Supermarket May Be Built on Fortway Site

BROOKLYN, NY — A new supermarket may be built on the site of the recently closed Fortway Theater, according to a local developer. Though it’s not known exactly if that will happen, developer Spiro Geroulanos said he definitely does not want to turn the site into a condominium, but rather something that is more in line with the community’s needs.

The theater was originally built in 1928 and closed this past June, after Loews Cineplex decided not to go into a new lease agreement with the building’s owner. The theater was thought of as “revolutionary” when it first opened due to its atmospheric design (done by architect Charles Sandbloom), which looks like an outdoor garden, according to historians. Sandbloom also put in “electric stars” on the dark blue ceiling. Fortway was the second theater of this type to be built in Brooklyn. (Universal in Sunset Park was the first.)

Fortway originally had a Kilgen theater organ put in, and a stage in front of the main screen. Fortway was sectioned off when it became a Cineplex in the 70s.