-7923
F: (212) 669-7780
.gov
Robert Tierney
LPC Chairman
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007
P: (212) 669-7888
.gov
.gov
Lost Memory et al: There are programs such as the State & National Register of Historic Places, which is part of the NY State Historic Preservation Office, which would likely address such preservation-minded repairs, if the theater is nominated and determined eligible.
Can someone please take a few up to date photos of the theater? I am seeking photos of the following:
The Art Deco facade, including the marquee and entrance pavilion. 2. Some close-ups boasting its Art Deco details.
A wide-angle of the block consisting of the theater as a central unit of an Art Deco commercial strip.
Any building components that are not viewable from the frontage on 37th Rd.
Interior photos
Any vintage photos in existence.
Please e-mail me at I will give you a photo credit, since I may be interested in featuring them in a few places as part of a preservation & revitalization campaign. Thank you!
I forgot to mention that the Eagle/Earle Theatre was designed by a well-know architect, responsible for at least 127 theaters throughout the country; some of which are demolished since no one with a sense of history, community, and a plan came forward. Do not let this happen here. This is an opportunity to grasp, if done right!
I hope the Eagle/Earle Theatre reopens as a movie theater, while the new owners respect and restore its Art Deco architectural features. It is a “diamond in the rough” with so many theaters demolished and shuttered today, and Queens cannot afford to lose anymore. Preservation-minded parties should contact Michael Perlman, Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp Queens VP at and I will provide advice on how to restore the theater (funding opportunities) and make it viable. This approach has been successful for numerous theaters countrywide.
I see your point. Thanks for the creative feedback, and for taking the time out! Perhaps Ed &/or Rick on behalf of Friends of The RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre can read the article I posted, and come up with a consensus amongst members, and send it to City Council, City Planning, all assemblymembers, and mostly all forms of government that can play a role.
Read this story of an Atmospheric theater under restoration. Let’s relate it to the RKO Keith’s: View link What do you think Ed, Rick, Tom, & other CT fans?
I have sent a comprehensive press, preservation, and political list to all of your e-mails as an attachment, to guarantee receipt. Please let me know. I also included paragraph recommendations for the press release, since you started working on it. I look forward to doing all I can. Power to the people!
Happy New Year!!! Thank you for the update, Peter, and thanks for your designation wishes, John! It would also be great if the LPC calendared a hearing for the mostly intact theater lobby. Individual Landmark status for the facade is the first priority. Anyway, the co-owner Mario Saggese said at the LPC hearing last March that they are committed towards preserving as much of the theater’s original features uncovered as possible. We must be proactive and on top of these preservation issues, but also feel somewhat relieved.
Patsy, can you do the contacting? You are more familiar with this theater than I am.
Demolishing this theater is a preservation travesty to all! The article references policians that doesn’t act on behalf of constituents and other theater preservationists and patrons. It is not at all beyond restorable.
Has City Council ever heard of acquiring grants after applying for State & National Register status? Landmark status? Working with the League of Historic American Theatres?
SHAME ON PA CITY COUNCIL!
Hi Bway! Happy holidays!!! Do you have any photos from the time you patronized the Midway? It would be helpful, since I’d like to add as many noteworthy semi-vintage and vintage photos as possible, and give you and other parties credit on my Midway Theatre flickr photoset. I look forward to hearing from many other Cinema Treasures members on this thread. E-mail
I remember it being a quad theater as well, when I was younger. I am not sure if the screens were gutted completely in the late 90s. I assume that they took each of the 4 screens and divided them in half to bring us to 8 screens, and then was able to provide an additional screen by using a storage space, or carving one space of the quad into 3 rather. Thoughts, anyone?
This is an updated photoset courtesy of Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge each photo, and choose the resolution/size you prefer to view them in. It consists of facade photos in day & night, detailed theater lobby/foyer images, vintage images, and vintage ads. It will be updated on a gradual basis. If you have any other vintage photos or blueprints, or ads that we may not already have, please e-mail
Enjoy the photoset: View link
They don’t care about our quality of life. They did it to line their pockets. The only way to restore the beautiful courtyard, would be to sell the building and have the future owner demolish the construction that lacks integrity. Shamefully, some of our neighbors are a disgrace. We must teach our children from early on, so they’ll be community-minded visionaries.
Based on the above photo:
NOT what we envision for the RKO Keith’s Theatre!
Thank you for your comment! The demolition of the Polk Theatre was a shame, so let’s hope that history won’t repeat itself. Would you be able to reach out to the former owner of the theater you worked at, and ask for some photos of the following theaters below?
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
As part of a preservation and revitalize campaign, can some of my fellow theater enthusiasts assist me? I would appreciate high-quality exterior and interior photos, which illustrate the Italian Renaissance style of the Jackson Triplex, and Art Deco style of the Eagle/Earle Theatre. Photos of the streetscape which show them as a central unit of a commercial complex, and wide-angles and details of the facades would be great, as I’d like to feature them on flickr and give you credit.
Also, any historic photos and newspaper clippings, which would strengthen our preservation cause, would be much-appreciated. Please e-mail me at
Thank you,
Michael Perlman
Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
P.S. Does anyone have vintage photos of this theater?
The same article by Reporter Weilun Soon appears in the Queens Tribune. This is a great piece that is preservation-friendly, rather than drowning the theater in what a minute fraction of people want; another oversized condo with a demolished historic site. Hats off to Weilun Soon!
http://www.queenstribune.com/news/RKOFuture.html
Based upon Boymelgreen’s vision for an “Anytown USA” high-rise, and Suzuki not being more open with the public regarding his plans, should he take it over, it doesn’t sit well. Will they ever get it? Their reputation is drastically diminished by a diverse, extensive coalition. May the sensible citizens with a creative vision prevail! A performing arts center in a restored theater could symbolize a major economic boom. This is no ordinary theater. It was designed by one of the world’s greatest, and the memories within its walls are phenomenal.
Read the latest piece of coverage – “A Community Emerges To Preserve A Beloved Flushing Theatre” by Weilun Soon, Dec 1, 2009 of Queens Uncovered: View link
I am from NY, and I hear the cries of CT members and that of locals. A theater is a cornerstone of all communities, and some have statewide and national significance. Willing demolition due to a developer’s greed is bad enough, but it is additionally sad when it happens unexpectedly due to fire. It is truly indeed a sad day. I hope the cause is investigated, and a conclusion is made. When the timing is right, the theater owners should realize the pivotal role the theater played in the community, and in conjunction with elected officials, and community residents, rebuild a historic Art Deco gem; an endangered species countrywide.
I am from NY, and I hear your cries and that of locals. Willing demolition due to a developer’s greed is bad enough, but it is additionally sad when it happens unexpectedly due to fire. It is truly indeed a sad day. I hope the cause is investigated, and a conclusion is made. When the timing is right, the theater owners should realize the pivotal role the theater played in the community, and in conjunction with elected officials, and community residents, rebuild a historic Art Deco gem; an endangered species countrywide.
Hi Peter, Thank you! I look forward to hearing your findings.
I hope the 1939 Eagle/Earle Theatre (73-07 37th Road) and the 1924 Jackson Triplex (40-31 82nd Street) reopens as movie theaters, while any future owner would respect and restore their Art Deco and Italian Renaissance architectural features, respectively. They are a “diamond in the rough” with so many theaters demolished and shuttered today, and Queens cannot afford to lose anymore. We need someone with a creative vision, and has the community at heart.
Can someone please take a few up to date photos of the both theaters? I am seeking photos of the following:
I will give you a photo credit, since I may be interested in featuring them in a few places as part of a preservation & revitalization campaign.
Preservation-minded parties should contact me, and I will provide advice on how to restore the theaters (funding opportunities) and make it viable. This approach has been successful for numerous theaters countrywide. Thank you!
At the March 2009 Ridgewood Theatre Public Hearing, to determine its eligibility as an Individual Landmark (the facade), the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission said the commissioners will take a vote this fall, but the fall is almost over, and their calendar/agenda on their website does not indicate a date for the vote to be taken.
** The Ridgewood Theatre should NOT be amongst the “heard but not designated properties” list, where testimony was taken, but a vote and ultimately the property remained stagnant. Therefore, YOU CAN HELP by calling the Landmarks Commission and encouraging them to take a vote ASAP on the Ridgewood Theatre, so history shouldn’t repeat itself. Call &/or e-mail both LPC parties below, and post your findings here and e-mail Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre Chair Michael Perlman at Thank you!
Jenny Fernández
Director of Intergovernmental & Community Relations
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007
P: (212) 669-7923
F: (212) 669-7780
.gov
Robert Tierney
LPC Chairman
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007
P: (212) 669-7888
.gov
.gov
Lost Memory et al: There are programs such as the State & National Register of Historic Places, which is part of the NY State Historic Preservation Office, which would likely address such preservation-minded repairs, if the theater is nominated and determined eligible.
Can someone please take a few up to date photos of the theater? I am seeking photos of the following:
Please e-mail me at I will give you a photo credit, since I may be interested in featuring them in a few places as part of a preservation & revitalization campaign. Thank you!
I forgot to mention that the Eagle/Earle Theatre was designed by a well-know architect, responsible for at least 127 theaters throughout the country; some of which are demolished since no one with a sense of history, community, and a plan came forward. Do not let this happen here. This is an opportunity to grasp, if done right!
Daily News Nov 17, 2009 Article
Bollywood strike, rent hikes lead to loss of classic Jackson Heights movie houses
View link
I hope the Eagle/Earle Theatre reopens as a movie theater, while the new owners respect and restore its Art Deco architectural features. It is a “diamond in the rough” with so many theaters demolished and shuttered today, and Queens cannot afford to lose anymore. Preservation-minded parties should contact Michael Perlman, Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp Queens VP at and I will provide advice on how to restore the theater (funding opportunities) and make it viable. This approach has been successful for numerous theaters countrywide.
I see your point. Thanks for the creative feedback, and for taking the time out! Perhaps Ed &/or Rick on behalf of Friends of The RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre can read the article I posted, and come up with a consensus amongst members, and send it to City Council, City Planning, all assemblymembers, and mostly all forms of government that can play a role.
Read this story of an Atmospheric theater under restoration. Let’s relate it to the RKO Keith’s: View link What do you think Ed, Rick, Tom, & other CT fans?
I have sent a comprehensive press, preservation, and political list to all of your e-mails as an attachment, to guarantee receipt. Please let me know. I also included paragraph recommendations for the press release, since you started working on it. I look forward to doing all I can. Power to the people!