Commodore Theater

New Building 1921
Opened 1922, seating capacity 1427
Architect: Groneberg & Leuchtag
Kimball organ
At one time part of the following chains: Fox, Randforce, UA
closed late 1970s later reopened.
Not only is it the last Williamsburg theatre, it is also the last along Brooklyn's Broadway
(an area once lined with theaters).

The theatre has a wonderful ceiling that looks like a Sevres cup.

Unfortunately, it is about to be converted into a yeshiva. A local hispanic group is trying to make stop the sale so it can be used as a cultural center. It would be a tragedy if it were not preserved as some kind of theater.

Commodore Theater
CLOSED for good in July of 2002

Instead of feeling sad over the closing of the Commodore ( I was scared out of my mind after seeing The Exorcist at the Commodore. It was where I held hands with a girlfriend while John Travolta gyrating to the sounds of the Bee Gees in Saturday Night Fever. Pure magic. The last movie I saw there was a movie starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez. The movie was playing in the 2 screen which used to be a balcony. You could hear the rumbling of the J train passing by. Lets celebrate the long life the Commodore had. She hung in there. She put up a good fight. At least it hasn't been turned into a tacky 99 cent store like the old Williamsburg Theater that was a few blocks away near the Williamsburg Bridge. I

This neighborhood has gone through such a resurgance it's suprising the theatre could not have been upgraded and survived.

I used to sell The Commodore their delicous Fruitpunch and Orange drink. That was in the Big Squeeeze jetspray machine on the candy counter...but besides being a vendor I was also a loyal patron, I would be there every weekend catching that $6 double-bill. I first went there in January 2000 with Next Friday..then the last time I was there in June 2002, I seen the last movie ever shown there Men in Black 2.In July 2002 we picked up our machine and said goodbye to owners Arthur and Angel.I really! really! really! miss that theatre, I had a personal connection with that theatre...during intermission they would play doo-wop over the loudspeakers..I am sad!

Does anyone have any current information on that status of the theater? I have found some investors who have expressed some interest re-opening it.

Eric, I beleive I might be able to get in contact with Angel and Arthur, they were my customers, whom I use to sell to.I think you have a great idea, hopefully your investor friends might be able to keep the $6.double feature price plan, I do have the beverage situation coverered.Drop me a line and we can try to get the ball rolling.

So the yeshiva plan is out the window? I knew Angel and Arthur well also having been in the biz until about 9 years ago.

If they reopen, hopefully they can fix the bad mono sound and poor projection that theatre had.

But good luck if they reopen.

I am currently working at one of the major new real estate developments in w'burg,and as such direct line to the current owner of the property at 329 broadway. Reopening the commodore would be of tremendous cultural benefit to the area, mandrewwhitehead@yahoo.com

Okay people. Here's the deal. I have talked up this theater to loads of people, some of which have expressed interest in investing. But at this point all that I can tell them is that there is this beautiful old theater that, if re-opened, would be the only theater around. I moved to the neighborhood shortly after the theater closed, so I've never even seen the inside of it.

I need to gather more information before I can go any further. Is the theater available for lease? How large is it inside? Who are the current owners? Are there plans to turn it into the school? What ever happened with the attempts to get the building designated as an historical landmark? What is the current structural state of the building? What condition are the seats/screens/general decor in? What, if any, equipment is still in the theater? (projection, sound, etc...). What community groups would be most interested in seeing the theater re-open?

So I have loads of questions. Anyone who want's to share information with me please feel free to post here. You can also e-mail me at ericsoup@hotmail.com I really don't know how feasible it would be to re-open this theater, but I think that it's worth investigating. And who knows, maybe we could get it open and running again. It would be a really great thing for the community. Lets see what we can do...

Eric,
I would be interesting in talking to you about opening a theater in Williamsburg, either this one or another theater. If it does re-open I think it needs to be like a Film Forum or the Angelika. It is only a matter of time before Loews comes to Williamsburg. In fact that vacant land on Bedford Ave right before the park was suppose to be a multiplex I am told, but it was an old paint factory that dumped toxins into the soil. Now there has been an ongoing to dispute as to who pays for the cleanup, the one who illegally dumped or the new owner. I do believe an article about the theater, about the ticket taker who owned the stock that kept the theater open as long as it could. They tried to get financing to keep it open but it fell through. So the ticket taker finally gave in an sold his shares.

Adam

Adam

Eric,
I would be interesting in talking to you about opening a theater in Williamsburg, either this one or another theater. If it does re-open I think it needs to be like a Film Forum or the Angelika. It is only a matter of time before Loews comes to Williamsburg. In fact that vacant land on Bedford Ave right before the park was suppose to be a multiplex I am told, but it was an old paint factory that dumped toxins into the soil. Now there has been an ongoing to dispute as to who pays for the cleanup, the one who illegally dumped or the new owner. I do believe an article about the theater, about the ticket taker who owned the stock that kept the theater open as long as it could. They tried to get financing to keep it open but it fell through. So the ticket taker finally gave in an sold his shares.

Adam

Adam

Eric and Adam,
Are you still planning on reopening this theatre? My friends and I have been talking about this as well. We don't have investors or a business plan yet, but we would like to get started (unless you have already gone forward). Let me know...thanks.

Yes, I am either this theater or at least getting converting a warehouse or even buying one of these Pentacostal type churches and making an Angelika like theater. You know I have studied Williamsburg at the turn of the century and I am working with the family of Betty Smith who wrote "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and I do know that at the turn of the century, Williamsburg had vaudeville houses on every block. Some are churches, some or warehouses, some have been converted to stores. I think the first two things is to find out about the Commodore but also go the to Brooklyn public library and find out where these old theaters were. You never know what you can find behind these warehouses. Look at the Eckerds/Genovese in Greenpoint, walk in there and it is a movie theater with the drug store stock. The theater except for the seats are more or less intact including the balcony that they use for storage. Go in there you will be amazed. I am sure there must be a warehouse or store, or chuch that has the same thing behind the brick spaced facaded.

I am getting together with Eric in the near future. Anyone interested can e-mail at aliggio@yahoo.com and we can talk to see if our visions are "together" and start assigning research and business plan stuff to each other.

Adam

I really don't want to sound cynical, so maybe it's ME that needs to be set straight, but here's the deal: I see lots of talk about re-opening various theaters, and how this person or that person wants to do it and is ready to do it, but just can't seem to find out who has control of the property. Well (and here comes the cynical part), wouldn't anyone with sufficient resources to finance even the smallest of these undertakings know that one phone call to ANY commercial real estate agent would clear up a huge number of questions? There is a multiple listing for commercial properties just as there is for residential. When people say they can't find any information, it reminds me of people who post on here saying they can't find a movier time. Okay, so may I AM a cybnic. We all need dreams.

Well there was a real estate deal but it fell through, and if that does not work out, there are other placces that a movie theater can open. If you are such a cynic, you can make some phone calls for us and find out since you seem to know a lot about the real estate market.

My friend/associate and I have been talking about opening an art-house theater with some side attractions. He found the posting about this Commodore theater and I've kept up with the postings over the last couple weeks. I went to check out the location and it looks like it could be an interesting spot, although in need of some serious renovations.

We would be interested in having a meeting over coffee with anyone who is serious. I had created a business plan for a coffee shop/theater in Vermont which I never took to the bank, but it geve me some experience in the process. It seems like this kind of business would require $2-300K in start-up capital.

We are both in our early 30's, and have some capital but more to offer in sweat equity. First thing first is seeing if there is a similar vision and personal compatability. Let me know if you are interested in meeting. korshak@stoneproductions.com

I don't know what is happening with the Commodore but may suggest an alternative? How about trying to acquire the old Williamsburg Playhouse? It is now a ghastly 99 cent store. I saw a few movies there in the 1970's: Abby, Ruby, Sinbad. I tried to find out info about the theater and through this site I found out that it was actually billed as the Williamsburg Playhouse. It is small but would make a great art house. I hope something happens because the Burg could use a place like the Angelika.

This theatre has a great feel to it. I went there quite often and was there for its last films a couple of years ago, and I really miss the place. The downstairs theatre is huge, with an extraordinarily impressive ceiling, while the upstairs is smaller, with a screen built in front of the balcony, but it's still pretty big. Aside from films, they also had Latin music shows with live bands in the main theatre on weekends that were extremely well-attended. The theatre did a good business and I don't know why it closed.

Camden

One more thing: the screen downstairs is huge, just enormous, and is probably the original screen. The upstairs screen is also very large, which lends it a very modern configuration, like some of the brand-new upstairs screens I've seen at a new theatre in Manhattan (maybe it was Kips Bay, I can't remember). Most importantly, the entire building has a wondrous feel and ambience, like the movie palace that it certainly is. I'd love to see it reopen.

Camden

This theatre is located on Broadway at the JMZ subway stop at Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is the first stop on that line on the way out of Manhattan. (Very convenient.)

Camden, I have a question for you. Since you seem familiar with the area, do you have any idea what is in this theater shown below the Marcy Ave station in the photo linked below?
www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?7849

Do any of you know if the Aster theater was also known by another name, as I can't find any information on this site. There is also a Williamsburg Playhouse, a "Marcy Theater" and a "Square" Theater that also has a Broadway address that is in the 300's or 200's. which is correct for around the Marcy Ave station. So were there four theaters near that station, or is the Aster another name for one of the above.

Oh, and by the way, here's a photo of the Commodore I took from the J train the other day. Sorry it's not "the best" photo because the window was very scratched:
http://www.transitgallery.com/data/02e74f10e0327ad868d138f2b4fdd6f0/47_p15295.jpg

It's hard to say. It almost looks like it could be an old shot of what is now the Commodore, but I can't really tell. I wish I knew the minutia of the neighborhood well enough to be able to tell at a glance, but I'm afraid I don't. I'm guessing, though, that the name on the sign isn't
"Aster," it's "Easter," with the "E" obscured by the edge of the elevated train, since that word would normally be spelled "Astor," of course. It could be anything, though, since if you look at the length of the part of the sign that's covered up, there's plenty of room for a couple of letters, at least.

Camden

Camden & Bway;
The Aster was at 246 Broadway. It opened as the Plaza Theatre in 1919 (at least that is the earliest date I can find a reference). In 1924 it became the New Plaza, a few years later the Broadway and then the New Broadway (not to be confused with the Loew's Broadway). Sometime in the mid-30's the theatre became the Square and a decade later the Aster. The seating capacity was always 400. Aster closed in 1950.
At 279-81 Broadway was the Williamsburg Playhouse, designed by Shampan & Shampan, opening 1914 with a capacity of 500. Later the name was changed to the Williamsburg Theatre. Sometimes the capacity is listed at 600.
At 302 Broadway was the Marcy Photo Theatre also opening in 1914. This became the Marcy Theatre which closed in 1972. Seating 716, sometimes listed as 768.
Finally at 329 Broadway was the Commodore.

cjdv,
We certainly didn't have to wait long for that excellent answer. I'm curious about your sources for this, since they're obviously excellent and I'd like to be able to access this kind of information so readily myself. My hat's off to you for solving these mysteries so immediately, cjdv. Thanks.

Cheers,
Camden

Well, I just spotted the Commodore theater in the new video by Avril Lavigne, "My Happy Ending". If you go to the following URL, and look for Avril Lavigne, "My Happy Ending", it will give you a link for the video. Right now it's the #1 video on the page, but of course that will change. Once this post gets older, and you want to try it, click the url below, and search for either Avril Lavigne or "My Happy Ending" in the search engine, and it will bring you to the video.
My question is this, the video shows Avril running under an elevated structure which is the Broadway EL at the Commodore Theater (Marcy Ave Station). Then there is footage of her singing in what looks to be an old abandoned theater. Is that in fact the interior of the COmmodore, or if it isn't, any idea what theater it is?

Here's the link:
http://launch.yahoo.com

This link may be easier than trying find the video in the yahoo site.

http://www.Avril-Lavigne.com/video.html

That's a good eye, Bway. I got a kick out of that video. It sure does capture Williamsburg's unusual feel, there's no two ways about that. I can't really tell whether or not the interior of the theatre is the Commodore, since it's been over a year since they closed it and I can't remember exactly, but I do think it could be. The Commodore has an interesting design in the huge main theatre, and I do think that video might have been shot there, but I'm not sure. If we could've gotten a better look at it more of it in a shot, I imagine I could. I liked the footage of her running down Broadway beside the theatre like in Run Lola Run; I love that neighborhood. Thanks for pointing that out, Bway.

Camden

The more I think about it, the more I think what little we can see of the interior of that theatre is the Commodore.

Camden

I don't think the interior is the Commodore because the balcony seems to be visible in a few shots and the Commodore's balcony was walled off to house the second smaller theater.

I'm wondering if they didn't digitally insert a balcony that was no longer there. Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

I really miss the Commodore.

Camden

Hello,

I'm the technical director of the Brooklyn Underground Film Festival. We are currently looking for a venue to host our 2005 fest. this coming spring. If anyone has any useful information regarding the commodore, ie; who owns it, how we can get in touch, etc; please contact me at crismoris@brooklynunderground.org
for information on BUFF please visit www.brooklynunderground.org

thanks
Cris

To see if the Commodore was the location for the video, you should contact the director, etc.

As likely as the eventual reopening of the Commodore seems, its status should be changed to 'closed', at least for now.

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is David D. Mitchell. I am the artistic director for a small not-for-profit education theatre organization based in Brooklyn called Project PLAY (Put Life Ahead of You). I too have had my eye on the Commodore Theater for the past two years and look forward to its re-opening.

Ideally, I'd like to move Project PLAY into the space and have it function as a community outreach program. I'd like to preserve it as a movie house and in addition have it function as a performance space.

Project PLAY is still in its incipient stages and therefore doesn’t have the necessary capital for the actual acquisition of the aforementioned space.

I'm presently looking for investors who may share the same vision. I'm presently working with Chase Manhattan, AT&T, The EDC, and the Department of Cultural Affairs. There is a definite willingness on behalf of all parties mentioned. Working capital is the Key.

In short, I welcome any interest and support and look forward to your responses.

Dave D. Mitchell
Artistic Director
Project PLAY
www.projectplayny.org

Last time I drove by here the place looks like it has not been broken into yet. The front glass was still intact, but how long can that last?

I live in the neighborhood and about two weeks ago, I saw old seats being removed from the Commodore. I didn't think much of it, but there has been some sort of activity going on inside for the last three days. There were lots of lights from the actual theatre area. I could only see the lights from a door that was kept open from the secondfloor fire escape. Everything else was boarded up per usual. I figure it is either renovation (fingers crossed) or film production.

RE: Seats Removed.

Actually, it is probably being taken down, or being renovated for non theater use. I spoke to the owner about buying it. They were difficult Hasidic Jews who bought it probably for a Yeshiva. I asked them about purchasing it because it was a landmark. The ask for $3 million which I know is double what they paid. Being an MBA, I was willing to accept the challenge and was willing to try to save it.

However, it seemed fruitless with these owners. They would not let me see inside the theater, take pictures etc, unless I showed them I had 3 million. When I said, in order to raise this money, I needed to be able to make a presentation to investors as well as at least take pictures of the interior. They refused, and bascially wanted me to raise the money and buy the theater sight unseen which I think is ridiculous and also, a sign that even if I raised the money without seeing it, they were not going to sell anyway.

The other route I took to save the Commodore is during a meeting I had with Katherine Oliver, the NYC Film Commissioner, I brought up the plight of the Commodore, handed her my research and told her, it was the last of the old vaudville houses which once were on every block in Williamsburg. I could not understand why it was not "Landmarked." She investigated the theater for me and told me that even though she agrees that a theater like the Commodore should be saved, the problem why it was not landmarked it because there is no architect on file. The city Landmark committee did investigate landmarking the theater, but the rules on Landmarking state that in order to proceed, there must be an architect named.

I think this is an unfortunate rule, but that is the procedure. I do have a relationship with Katherine Oliver that if an architect is found, we can move swiftly on this, but we need absolute proof to do this. So if anyone has, hard documentation, I would welcome it, and immediately, talk to the Mayor's Office and the preservation department to get an injunction to stop further constuction until Landmark status can be explored.

With all the abandoned buildings and empty lots around there why tear down the Commodore and build there?

Capitalism and ownership is the reason for the Commodore's demise. There might be abandoned building and empty lots, but the owners of the Commodore do not own the other locations. So they are changing their own property.

What a shame this is happening. This theater was in very decent condition right to the end, and it's only closed for two years. This is one that really should have and could have been saved.
There's still hope, but more and more of the interior seems to be compromised as this conversion continues. The theater is in it's final hour right now unless something happens quick.

BTW, isn't the architect listed right here on this page?
Groneberg & Leuchtag

The firm is there, but not the architect. Also, the website is not sufficient. We need hard evidence, such as building records, public records etc listing the architect not just the firm.

This is such a shame!!!!
I recommend start writing news papers, put out news on cinema treasures,
start a rally, start a petition, write to the owners, etc!

Something MUST be done!

Even though I have never even stepped foot into New York,
this is a global issue!

I would recommend searching local libraries and archieves. Any chance the owner would have any info?

Back on February 24th, someone with the member tag 'bqe' (I'm guessing an initialization of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and a possible resident of the area near the Commodore and/or someone who works nearby) posted the following message: 'I am currently working at one of the major new real estate developments in w'burg,and as such direct line to the current owner of the property at 329 broadway. Reopening the commodore would be of tremendous cultural benefit to the area, mandrewwhitehead@yahoo.com.' If this individual is legitimate, perhaps they're worth contacting... (Also, just out of curiosity: a) why did the new owners wait two years to begin work - or, at least, visible work - on the property; and, b) would any department within City Hall - i.e., the Buildings Commission, for starters - have records of who the architect of the Commodore was?)

I talked to Andrew. Even though he has contact, they still want 3 million. About the wait, I have no answers. But remember, this is THERE property and they can do whatever they want. They could wait 5 years to make changes.

As for city records, finding an architect is not my thing. I do not know the first thing about it. If someone could find the information it would be helpful, but I do not have the time or resources to do a search.

I made a mistake. It should say "THEIR" property

Neo, I doubt the current owners - the inflexible sorts they seem to be, unless 'bqe' knows differently - if they had any info that could be relevant towards the goal of saving the Commodore, would be willing to pass whatever they had along. Landmarking the property is the only argument that seems likely to have any bite to it and, in order to do that, official proof needs to be found as to who the architect responsible for the Commodore was, and time for that to happen is running out...

I don't have time to do a search, either; perhaps someone within the five boroughs, Jersey, or Connecticut does (or knows someone who does)...

Anyone know anything more about the Commodore?

In 1949, I was 7 years old. My friends and I had a choice of 3 theatres that was within walking distance. One was the Commodore. It was smaller than the Republic theatre but it was air conditioned and always showed 2 full features, lasting almost 4 hours, including many cartoons and all the news of the week. Not many families had television. If they did, it was a 9 inch black and white with programming starting at 5:00p.m. The theatre seating had 3 sections. The 2 side sections started with one seat in the front with 2 seats behind it and so on, till it got to about 25 seats in the last row. We favored this theatre because it had air conditioning and were sad leave to go to our all non-air conditioned apartments. If that theatre was on the other side of the street, it have to be torn down to make way for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The only bad thing was you can hear the elevated trains pass right outside.
Posted by stanofdallastexas Dec. 19th 2004

Is anyone still looking into this space? I am interested in participating developments. I currently work for a non-profit arts organization in williamsburg that recently closed their doors in Nov. I have been investigating other spaces, and can across the Commodore today. The ligths were on inside and there was a phone number written on the door to gain enteranc. Is it still being converted into something else or what? I am interested in knowing any future developments, or just meeting with you and chatting about your possible leads, etc. Here is my personal email, feel free to contact me there. Thanks
JAckie

This is a current real estate report for this building.

329 Broadway, Williamsburg, New York 11211

OVERVIEW
Block & Lot #: 02462 - 0001
Building Class: Theatre, Art Type Less Than 400 Seats (J1)
School District: 14 map/schools
City Council District: 34
Police Precinct: 90 (Crime Statistics)
Political Contributions: search
BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS
Zoning R6
Building Size (F x D): 94.00ft x 94.00ft
Lot Size (F x D): 105.00ft x 113.00ft
Building Height: 40
Total Gross Area of Building:
Year Built: 1921
Historic District?: No
Corner Lot?: No
Has Garage?:
Number of Floors: 1
# Units: 0
FAR as built: 0.89
Allowable FAR: 2.43

TAX INFORMATION
Estimate 2005/2006 Taxes (est.): $17,926
Tax Billing Address:
Howard Schneider
173 Wallebout St
Bklyn Ny 11206

Tax Class: 4
Tax Rate: 11.58%
Total Assessed Value: x $154,800

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annual Property Tax (est.): = $17,926
Quarterly Property Tax (est.): = $4,482
Monthly Property Tax (est.): = $1,494


MARKET VALUE1 HISTORY
Jun 01, 2005 $344,000
May 01, 2004 $344,000
Apr 01, 2003 $433,000
Mar 01, 2002 $465,000
Feb 01, 2001 $444,000
1 Market value obtain from the NYC Department of Finance

Interesting.
The theater had 1400 seats, maybe they revised that to get the taxes down, because it says "less than 400 seats"?
Also, I believe the Commodore is on a corner, but maybe I am wrong.
And didn't the COmmodore have a balcony? Or do they not consider a balcony a "2nd floor"?
But anyway, it's NYC, I'm sure there are mistakes everywhere in their records.

I really wish that someone could save this theater before it's too late.

Oh, and I forgot to comment! Notice how the market value is going down as opposed to up on the building. That could have something to do the fact that the theater has become vacant, but maybe the owbers did "play" with it's status (such as the incorrect seating, etc). Someone mentioned in this thread that they observed seats being removed from the building.

I don't know why its listed as 400 seats or less either. It might be for tax purposes like you mentioned. I've seen other theaters listed the same way. I also don't understand why its property value has dropped so much. It has decreased in value by over $100,000 in two years. Notice that the price peaked in 2002 which is the year that it closed. I guess that the balcony doesn't count as a full floor and thats why its listed as a one story. The build date of 1921 is accurate. While I'm on that real estate site, I'll pull up the records for the Ridgewood and post them in the Ridgewood theater section.

i have a great proposal to rejuvinate this great theater. can someone please give me the contact information for the owners of the property.

Thanks.

As much as it kills me to feel this way, chance, it looks as if any attempt to save or buy the Commodore is a lost cause; see the series of postings dated this past October 20th for more details.

well, it seems that it is very much for sale. i have contacted two brokers working with the owner of the property. he is ready to sell. i am preparign a proposal with a twist on the idea of a williamsburg theatre.

The Commodore is up for sale? Wow, what a pleasant surprise, given the current ownership's seemingly hellbent plans to either demolish or gut the property.

Best of luck to you, chance, on your pursuit...

I think this theatre stands a good chance of making it with good bookings and management. It's a free booking zone and can play anything.

do any of you live in this neighborhood. i realize that it is really up and coming. i live in manhattan and am spending time near there are every weekend to get a feel of the demographic. restaurants in the area like MOTO seem to have a very hip, artistic clientele. does this statement seem fair?

The Commodore is for sale? They are trying to unload it? Does anyone know the price they were asking, because what things are worth on paper in tax records is not usually the price in Williamsburg

Maybe the Commodore can be Tarantino's retirement theater....

Tarantino: I'm not directing next Jason movie

Note to New Line: Don't take Jason Voorhees' hockey mask off the shelf just yet. Last week, according to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio was said to be in talks with Quentin Tarantino to write and direct The Ultimate Jason Voorhees Movie, which would mark the 12th installment of the Friday the 13th franchise, as well as the director's first job for a studio other than Miramax. But the report was premature, Tarantino said over the weekend. The Kill Bill filmmaker was in London to accept the Icon of the Decade award from Empire, the British movie magazine, and he told Empire that, while New Line had spoken to him about a Jason movie, he was not planning to make one.
''Whats happening with Friday The 13th? Nothing at all! Its a complete lie,'' he told Empire, whose awards were chosen by a poll of 12,000 readers. ''I like Jason and everything, but Ive no intention of directing a movie! New Line talked to me about it, but it was a complete fabrication, that article. I would love to do a horror film. Im just saying its not going to be Friday the 13th.''

Tarantino said his next project would probably be his long-gestating World War II drama Inglorious Bastards, though he said he had yet to compile the scenes he's written into a shooting script. ''I hope to give you at least 15 more years of movies,'' said the 41-year-old, who added that he would then quit filmmaking and Hollywood altogether. ''I'm not going to be this old guy that keeps cranking them out. My plan is to have a theater by that time in some small town and I will be the manager -- this crazy old movie guy,'' the former video store clerk said. ''I've made enough money that nobody even needs to show up at the theater. It's just having something to do.''


Copyright 2005

Ligg,

Can you please explain you comments about property values in williamsburg. are they overpriced or underpriced in williamsburg?

The prices have gone way up in Williamsburg. The area is gentrifying.

I'd double Bway's comment, chance. Property values in Williamsburg are skyrocketing, commensurate with the hot spots at the Bedford Avenue L stop (to use just one example) and the steady outburst of upscale condos and luxury apartments throughout Billburg. If you're able to or have arranged the likely amount of financing needed to purchase the Commodore and have a solid business plan, you could find yourself sitting on a gold mine, in more ways than one.

Here's a photo of the Commodore taken yesterday. Sad how quickly it deteriorated:

Click here for photo

Very sad

Yes, actually, here is a crop of that photo that shows the old vintage doors all messed up. These doors amazingly lasted right to the end, and now all the glass is broken in many of them.

Click here for cropped photo of the one above showing doors

Sad indeed; I'm curious to know what shape the interior is in, as per sparkle's October 20, 2004 comment about having seen seats being removed from the property. That being said, it's a bit shocking to see just how fast the outside of the building deteriorated; wonder why (or how) that happened in such a short period of time...

Why is it that kids in NYC feel compelled to put graffiti everywhere? Though not unheard of, it's not as bad in other cities. I didn't grow up here and don't get it.....

Guys,
Once again, I suggest we go out for drinks or something or maybe get a room at the Willimsburg Historical Society and brain storm. As I said, we can get a move theater in Williamsburg maybe not the Commodore though. As I said before, during the 1910's through 1930's there were vaudville theaters on almost every corner in Williamsburg. I know from experience, sometimes behind these warehouse are places that were once something "glorious". Because everyone is waiting for rezoning, maybe besides trying the save the Commodore, maybe behind what we think are just warehouses are empty theaters with seats taken out, but just used as a warehouse and the paint is chipping and the chandaliers are gone. If I remember correctly, the Commodore was in pretty bad shape before it closed. Noise from the elevated train etc. If can find one of these vaudville theaters I think we might have a case to stop that building from being rezoned, much to the chagrin of the owner.

I think we definitely need a theater in Wiliamburg, both a mainstream cinema and also a Sunshine type theater. That kind of theater can be not for profit like the Angelica was up until 10 years ago. If you like the Sunshine theater, think about where it came from why it is located where it is located. They did not build that theater from scratch, I think they got a lot of money from the state and city historical redevelopment funds, plus tax abatements etc. I do not remember what was there before, but I now it was not a theater. Maybe a large storefront or a warehouse. But that place was really and old Jewish Vaudville theaer that Sunshine found and restored to a movie theater. I am sure this is true in Williamsburg, there are buildings like this used for just warehousing etc. Even next to the Broadway Diner, there is an old German vaudville theater that was cut in half but Robert Moses's BQE. It might be nice to renovate but for a business sense both that place and the Commodore are bad locations.

If we can all meet and brainstorm, and study the history of the neighborhood, find addresses of old theaters, knock on doors, talk to those at the senior center, I think we have a very very good chance to find a place like this.

I have been on this website for about three years, have tried to set up tentative meetings but always seems to fall through because I get busy or others get busy or others just like to claim about evil capitalism and how Williamsburg is being "destroyed". The latter are the people I hate the most because they are the first to complain but are the ones with no action.

So guys, is anyone interested in doing this? I would be happy to organize the first meeting. But I cannot do all this alone. I even took the information to Katherine Oliver the film commissioner about saving it and she told me she could help only if we find the actualy architect. Well is you scroll back, I said, this is not my area and can someone find these things out for me. But all I got were suggestions, comments and criticism on finding the architect and what I did wrong which I felt was not fair. I had hoped that someone in this area would take the next step and get the information for me. After all, I did take some action, but instead of people stepping forward, all people wanted to do was tell people what to do, instead of doing it themselves and helping me and the cause. As I said, I am busy too, and I am not a total innocent in that I have gotten busy and had to cancel appointments with people and then they get busy etc etc.

So everyone, if you want to do this, and save things, not just the Commodore because it could be too late, but save other theaters behind the metal gates, lets meet and start an advocacy group and preservation group. In a year, after the hood is rezoned, condos and high rises will be going up unopposed. Now I am all free business and enterprise, but when it has to do with our neighborhood, we should at least need a say it how it is done. That is why this area, one to three stops from the subway took so long to gentrify. Some of it was the warehouse and the stench, others was the contamination. You know, I was even told that, that empty lot, along Bedford right before McCarren Park was suppose to be a mini mall including a small multiplex. The reason it never happened? The land is contaminated from the old paint factory and there is not a fight as to who is responsible to pay for clean up, the new owner, old owner, the city, insurance companies etc. So sorry to say guys and I am sure you have heard this before, but the land west of the BQE, the most trendy part, is a victim of toxic dumping. I know there is a group against a power station, but with today's laws, whether it goes up or not, it is not going to contaminate the land for future generations.

So we seem to have this long conversation lasting 4 years starting April 23rd. Lets finally all get together, and find everyone's expertise to try to save to Commodore or some behind the scenes old vaudville house, or finding someone to open a theater in Williamsburg. I know that a lot of you would be against a Loews or AMC, but there are theaters that maybe chains, but they are franchised and are mostly small business owners. Being that it would be locally owned by some franshee like that, we can talk to him about the type of films to show etc. I am very tired of the Commodore issue, and as we talk, property value has more than doubled. This neighborhood has changed and is getting better and better. A theater here would be a smashing success, as there are so many young people in the burg and the surround areas who most pay $10 for a movies plus, deal with the subway and travel to Manhattan or Brooklyn heights to see a movies. Open a theater here, will keep our money in the burg, and circulated back into out local economy. Some of you might ask, why have the chains and places like Loews not opened here yet? I can tell you the answers from an MBA point of view. The 2000 census. Though alot of lived here during the last census, the real explosion of Williamsburg happened after 2000. There were no real condos and home ownership among the 18-34 crowd as well as incomes were lower. So if you pull the 2000 census, you would not believe what you see. It says the area is like 90% hispanic, and a very high number of residents and I am not saying just hispanics or singling them out, are on public assistance. So the average income with assets etc, is not worth it for a national company to invest in such an area. It is the local contracters who see the potential and building the condos and other things making the neighborhood attractive in the 2010 census. So if not before then, by 2010, you will see an explosion of investment and national chains arriving. So lets try to save to Commodore another secret theater or try to find investors to open our own movie theater here in the burg, before it gets out of our hands. I am not talking a radical, or liberal, or tree hugging organization. I think we should have a committee or organization that is all inclusive whose goal is to do the things I explained above. I would consider it a Theater advocate/historical preserving/ and alternative committee to the community board, which if you have been to a meeting is a mess. Works very slowly, and really does not represent or have representatives from the "new" Williamsburg.

So here is the deal. After reading this, and please excuse the grammar and spelling as I am in a hurry. I will check off notification. If you are all interested in starting a group and breaking all our talents down to different committees to either save the Commodore or find other theaters etc... Please just leave a message on the website that you are in. Then I will leave an e-mail address you can all e-mail your personal information and when I have a head count, I will set up a time and a place to meet. We are all passionate about a Williamsburg and our neighborhood. So instead of hiding between a website to complain or give good ideas and expect others to do them, lets work together after 5 years of discussion. I hope his letter will empower everyone to get involved. Even if you are busy, first off, it is one meeting, and second, any time you can give or even help with contacts and connections if you are too busy, that would work. But whether it is complaining, having ideas, or attempts to find information, whether you have been negative or positive, the ultimate bottom live is we all have a love of the Commodore, a movie theater in Williamsburg and our hood. So lets all meet at least once, just to see if we can move from page to action or at least have drinks with people you have corresponding with and putting a face with a name and comment.

Ligg

Anybody noticed that there is crazy work going on at the Commodore this week? I don't know what's going on exactly, but they are tearing out walls and lugging debris to the curb. They were also bringing new drywall inside. I was sort of able to glance inside because they had the side door open. It was a real mess inside.

I was wondering if anyone out there knows the name of the 2nd theater that was near the Commodore,that was on Marcy Avenue,They closed it down in the early 80's?? and if you have a picture of the old theater?? i want to see what it looked like,and I was so young..
Thank you..

i found out maybe a year ago that it was closed. O_O I couldnt believe it! Yea,Yea if ur wearin light clothes it'll come out black. Yes the floor is trying to keep you there(or eat you) but comeon..They shou;dve rebuilt it. Ihate going all the way to the city to pay almost15 buck for one movie. Even tho i was very young..At the commodore you couldve seen 2 movie for the price of one!Truthfully i didnt know all the other movie theater you only get to see one movie.I always thought it was 2!....Comeon PEOPLE REBUILD IT!!!

With Rezoning of Northside it is Rumored a Multiplex will be built on the Northside!

Well everyone I am sure you have heard that the rezoning has been approved and luxury lofts and two 40 story buildings on each side of the new state park that will have an NYU stadium has been approved. The plan is for 40,000 new apartments on the Northside and Greenpoint. 40,000! So at least 40,000 new people will be moving to the Northside and I heard rumors of an Old Navy and Barnes and Noble. I am happy that finally all those empty building for rent that the landlords would not rent will be converted and these 40,000 new tenants will all have loft like condos. That is what people want these days, loft like condos. With development like this you can expect the building of a multiplex. It is sad in a way that Williamsburg will now be like parkslope, or modeled after Battery Park City, Jersey City or Hoboken. The area East of the BQE will untouched because it is already zoned for residential, the area around the Lorimer and Graham stops. I am sure now, with this kind construction we will once again have a movie theater, maybe even a multiplex. The Commodore is gone for good it seems, and soon we might have a theater that will not have rumbling trains going by from the EL. I believe the kind of multiplex will be like the Kaufman Astoria multiplex in Astoria.

Do some this is bad news, to others good. I have mix feeling about this. I believe building parkland on the waterfront and now allowing conversion of all the industrial buildings to residential will beautify the neighborhood. It would be nice to have an esplanade that the governor and the mayor want to stretch from Greenpoint to Bayride. However, Williamsburg does not need a 40 story building, and two is too much. It seems those buildings are to be modeled after that giant building in Long Island City that we can see in the skyline near the other tall building in Long Island City, the Citibank building.

Rezoning areas like Williamsburg have been a mandate for Bloomberg. By rezoning, his people believe it will beautify neighborhoods, from Billburg to Redhook. Even Brooklyn Heights which already has the beautiful promenade will once again have access to the waterfront as the abandoned docks below the promenade will be turned into parkland.

I know some are you against the Yuppifying of Williamsburg, and now with Barnes and Noble, Old Navy and possibly a multiplex will more than likely bring what we all think as the ultimate evil, Starbucks. The Williamsburg Warrior group tried to stop this and even protested. But the fight is over. On May 11th the city council voted for rezoning that land owners from the those in small houses to big warehouse owners have fought for. Even the Communnity Board to a point contributed to this rezoning when the threat of a power plant coming to the waterfront, they sent recommendations and their own studies of rezoning to the City as the plan 197a. There is even animation and models online for all to look at which I will post below.

I am very sad about the Commodore because I did try to save it as you can see from my past posts and even talked to the Katherine Oliver the film commissioner about making it a landmark. But as we thought and dreamed about the Commodore, maybe we should have looked more at the big picture.

The one thing I all want you to consider though is what past industry before more strict dumping laws came into affect. Within the last six months, when rezoning was being debated I cut out an article with a map of the burg and Greenpoint. This map got me very upset. My mother was born at the former Wiliamsburg Maternity Hospital on Humboldt and Baptize at the Ukranian Catholic Church on North 6th Street. To me coming back to burg, was a "return" because this area was the place my Grandparents moved to after living briefly in Pennsylvannia to pursue the American dream. This inspired me to live here, and remain here, hope to buy a house eventually, and raise a family here. I attended NYU in the early 1990's and lived in the East Village when it was still a war zone, and was part of the crowd to gentrify it. After college I moved to Los Angeles for 5 years to get my masters from UCLA. I returned and was very upset that the area no one wanted to live in , that I took a chance on, was no longer affordable, and young artist and young people started out were pushed into the sea. I was happy though to be part of the people gentrifying Williamsburg and vowed never to leave the neighborhood, I "helped to rebuild" However this map in the Post was shocking. And upfront I would like to say it was not a right wing attempt to push through rezoning because of the Post's politics. My area, the one where I had roots from 60 years ago and now wanted to live and raise an family, is badly contaminated, especially the most expensive section the Northside. Because the area was working class, and then minorities without political clout, company's began dumping toxic and harmful chemicals, in their basements and illegally dumping in empty lots in the neighborhood. These companies have left, but there damage remains.

The empty lot on North 12th and Bedford, has been empty for as long as I have lived in the burg, 6 years. I asked many people why, and few could say, because they were also new residence. I finally investigated on my own, searching through the library and asking older residence. That empty lot was a paint factory, and full of toxic waste. That is why not only is it an empty lot but also locked and chained up. The plan for that empty lot which we all most know is valuable land, right on the main drag of Bedford Ave and next to the park was suppose to become a shopping center that would included a small multiplex or at least a new movie theater. A theater similar to the Angelika I was told, but the rumor about the movie theater is hearsay. But what I did find out is the reason it has remained idle is a legal battle over who should clean up the hazardous waste, the former owners or the new owners. Cleaning up this waste is expensive with the workers needing to wear protective clothing and gloves similar to those used by workers who clean asbestos another lie we were told just like the hazardous waste. What gets me is, if this stuff is dangerous, and the land of the northside contaminated, why will workers touching that soil be protected, but yet, anyone walking around Bedford Ave is not even notified of the hazards. I am sure on a hot and humid summer day, pedestrians wearing very little clothing such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals, walk by the site all the time, probably being exposed to it, as the hot humid day might even cause the hazardous waste seep upwards. Or even think about this, wearing you summer attire and playing ball across the street and rolling around in the soil and grass of McCarren Park or the dogs digging and sniffing in the Dog Run on North 12 and Driggs near by, rolling around, digging, and possibly ingesting soil.

This is not the only area as this Post indicated. All over the Northside is toxic waste dumped into the ground. The N 12th empty lot is right next to McCarren Park. How much toxic waste has seeped in there where we play ball, our dogs play in the dog run nearby and our children or soon to be children will play. This map was such an eye opener that if something did not change or get cleaned up, Williamsburg which I love, and have roots in dating back 60 years, is not a place I want to raise children, have my dog play, or even play ball. Luckily, I live near the Lorimer stop, which was always residential, and very few industry, so at least at the present time, where I live is not affected. But it is not a big enough place to raise a family and even if it were, I am sure my kids would have friends on the the Northside. How could I endanger them by allowing them to play over there without knowing where they are playing or how badly the toxic waste and pollution have spread because the dumping begain 40 years ago. Even thinking about it now, I am sure my kids would think I am horrible dad for not letting them play with their friends in the neighborhood.

Although I am not happy with 40 story building and some of the plan of redevelopment, I am very happy the city council passed the plan and the immediate rezoning and redevelopment will begin ASAP. Why? Because as part of the plan, the toxic and hazardous waste will be required to be cleaned and the city would assist with money to do so. Which ever place you stand or rezoning and redevelopment, no one liberal, conservative, activist, silent majority, whatever label you might consider yourself should have themselves or their families whether living now or future plans be exposed to the mess of big business. Who knows, I had a friend who had a small vegetable garden in her backyard on the Northside and would often give me things from her garden. I did tell her about the possible hazards of the soil, but she did not take me seriously. But to not to be inpolite on a few occasions, I accepted some veggies from her garden, which I immediately threw out. Not only have we all be exposed, but, the though of eating from gardens in the burg is unsettling. For those of you wanting families in the future and staying in the burg, could the current problem become a problem for the health of our future offspring, not living in the area I am talking development in the womb. I do not buy the argument that was in a local paper when a baby store opened on Bedford Ave that one young resident stated, "If you want to have kids, you should move to Park Slope." If you agree or disagree about this statement, either way, you should be allowed to have a family anywhere, without fear of some ignorant 20 year old, but have exposure to toxins.

So to conclude this view on getting a movie theater in the Burg. It looks like with a redevelopment like this, no company like UA, Loews, Clearview or AMC, would allow redevelopment in an area with young, educated and cultured people pass them by. As far as chains like Old Navy or Barne and Noble, I honestly believe that a movie theater company if one but all, would bid to build a multiplex and could lead to the Burg/Greenpoint once again having just as many screens as it did in the glory days when single screen theaters were the standard. It is unfortunate, the Commodore cannot be saved or every other theater in the 11211 area that closed over the past 20 years. But one thing is for sure, no matter how many screens we have, at least we can live in the burg knowing, our health is not in danger.

Here is the animation section of the City Planning Commission rendition of what the Northside will look like from different "drives" through the rezoning area. For those of you like me who love the burg now, this can be shocking to see so prepare yourself because the debate has passed and the City has approved the rezoning. So there is very little to be done. The one thing that most on the City Council agreed upon was that if the waterfront was not rezoned, more than likely, a power plant or a "Garbage Station" would once again be considered for the burg and probably pass. To the City Council and local leaders this was their only chance to clean up the waste, and save the burg and Greenpoint from any talk of a power plant or a "garbage station" Without rezoning these two environmental evils would be put back on table and this time, no matter how protested, it would not be defeated again.

So below are the plans for the Burg, with the Animaton link first. I know some of you might find this upsetting, but please, I am onl y the messenger.

Animation of the Waterfront-
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/greenpointwill/greenwaterdevelop4.html

The entire plan and proposal approved by the City:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/greenpointwill/greenoverview.html

And finally the website of the "Williamsburg Warriors" who should be commended for putting up a good fight and organizing protests and petitions. Though I believe there link for sigining a petition is outdated. They have very good links to websites such as Marty M's proposed changes to the plans, such as rejection of the 40 story Building.

www.williamsburgwarriors.org


I hope you all agree with me that the Commodore is a tragedy. But at least a mulitplex might be better than nothing. And again, I am just informing you all that such a theater is rumored to be in works. So please, don't shoot the messenger!

If the area is going to improve that much I am sure they could support a live type theatre as a use for the Commodore?

I am sure they could too. The problem is the owners of the Commodore do not want to turn it into a live theater. So that is not going to happen unless someone buys it who does. They own it, and the current owners cannot be forced, to keep it as a theater.

What are the owners trying to do now? Do they want to sell or lease the space?

I do not know. The last I heard was it was going to become a Yeshiva. The owners seem to be these sleazy hasidim. I talked to them about buying it, and said I was going to get investors together and they told me they would sell for 3million, even though they bought for just 1.5 million a few months before, and would not let me see the interior unless I had check made out to them for $3 million as "good faith" However, there good faith issue was not mutual becuse I could not raise money without seeing the interior and get structual and other reports etc. So they said then the were not interested. If someone else once to try to make deal with them. Be my guest, but I am an MBA, so I am pretty good at knowing what is needed and what is usually required in a deal like this. The good faither "Check" is favor unusual and to tell you the truth in bad faith and bad taste especailly since they wanted me to get them in a weeks time.

I did notice that the marquee was lit last week. I couldn't tell for what reason since I was on the J train.

So Ligg, have you given up on your quest to open a theater in Williamsburg because of the rumored multiplex? After some research, I was very surprised that there are no theaters in the area, and was thinking of rectifying that situation.

I came across a website for Eastern Consolidated Properties, Inc and on there it says that a former theater located at 329 Broadway was sold in July of 2002. And it will not be used as a movie theater anymore. If this theater was sold in 2002, what are all the above messages about buying this theater? Here is the link to the website. Scroll about half way down the page:

http://www.ecpnyc.com/news2002.html

The theater was sold for $1.6 million. However in my email above, I spoke to people who own the theater as per the city sales list and probably connected to ECP. They did not know what they were doing at the time. They bought theater but had no plans, at least what they said even though it says differently in the announcement. The owner told me that he would be interested in selling the theater for $3 million, however, the deal breaker was the fact that, they would not let anyone allowed in to take pictures or to see the interior or inspections reports until you put $3 million is escorow to prove you had $3 milllion. When I explained there is a possibility to get investors to put up the money but I must have information and picture to show in order to raise the funding, they told me that is NOT HOW BUSINESS IS DONE. Seeing a prospective property before putting $3 million is escorow, is like telling someone if they want to buy a house, you have to purchase it before you can see the inside,what state the house and property is in or any documentation by building inspectors and other paperwork that is normally offered by a seller interested in selling. Sure you have heard stories of people who buy properties sight unseen, but that is unusual rather than the norm. Clearly they would be interesting in selling if someone walked in with $3 million. I got the feeling even if did show up with a $3 million cashiers check, they would demand it be paid in cash. Mind you also, they claimed they had yet to make any changes to the property but already almost doubled the price. I know the real estate market has even quadrupled in some areas of the last 5 years. But any attempt to buy, when they claimed they would want to sell, seemed like it would be a deal with the devil.

As an MBA can assure you, THAT IS NOT HOW ONE DOES BUSINESS even if the new owners said so or otherwise. I also doubt, this real estate company would have bought the Commodore understand same circumstances.

But the bottom line once again, unless the architect's name is known, not just the firm, the Commodore cannot be saved by historical landmark status as the last of many vaudville houses in Williamsburg and we all must remember, owners can do whatever they want with their OWN property.

I find it "odd" that this theater is listed as closing in July of 2002 and the Eastern Consolidated Properties, Inc website says the theater was sold in July of 2002, and yet it was offered to you at a later date. Asking you to have the money in escrow before being allowed to look inside the building is a practice that I have never heard of before. There is something fishy about the whole deal. This building might be so bad inside that you could have wasted 3 million dollars on it. Do they plan on renovating the building or will they just sit on the property until the value increases and then sell it?

It was offered to him at a later date than July 2002, because it's the NEW owners that said they want the 3 million.

If the new owners just bought the theater in 2002 and turned around and offered to sell it for 3 million, it appears that their intention all along was to just sell the property at a profit and not renovate the theater or build anything to replace it. Sounds very similar to the Keith's in Flushing.

Yes it does. They sould like gougers, and apparently are very difficult to deal with. What a shame the tehater is in their hands.

I've also been doing some research on putting together a movie theater business in Williamsburg. I'd love to chat with anyone who has similar ambitions.

A Kimball organ was installed in the Commodore Theater in 1922.

David L: I've been interested in opening a Williamsburg theater. Drop a response to my post and we can speak further about this.

does anyone know the contact information for the new owners of the Commodore. Please email me at deadcea@aol.com

If the new owners just bought the theater in 2002 and turned around and offered to sell it for 3 million, it appears that their intention all along was to just sell the property at a profit and not renovate the theater or build anything to replace it. Sounds very similar to the Keith's in Flushing.
posted by Lost Memory on Jul 14, 2005 at 10:12am

I Agree with you 100%...the real estate market in the Greenpoint-Williamsburgh area has went through the roof...realistically 3million
although extremely high is about what a parcel of land would run...
once demolished builders can build a 10 or 20 apartment complex chock-full of yuppies paying upwards of $2000 just for the privilege of living a block away from the J Train( one stop to Delancey Street -Lower East Side-hipster central)

And who suffers in the end, film goers like ourselves who dont really have a neighborhood theatre to call our own..Closest theatre for Greenpoint/Williamsburgh folk is the Kaufmann 14 in Astoria or the Center in Sunnyside..thats it.


Sincerely Greenpoint

I would be willing to pay up to 2.5 million for the Commodore and keep it as a theater. So if anyone knows the owners please forward the information to me. Thank you.

OK EFAjr, email me through this site, and I will send you my contact email and phone number. I cannot promise you they will sell to you, but I can find the out information if I look though my notes, or search the lexis site,

Greenpoint, I agree with you completely on most of what you said, however, the Ridgewood Theater is much closer that Astoria or Sunnyside to Williamsburg.

I heard there was an independent movie theater opening on Metropolitan Anve in Williamsburg by Feb 07. Does anybody know what kind of theater this will be or who is opening it? Thanks!

I heard there was an independent movie theater opening on Metropolitan Anve in Williamsburg by Feb 07. Does anybody know what kind of theater this will be or who is opening it? Thanks!

A theater did open on Metropolitan between Union and Lorimer. I remember when it first opened as "Jack of all trades" space where the guy who rented it, rented it out for yoga, art openings, etc. It is a converted garage and raw space.

However it is a live theater not a movie theater unfortunately. The website is: http://www.bricktheater.com/Home.html

EFAjr, Still have the cash to buy back to Commodore?

Two years ago, the Hasidim wanted $3 million for it. I do not think they will go any lower unfortunately, if anything they might go higher over the last two years.

However, did you all know that Williamsburg had Vaudville theaters on every block during the 1920's and 1930's? The Commodore was the last working theater of these however, I might suspect, behind one of these warehouses or several of them is an old theater. I already, through research found old breweries more towards bushwick, but when asked to see the warehouse from calling the "For Rent" sign, I found the underground cooling area before refrigeration was electric.

So maybe with a little reserach you can find a theater behind the aluminum siding. Now might be the best time. With the rezoning of Williamsburg, you could save it and get it for cheap if you can find the hidden theaters that be could be historic landmarks that the developers cannot rip down.

The Commodore to me would be great to save, but the location is horrible. It is kind of out of the way from the rest of "trendy" Williamsburg, meaning, on one side, you have the end of the gentified area, and on the other the Hasidim, who I can surely tell you would not see a movie.

The second is the location to the subway. It was there long before the subway came through. The theater only closed a few years ago though. In fact the first "Lord of the Rings" did play there. Yes, the Peter Jackson one, not the cartoon!

Anyone know how the sound was with the subway going by? Was it sound proofed or did you have to live with it? I remember even the basement screening rooms at Tisch School of the Arts had that problem with the N and R train, as much as it was sound proofed, you could not get rid of the subway noise and vibration. Sitting in class, we could feel and hear the subway, though you got used to it.

I am wondering with an elevated subway going right by a theater, how much noise is made and if the theater would vibrate as like I said, the theater was there long before the subway and the theater was not made to be a neighbor!

Anyone have some experiences to tell?

Ligg, I agree with most of what you said, except for the "The Commodore was there long before the subway came through" statement. The Broadway El was originally built in 1888. It predates the Williamsburg Bridge. It originally ran straight down Broadway (on the other side of the Williamsburg Savings bank, and in front of Peter Lugers and terminated at the Broadway Ferry at the East River.
When the WillyB was constructed, it was connected to that. Around 1914 or 1915, the Broadway El was heavily strengthened to allow for heavier subway cars (as opposed to the old 1880's el cars it was originally built for). The Commondore was built in the 1920's, almost 40 years after the el was already there.

This was the best moviehouse in the neighborhood. I went here as a kid in the 50's. I seen many first run movies there. At some point it started running Spanish language movies for the spanish community. But there was a hotel and a ice cream soda fountain next to the hotel. The J and M lines ran overhead. Anniegirl louieb's wife
posted by louieb Apr 21 2006

This website has a recent photo of the Commodore Theater. You can click on the photo to expand it slightly. Thanks to Bway for identifying which theater was in the photo!

Dear Lost Memory, This is a disgrace to see this my old moviehouse be in such disarray. I am saddened to see this. Anniegirl

Dear Lost Memory, This is a disgrace to see this my old moviehouse be in such disarray. I am saddened to see this. Anniegirl

It is sad to see the building in that condition but it could be worse. There could be a parking lot in the photo instead of a closed theater building.

It is still baffling after making phone calls what is going to be done with it.

Hello Ligg, yes I am still interested in the Commodore but depending on the internal condition would I consider a higher price then the 3 million that is rumored to buy it. I have tired to find the owners but so far have come up empty. Please advise if you know of any other ones or can locate an owner. Thank you.

I actually found the broker and have access to the city records to this. So if you can email me directly through Cinema Treasures, I will email you back with my direct email address.

If you need any monetary backers to the project, you can contact me at the following address, maybe we can get something started like a fund raiser. I know several people that might be intersted in the project. My e-mail is anniegirl1945@optonline.net Anniegirl

Today I passed the Commodore and it looked like there was some filming going on around it and possibly inside it. I saw a whole bunch of black plastic garbage bags on the fire escape, which leads me to think that there was some form of cleaning for this filming. Unfortunately, I went home a different way so I did not see if there was any changes to make the building look different on the outside for the filming. If anyone has access to the city's filming permits, maybe they can find out what it is being used for.

You can got to NYC.gov and look of the film commission. They usually tell you where permits are issued and whole is filming so you can avoid the area and traffic.

I am sorry, I meant look "up" and "who" is filming.

To make up for my mistakes in spelling. Here is the link:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/index/index.shtml

Did anyone ever find out what was being filmed at the Commodore?

Bway, I do not know what is being filmed. I haven't been in the neighborhood for many years now and is the Theater still for sale and what is happening in the restorations for the Commodore. Maybe a fundraiser or something. I have some friends left in Williamsburgh that might be interested. Let me know. My e-mail address is anniegirl1945@optonline.net

Hello,
I'm a current resident of williamsburg (have lived there for about three years now) i recently have come in touch with someone who is interested in buying this theater, I read above that Ligg has the broker's information to get some details on the space. Could you are anybody that might know this, please contact me? Thanks

ps. Yes there are plans to build an independant theater on Metropolitan ave, they should be breaking ground in a few months

Hops,
If you give me your email in your Cinema Treasure profile, I will get in touch with you. I did not put my email online, not because of the people here, but the people who search sites like this for addressed to spam, and we can chat.

Ligg

I changed my profile so you should be able to contact me now

So, after spending several days researching the theater on my corner, my results end here. I have found out so much in the past few days about this area of williamsburg and the ridiculous amounts of theaters that were here, and to think that this is the last one is shocking.

I have also read many posts exactly like mine, but from several years ago. "This is shocking, what is happening?" So, are any of these plans working out? Is someone buying it? Anything happen in the past 20 days?

Thanks! -Jim

Three views of the Commodore as seen in June 2006:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/187493920/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/187494282/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/187494560/

I now notice that the name 'Commodore' has been removed from the marquee since I last saw the building in the summer of 2005.

Here is another recent photo of the Commodore Theater and this is a closeup view.

Dear Lost,
What a shame. That was such a great place ot go see a decent movie. The neighborhood is changing also anniegirl

Today, I noticed that wooden posts were installed around the outside of the Commodore. These look like the kind of posts that support a wooden fence that would go around a constrcution site (or a demolition site for that matter). I have not seen anything in the local papers about this, one way or the other.

Bob

There is some sort of demolition work taking place here. I don't know what the extent of the demolition will be, but it doesn't look good.

NYC Department of Buildings
Work Permit Data
Premises: 329 BROADWAY BROOKLYN BIN: 3063589 Block: 2462 Lot: 1
Filed At: 329-353 BROADWAY BROOKLYN

Job No: 302188175 Job Type / App No.: DEMO Fee: STANDARD
Permit No: 302188175-01-DM Issued: 09/22/2006 Expires: 11/19/2006
Seq. No.: 01 Filing Date: 09/20/2006 INITIAL Status: ISSUED
Work: Proposed Job Start: 09/22/2006 Work Approved: 06/23/2006

DEMOLITION -

Zoning: R6,, Special District: N/A
Use: N/A No. Dwellings: N/A Stories: 3
Total Floor Area: N/A Landmark: NO
(ON-SITE FILL )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Contractor: ANGELO LATEMPA Lic: 0025076-GC
Business: ANCOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC. Phone: 718-383-4200
421 GRAHAM AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11211


DEMOLITION CHECKLIST 09/22/2006 CODE DESCRIPTION STATUS
A01 PRE-DEMO INSPECTOR'S REPORT FILED
A02 WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE FILED
A03 DISABILITY BENEFITS INSURANCE FILED
A04 STREET OBSTRUCTION BOND FILED
A05 RODENT CONTROL FILED
A06 GAS CUT-OFF FILED
A07 ELECTRIC CUT-OFF FILED
A08 SEWER CUT-OFF FILED
A09 WATER CUT-OFF FILED
A10 SRO INTAKE FORM (SR01) FILED
A11 5 DAY PRIOR NOTICE TO ADJOINING OWNERS FILED
A12 COMMUNITY BOARD NOTIFICATION FILED
A13 ASBESTOS REPORT (ACP5/ACP7/ASB4) FILED
A14 PHOTOGRAPHS FILED
A15 PW1 APPLICATION FOR FENCE OR NB FILED
A16 APPOINTMENT CARD FROM B.E.S.T FILED
A17 LANDMARK LETTER RE NO DESIGNATION OR CAL WAIVED
A18 TITLE SEARCH WAIVED
A19 DEED FOR TRANSFER OF UNIMPROVED PROPERTY WAIVED
A20 ECB VIOLATIONS(S) FOR ILLEGAL DEMOLITION WAIVED

Dear Bob and Lost Memory, I can't beleive they are tearing down this beautiful showplace. I wonder if the Hassidic Jews sold the place and the new owner is turning it into something or the owners are building a synagogue or school. I guess we will find out soon enough.Anniegirl

Well, at the very least I hope they save the shell. Obviously it is inevidable that the interior will be gutted, but there is a chance that the whole building may go. That would be a tragedy.

Don't panic yet Annie, I'm not sure just how much demolition is going to take place. Bob is correct about the wooden posts that he saw. One permit was issued to put up a plywood fence around the building. Its possible that they are going to remove some interior walls and maybe level the floor, but that fence is not a good sign. I'm trying to be optimistic. Even if the building isn't torn down and only alterations are being done, I think its safe to say that this building will no longer be a movie theater.

Dear Lost,
According to my oldest and dearest friend who lives on Hewes Street, she claims the Jewish People who own the Moviehouse is probably making a School or a Synagogue. She says they are buying all of the properties in the neighborhood. The Hispanic Community wanted to buy the old place but, could not afford the price of 3 Million. The Hispanic community wanted to preserve it into a Museum for the Arts and Humanities but to no avail. Too Bad. But thanks for the memories "Commodore" we sure had fun in the days of old. (1953-1970)Anniegirl

A school replacing a former theatre is not such a bad thing micheleandanniegirl. The theatre entertained people and the school will educate them. Perhaps someone local could take photo's before too much of the theatre interior is demolished.

It's a school that saved the RKO Bushwick Theater further east on Broadway from complete demolision. Of course, in the case of the Bushwick, 30 years of neglect and exposure to the elements inside did it's toll, and it was not salvagable inside. But thankfully, they were able to use it's shell to make the school, and at least the exterior lives on.
As form the Commodore, it's a real shame, as it's not that long since it closed, so it probably would have definitely been usable had it been restored, but at least hopefully the exterior will be saved.

http://flickr.com/photos/19293787@N00/show/

photos from inside commodore theater brooklyn
10/5/06

Thanks for posting those photos. It looks like neglect and vandalism have taken a toll on this former theater. I couldn't tell from the photos, were there any seats left inside?

FYI, this is the theater used for the outside shot of the theater in Woody Allen's "Bullets Over Broadway"

What a damn shame this was left to be destroyed by looters and the elements. Oh well now they have no theatre.

Hello all, Sorry I have not answered some requests. My laptop died and had to be sent back to HP. I just saw the photos. Wll it looks like the Commodore is dead. Even for 3 milion, I do not believe it is worth thr process. Custer, how were you able to gt in to it Aren't there guards around.

From talking to the owners, it was secrecy about even telling people about it let alone letting someone it. Did you sneak in? I know more workmen do not care if you stay out of their way

Anyway it looks like the new owners the hasidim took care of things, and made changes to it, so there is no possible opportunity to landmark the building.

Custer when you were in there, did it see like there were squatters and homeles people there too?

no the seats were taken out years ago
to establish a lower capacity
+ lower real estate tax

simple simple

it has a weird giant awkward dome of a roof
this was the most surprising thing
that housed ducts and things

i'd known it personally as a double feature
that showed movies like blade + eddie murphy
kids ran around
people smoked and talked
real loose
an excellent 6 bucks well spent

i will post more pictures soon
there are about two hundred

as for homeless
we imagine mexicans
based on certain debris

though certainly junkies
a needle
many beer cans
food containers
an overdose kit

it is wet in large areas but not musty
though the air is terrible
no sign of animals actually
except humans

a mattress
a piece of paper covered evenly in tight hebrew script
a pile of womens' shoes

the proscenium curtain where the screen was is denim

there is a manger's office with a sign
completely trashed
covered in mattress feathers and chunks of concrete
shoes + clothes, cable box, an old apron on a nail
an old giant hole in the floor
to shut off water pipes

the seats are gone but the raked structure's there
the steady sounds of drops of water from the ceiling
though it is not raining outside
structural damage that seems deliberate

the projection booth is gutted

its hard to believe this will all come down
simply because no one knows the name of the architect

that's just stupid

the ceiling is epic and beautiful
like a mosque or cupola
old time grandeur and opulence
when was this?
the 20's?

beams of sunlight thru holes and broken windows

the elevated subway adjacent
rumbles by and turns the sunlight to a strobe light

it does not feel haunted

as to access
it was simply open
maybe still is
so we went in

Wow, what a shame. Thanks so much for posting the photos.
I still can't believe the building is coming down. I am still hoping that they will at least keep the shell up, and retrofit the building. A terrible thing that it won't ever be a theater again, but at the very least, let's hope the shell stays up.

The photo's of the Commodore theatre are very sad. Perhaps much of the damage was intentional which would make it less desirable and cost effective to continue using this building as a theatre. Why would anyone permit the roof damage to exist and allow the elements to destroy the interior of the building? Surely the roof could have been covered or patched somehow.

Those photo's of my old moviehouse brought tears to my eye's. I remeber that moviehouse as it was BEAUTIFUL. IT IS A CRYING SHAME THAT SOMEONE LET THAT MOVIEHOUSE FALL INTO SUCH DIS-REPAIR. Anyone from Williamsburgh who see's these pictures will surly be upset. We remember the old days when first run movies were seen there. All I can say is goodbye to a great place to see a first run show. Anniegirl

Dear custer, Thanks for the pictures of a grand old place where I spent most of my Saturday's with my friends at the moviehouse. For 50 cents we seen first rate movies there. Like Casino Royale with David Niven, Sci-Fi movies and Westerns and Musicals, with Doris Day and many more. In the 50's we even had Costume Shows on Stage and got prizes for the best costume. The matrons with their flaslights used to hush us up if we were making too much noise. We were never allowed to sit in the lodge section. They were reserved for the late afternoon and evening patrons. The ladies room was painted green and had only 3 stalls. but had a lounge with fake leather seats, some had holes in them from smokers in the bathroom. Again thanks for the pictures. Anniegirl

I know the exterior shots of this video are in front of the COmmodore, and further along Broadway, but is the interior footage also from the Commodore? This is Avril Lavigne's video "My Happy Ending", which was filmed very shortly after the Commodore closed. The exterior is obviously the COmmodore, but what about the interior? The interior theater footage is of an old and what seems to be abandoned theater, but I am not sure if it's the Commodore. If it's not, anyone have any idea what theater the interior theater footage is from?

http://www.youtube.com/v/dH0mb-P3h38

Dear Broadway go to Custer's photo's from 10-05-06,. They show the interior of the Commodore. I do not think the pic's of that Video is in the interior of the Commodore Theater. It's a mess in there. Not ever like it was back in the day when I went to the movies. It's all in the past now. Anniegirl

Found an article I did for the New York Daily News in 1986 that included an item on The Commodore and how it was being reinvigorated by general manager Angelo Delgado, as a twin with a double-feature policy. Anyone recall how long that lasted? I remember that incredible ceiling the theater had.

I knew Angelo very well he was a great guy.

I met Angelo only once when I was covering the B-movie and bijou beat for the Daily News and Fox TV did a segment on me on my rounds. Part of it was taped at the Commodore, where Angelo was interviewed as well; I remember he said he was an Audie Murphy western fan. Another theater I covered, that I can't find on CT, was the Hoboken Cinema, a twin at 5 Marine Plaza that probably began as a single screen.

Dear JKane. I was a kid growing up in the 50's in Williamsburg Brooklyn when this Theater was in full swing along with the Williamsburgh Theater and the Republic and the Marcy. To view Custer photo's of the interior of that old showplace was horrible to say the least. I do not know how the owners could let that building get in such disarray. But the other moviehouses in the neighborhood are gone now so what is an old brooklynite like me to think anything in the neighborhood could be spared. Just my opinion. What do you think?anniegirl.

Yes, I agree, the theater was obviously deliberately destroyed inside by the current owners, as there's no way that theater could have gotten THAT bad in the 4 years since it closed to showing movies in 2002. It was an operating, working theater just 4 years ago!! In fact, the openning first two paragraphs above of the initial description of the Commodore was written around 2001, just before the theater closed, and it is even mentioned that it is "in good shape" (the 2002 parragraph was an addition, added later),

Four years is a long, long time for a building to be sitting idle. The Marboro in Bensonhurst had deteriorated significantly in just one year. The Midway in Rockford, IL was in use in 2005; if you stand on the sidewalk in front of it today, the smell of mold is overpowering. All it takes is one leak, one burst pipe, or a couple of squatters or vandals.

I agree with mp775 about thats all it takes is one leak, one burst pipe,or a couple of squatters or vandals and an owner that wants to sell the property for other uses. Let the above factors work their dirty deeds as the theatre just sits empty and then you come back with what the Commodore looks like today. You sell the old seats for scrap and gut all the equipment out of it. And before you think about it the theatre is trashed.

Regarding the article on the NY Times, I do remember an article either in the "Greenline" or the other local paper of Williamburg and Greenpoint. It was not one of the new hip papers like the "L" just the usual paper you pay a quarter for that has been around for many years before Williamsburg became hip.

I do not remember when it was or how much time it around before or after the theater closed, but what kept the place open was many of the employees had shares of ownership in the theater, and there was an old man who worked there for like 30 years as a projectionist or a ticket taker who would not sell out and tried to save the theater but no investors were interested.

Finally, as the last hold out, he sold his shares and the Commodore was closed.

I wish I could find that article, but these local papers do not keep track of their stories like the NY times database.

When I pass by, there is such a moldy smell. It almost smells like a building that had a fire, but I know of no fire damage. There are no signs of exterior demolition, but I'm sure there is nothing left of the inside.

Here is another recent photo of the Commodore Theater.

Passed by it yesterday. It's gone atmospheric. But the clouds and starts are real. An ignominious end. Alas.

I would love to see a photo of the Commodore in its heyday.

How much of the Commodore was demolished when you passed by, brenograph?

If I feel ambitious, I will take the J train to New York from the Marcy Avenue station. It's right in front of the theater.
When I passed by the other day, it looked like the whole roof had fallen in, but with all the scafolding about the building, one could only get a fleeting look from the car.

I did love those double features. This is a heartbreaking shame.

I passed there yesterday. The exterior hasn't really been touched much, other than the scaffolding around the ground level, but there was a side door (like an emergency exit) that was open, and the inside seemed to be totally gutted. I noticed scaffolding on the inside and I also noticed that I could see daylight when I looked through the building, so brenograph's comment about the "roof had fallen in" may at least be partially correct. There really seems to be nothing left, except the sad looking empty marquee.

I passed yesterday and it was sad. They have already demolished part of one wall and I saw the men working on tearing down dear old Commodore Theater. I want to take some pics next week.
I have a page on www.myspace.com and will post them there.
It was at that theater that I saw The Exorcist, Saturday Night Fever.
The next theater that will be demolished will be The Rainbow on Graham Avenue. There is already a for sale sign. All over the neighborhood there are condos going up. No doubt the land on which the Rainbow sits on is very valuable.
The new construction is ugly. Imagine what they are going to charge people to live in those tiny apartments.

Dear Cypress, I knew the Commodore Theater well. I grew up in Williamsburgh in the 1950's. My e-mail address is anniegirl1945@optonline.net if you want to talk about the past movie theaters in the old neighborhood. I already have spoken to Robert 4470 and others about how the movies of old are disappearing one by one. How sad it is to say the least. Talking about apartments, how about the old Schaefer Brewery. Now it is called "Schaefer Landing" and apt's are going for the low $600 s. Can you imagine that.... My uncle was one of the brewmasters there and my other uncle worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard....... Which is now in ruins on Flushing Avenue and the main building is now a film studio.Anniegirl

Is there is a For Sale sign on the Rainbow theater, has anyone investigated how much it costs. From the building records it is own by the church that is no longer there.

If you read about the Rainbow, in its Hey day, it was a beautiful Art Deco interior inside. I wonder if it is still there? If it is it could prove easier to make a historic landmark. It could be as beautiful as the lobby of the Chrysler and Empire state building and other buildings of the time.

Anyone familiar with it?

Dear Ligg, Where wxactly was the Rainbow on Graham Avenue and what cross street. I vaguely remember that theater. Anniegirl

Meserole and Graham. I was in the church lobby today. It is all the same. The usher who had already locked up said the theater has stayed mostly the same as when it was an art deco movie house.

However the price tag is high, or at least the usher said was the price was $15 million. A hell of a lot more than the Commodore.

Yes Ligg, the poor Comodore is finished. I only wish they would re-build it into a Moviehouse or Playhouse. There should have been a group of professional's in the Arts that could have saved the structure and converted into a Fine Arts or a Williamsburg Museum. And we could have contributed some sort of memoribilia of past history of the commodore. I went on the site of the Rainbow and now I recall where it was but I did not frequent that part of the neighborhood when I was growing up in the 1950's, only Grand Street area to shop at Charles Stores and others on Grand Street. Anniegirl

I can understand not going to that area because it is only now begining to gentrify. The problem is, do people try to save the rainbow which the pastor supposedly wants $15 million, but supposedly has been restored to its full potential. I could not go in the church today because I went there as they were locking up, but I have to say even the big lobby, not the theater lobby, but the lobby you walk from the street door to the inside of the theater and it still had everything there. Even the frames for the movie posters were still there.

However at the price, most people would say it would be cheaper to take a warehouse and build a new theater.

I keep hearing that an Angelica or IFC theater is going to open on Metropolitan Ave, but I have heard nothing of the opening. I even contacted the community board, and they said there is one planned and approved. But where is it going to be?

that would be great for the community. I would only hope it would not be a multiplex type of moviehouse. That seems to be the norm of the day. Anniegirl

There is nothing wrong with a multiplex type of moviehouse for art films, if it is done correctly. I think the IFC Center (formerly the Waverly) and the Sunshine Cinemas (on Houston) are excellent examples. They are two of the best theaters in the city and Williamsburg would be very lucky to have something like it.

I recently took some photos of the demolition of the Commodore. The quality is not very good. I used a disposable camera. If anyone is interested in seeing them let know via this site.

Billburg Anniegirl here. Sure send me the pics at my e-mail anniegirl1945@optonline.net thanks anniegirl

What is left of the Commodore? Can you post some of the photos?

I pass by the Commodore on my way home from work but unfortunately don't carry a camera. The demolition has some very surreal qualities that were more obvious one night when they left the plywood doors open to the site.

The roof has been removed except for the metalwork structure. There is a marble wall on the far side that looks relatively intact. There is a ceramic tile wall with an archway doorway that probably was part of a bathroom that stands completely intact on the Rodney Street side of the building. There are one or two other things that are still standing and the outer brick wall, with the exception of a section that was removed to allow the heavy equipment in, still stands, including the marquee. But to the most part, the inside looks like a roof-less empty shell.

Like I said - a kind of surreal looking site.

Billburg - If you have a link to the photos, I would like to see them

Wow, that is horrifying. What a shame. I wish I had time to get over there to take some photos. I am still kicking myself from when they were tearing down the Loews Broadway near Myrtle/Broadway in the 1990's. Two of the three side walls were down, as well as much of the roof, yet the procenium arch stood there in clear view of the station in the distance, as well as one side wall. Corinthian coloumns still standing proudly on one side. There was even a chandelier swinging in the wind. I wish I had a photo, as it was surreal as you describe for the Commodore.

I am still sickened that they couldn't save the Commodore. I will miss those large concrete urns near the top of the building when I would go by on the train.

If anyone knows where I can post these pics let me know.
I would be more than happy to post them.

Try the free www.photobucket.com site. You can host them free there, and then post the links to the photos or album here once they are uploaded.

Dear Broadway, I had the pic's but I inadvertinly deleted them. It looks terrible and a shame that this beautiful moviehouse be torn down. Anniegirl

Here are the pictures I posted of the demolition of the Commodore Theater.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew78-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew3-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater6-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater5-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater3-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater2-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater1-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew78.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew3.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater6.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theaternew.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater5.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater3.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater2.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater1.jpg

As of Friday, the urns were being removed from the outside.

Ugh, this is just horrifying! I wonder where the urns will wind up. I hope they don't just throw them in the dumpsters. Even the Penn Station Eagles wound up in different places. These photos are so sad to see! Thanks so much for posting the links! Again, I wish I was able to document the destruction of the old Loews Broadway on film, I passed it each day getting more and more ripped down, but never thought to take my camera.

Oh my God, these pictures are a wake-up call that these precious memories of day's gone by are gone forever. This building was our Saturday hangout as kids growing up in Williamsburgh. The saturday movies were our get a way to fantasy land. This building will burn in my memory forever. It's just a shame that they could not renovate the place. Does anyone know what the plan is for the property? Anniegirl

And the sad part is that the place was not in that bad of shape when it closed....just read the opening paragraph of this page, which was originally written before it closed.... it says, "Despite the wear and tear of time, the theater is still in good condition, although the original screen has been replaced by two smaller screens."

Dear Bway, That's why this place did not have to become such an eyesore....it was still in good condition.Anniegirl

It's certainly odd to see the organ out there right in the open. It looks like it was over the proscenium, but I could be wrong. From the looks of those big mitered diaphones, it must have had a lot of water damage over the years. You can see the toy counter (or what's left of it) right in front. The bass drum is there and a harp or chrysoglot to the left of it.
This may have been a side chamber with another opposite it on the opposing wall. Anybody know what type of instrument was there. Better yet, does anybody remember hearing it played??

Really sad! I guess the description above now needs to be changed to "demolished".

Oh, I see from previous posts it was a Kimball organ- a kissin' cousin to the Roxy's. Anyone remember hearing it?

brenograph....The theater was not in that bad of shape when it closed in 2003. Most of that water damage happened after. It appears they put a hole in the roof, ans water just poured through the place. It doesn't take long for water damage to beccome severe.

I think that is a side chamber wall. The procenium may have been to the right of that, but I can't figure out perspective of what part of the theater that is. Anyone know of any historic photos of the Commodore's interior?

Also, Billburg, you should submit some of those photos to the site as a News Item. There may be many people that would love to see them, as well as know the fate of the Commodore, but may not have an email notification to the Commodore's page. Just look at the links for news items on this site.
I am sure they will be greatly appreciated.

Hmmm, the more I look at this, the more I think this "may" be the Procenium location. Are we looking straight to the stage in this photo?
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w5/adelgado75/theater2.jpg

The organ is listed as a 3/8 Kimball installed in 1921. This fits the 1920 completion of the theater. But there seems to be no room up there for 8 ranks of pipes with chests, wind lines, etc. especially with the traps sitting up front. At least not that is visible. And the corner is small for a stage, unless it was placed like the Roxy to take advantage of the site. But still, it doesn't seem like part of the organ would have been installed so far back if this was the stage area.
But anything's possible, I suppose.
Anybody have a pic of the auditorium? There's one listed in one of the posts above, but it's very dark. I could try some fixing of a pic if I could get a copy. (The one above is not copiable)

When I went to the Commodore in the 1950's, I never heard the organ playing even when we had contests they never opened to the backstage. We kids used to use the side stairs in front of the screen to come up on stage......Anniegirl

Bren, I can't find the link to even the dark photo you mentioned. What's the link, or what date was it posted on?

Bway, the link above is: posted by custer on Oct 6, 2006 at 10:28pm It is a flickr slide show. The first photo looks like the inside of the auditorium. On Google Earth, the stage area is right on the point where the organ chamber is, but there is no stage house only an odd roof appendage. It seems like this theater was not designed for vaudville or any type of stage presentation. Maybe that's why Anniegirl had to use the side stairs to collect her prizes! Boy, Broadway in the fifties was A Different Place, eh?!

Dear brenograph, Anniegirl here, yes we used the side stairs to go onstage to collect our prizes for holloween, the best costume, however we never went backstage, we were directed to exit via the stairs on both sides of the stage. The commodore was truly a small theater. The bathrooms were on the first floor. The ladies room was to the right when you entered the front door after giving your ticket to the usher. The lounge chairs were in terrible condition.All torn into the leather seating.... Not that you spent all of your time in the ladies room. The candy stand was small right in front of the entry door. The Soda machine was to the right next to the consesion stand. I remember the old fashion Soda Machine. When you put the money in and selected the flavor, the cup would drop down and the syrup would come out then the seltzer, the you would struggle to get the filled cup out of the machine. Some sanitary condition back then, however we had fun on those Saturday movies.......Anniegirl

...and how many times the cup would get stuck and you just stood there and watched everything go down the drain. A great Lesson Of Life there. A lesson that didn't sink in 'till years later!
I suppose the status of the theater should now be changed to: DEMOLISHED.
Ah, Commodore, poor Commodore...

The whole intro may need to be changed, as while I wish it wasn't true, the Commodore is gone. And of course the intro says it's in "pretty good shape despite the wear of time", which probably wasn't accurate since it closed in 2003. SAD, but unfortunately true. I wish the opening statements still held true. A sad ending for a grand old landmark.

To brenograph and Bway, Yes very sad ending to a local great place for a kid like me to spend many a Saturday afternoons with my friends. Seeing such movies as "I was a Teenage Werewolf" with Michael Landon and Showboat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and many others too many to say. Goodbye my Sweet Prince!!!!!!!!!Anniegirl

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55976716@N00/392338982/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55976716@N00/392338984/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55976716@N00/392338985/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55976716@N00/392338988/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55976716@N00/392338992/

For Heavens Sake, Get Over It!!!!!!!

To Charlieq, thanks for those great pics.
To BillH, this site is intended for sharing our memories of neighborhood movie theaters.

Somewher out there I am sure there's a picture of the theater when it first opened.

Warren?

The Michael Miller Photo Collection of Theatre Historical Society of America includes six photos of the Commodore, probably taken by Miller in the 1970s when he photographed many theatres throughout the five boroughs. Here are their catalog numbers and descriptions:
Exterior, NYC-MM-BRK-36-01
Main floor crossview from right side, NYC-MM-BRK-36-02
Center dome from right side, NYC-MM-BRK-36-03
Center dome, NYC-MM-BRK-36-04
Top of proscenium, NYC-MM-BRK-36-05
Side of proscenium, NYC-MM-BRK-36-06
Copies of these photos can be purchased for a nominal fee, and you don't need to be a member of THSA. Their website is www.historictheatres.org

The demolition of the Commodore is bittersweet for me. I lived in Williamsburg for five years with my girlfriend whom I married. She wanted to see Ghost in 1990 so badly she suggested we go to The Com for my first and only visit. It was a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to say the least. And I remember its modest admission fee.
Sadly my wife died in 1992, and I moved back to my native Queens. But the movie Ghost and the Commodore have a place in my heart and memory.On a recent trip with my sister in law I drove past the Com, to see its roof destroyed, and a bulldozer parked nearby. Its was a sad sight indeed, and cringed upon seeing it.Tomorrow is the anniversary of my wifes passing, may the Commodore also restin peace.

Great story! How ironic you seeing Ghost at the Commodore...and part of the movie was filmed further up Broadway on the Myrtle and Broadway Subway Platform, and down below under the station at the street intersection. The scene where Sam goes looking for Willy he gets off at the Myrtle station, and later in the film, Willy gets taken by the demons under the station at Myrtle and Broadway.

Thanks for your reply Bway,
I do remember that scene under the "El", and have not veiwed Ghost for some time now, maybe because I'm saddened my its memory. I am happy that you enjoyed my story, it was from the heart.

On Billburgs post:
is ADelgado75...Angelo Delgado who used to own the Commodore with Arthur?

This is the guy from Energy Beverage who supplied your FruitPunch and Orange!

My condolences, Panzer65, on the death of your wife.

Re : "Ghost" : The spirit of hired assassin Willie Lopez was shown being dragged into hell by demons under the el at Myrtle and Bway, four el stops southeast of Marcy Avenue on the Bway el.

PKoch,
Thank you, I will always remember the movie Ghost,its so ironic that this scene ,along with my memory of my wife and the Commodore all come together, so you could imagine my reaction to seeing it being destroyed.

You're welcome, Panzer65. I can well imagine that seeing the Commodore destroyed would be like losing your wife all over again.

Has anyone seen pictures of the Commodore in its heyday? Or any pics?

PKoch.
Indeed, it felt exactly like my heart took a direct hit, but its true that time heals all wounds, and with the tremendous strength that God has given me I can cope with it, and by sharing my memories with fellow members and friends, it makes me even stronger.

Panzer65, I know all too well that feeling of important landmarks, that are links to significant events in one's past, being lost or destroyed, one by one. As in the Emmy-nominated episode of Rod Serling's "Night Gallery", "They're Tearing Down Tim Riley's Bar".

Dear Billburg, I do not have any pictures but I have lots of memories of the Commodore theater....As a child of the 50's and 60's The commodore was the place to be on Saturday afternoon at 12:00 P. M. I lived in Williamsburgh my whole childhood. Me and my friends would go every Saturday to the commodore or the Republic down on Rodney & Grand street (now a texaco station). After the movie, we would go to the Ice Cream Parlor down the block from the Commodore and have egg creams or if we were at the Republic (R&F as we called it) we would buy a dozen bagels at the Republic Bagel Factory across the street from the moviehouse and eat one or two on the way home....Loved growing up in Williamsburg..the moviehouses will stay in my memory forever......anniegirl.

Thanks for your post, anniegirl. Always a pleasure reading you.

Nice story micheelandanniegirl, the classic theaters have some many memories for everyone that attended them.

I have a vague memory of the ice cream parlor ( I am 41). I remember going to the Commodore (against my will) to see a Spanish show featuring some of the big names of that era; circa late 70's. I didn't go to the movies much (cue the violins) and perhaps that's why I have always had a fascination with movie houses. I remember the Marcy from taking the B53 bus to get to Bridge Plaza. But I never went there. It was the Williamsburg.

Can someone fill me in on any new development of an Angelica or Film Forum, or other kind of art house that was suppose to open on Metropolitan avenue. I believe it was on this posting that I first heard on might be opening, but I have been out of the "Northside" loop, for a while, staying on my side of the BQE at the Lorimer Stop.

I do know that, from "minutes and agenda" mailings I get from the community board and calling the community board itself, I was told that approval was given for a theater to be able to be built on Metropolitan ave.

Does anyone know any details of this, or whether it is just Galapgos that shows movies is just finding a new space or it is it going to be true art house theater and if it opened yet.

Let me know,

Ligg

Dear Billburg, The B53was the Metropolitan Ave Bus and it turned Right on Broadway and Marcy...In 1970 the Marcy Theater was gone and the Williamsburgh Theater was on Broadway towards Bridge Plaza. By 1970 the Ice Cream parlor on Broadway down the block east of the Commodore was run by 2 very portly brothers and by 1970 it was gone forever only to be remembered in our memories....Thanks for the compliments PKoch and Panzer65........and Ligg are you going to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast. It is going on now. I spent many a Summer Nights at the Feast as a kid growing up in Williamsburgh...All the smells and good eats there...and I have not heard anything about the development on the Northside...as of yet..Take care all...anniegirl

You're welcome, anniegirl.

Long live Williamsburg and Greenpoint !

Your welcome miceleandanniegirl.

I passed by the empty lot today where a great old theater once stood.

Any new thoughts and feelings, Panzer65 ? You seem so passionate about this theater from earlier posts.

PKoch
Yes, I feel that this 1921 beauty gave a good fight, many people tried desperately to save her. I feel that the folks who bought Commodore had no respect for historic buildings, they purchased it with the intent with one thing, make money, its an all too common evil these days ,greed. They closed the Com, let it deteriorate to the point where preservationists want it back, and then the owners, like greedy vultures, offer it for double the price they payed.Instead ,they leveled it, with the hopes for a religious facility and/or school.So I hope the Com's death was not in vein, rather a new beginning on its land to educate youth.

This pretty much sums it up when I pass the Commodore sight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0x3vTw6yc

Thanks, Panzer65. Well-put ! The "almighty dollar" is all-too-common and easy a motive in our venture capitalist, free-enterprise economy.

If the Commodore becomes a school, it will join the illustrious company of the RKO Bushwick (School For Social Justice) and the New Casino / DeKalb (PS 274 ?).

PKoch,
Thank you for your reply concerning the Commodore,
The Com had such a special memory attached to it for me, so I feel so much better that the beautiful RKO Bushwick lives on today, standing tall and proud as a school.
Is the New Casino still standing today, or is its lot its only remains?

Unfortunately, the Commodore can't "become" a school, as it has been robbed from Brooklyn. Thankfully, the people who bought the RKO Bushwick had the good sense to at least preserve it's shell (and the RKO Bushwick was in WAY worse shape than the Commodore was). The Casino Theater (aka DeKalb Theater) is also a school now, or at least it's shell is. I posted some photos of the Casio in it's section. I am not sure what name it's under, but try searching the theater section of either "Casino" or "DeKalb". It's on DeKalb Ave, between Broadway and Bushwick Ave.

You're welcome, Panzer65.

You're right, Bway, the Commodore can't become a school, because it is now totally gone, and only an empty lot remains. Unless, of course, the school built on its site is named "RKO Commodore Memorial High School", but that is not likely.

The New Casino / DeKalb Theater is Theater # 6900 on this site.

Yes, unfortunately, I doubt the owners of the site would do something like that, as they had absolutely NO respect for the building or it's history. It was an ACTIVE theater in 2002!! And just 3 years later the building was in complete shambles as they allowed water to just pur through it, and most of it was deliberately destroyed, so there would have been no hope for restoration or landmarking.

Dear All, It is my hope that the greed associated with these owners remains a vacant lot......The Commodore will always be in our memory and I hope they don't make a cent for the land......I would like a memorial school built, but that is asing too much.....Well anyway long live the Commodore.......anniegirl

I can't help but wonder if a similar stalemate exists for the vacant RKO Keith's in otherwise busy and booming downtown Flushing, Queens.

You're right, Anniegirl ! Not making a cent : it would be a fitting comeuppance : in the Cinema Zone !

Thanks friends for all your replies concerning the Commodore,
They were so negligent in the way they handled the Commodore, and now with their greedy ways, will most likely sit on the valuable property
until its value his a peak.
michelleandanniegirl & PKoch, Agreed 100%, may their greedy ways make them wish they preserved such a neighborhood gem.

You're welcome, Panzer65 !

Thanks guys for responding to my comments...As far as the Keiths Flushing lot, I guess the same applies to the greed set forth for the owners of the property......anniegirl

Concerning the also greedy and ruthless criminal that formerly owned and desecrated the RKO Keith's in Flushing Queens may I quote several citizens' opinion : "HANG HUANG"

"HANG HUANG" is about all I'm aware of right now, Panzer65.

But even the desolation, desecration, abandonment and waste of RKO Keith's in Flushing must eventually give way to the law of supply and demand, and economics in general.

I have to agree with PKoch. Those of us who cherish movie palaces are far and few.
I tried to see the inside of the Adams in Newark but was told that was not possible. I was able to glimpse from the street the auditorium and I could tell that it must be a sight to behold.

Unlike the RKO Bushwick, the Commodore existed on a symmetrical lot.

Billburg, have you been to Loew's Jersey in Jersey City since its gala re-opening ?

Hi Guys, anniegirl here, do any of you remember the Republic or as we called it the R&F on Grand Street in Williamsburg..It was demolished and turned into a Shell gas station. Talk about greed. The former owners must have made a mint. That moviehouse was on a tri-cornerlot of property....That was our alternate theater to go to on Saturday Afternoons.......

No, anniegirl, I don't remember the Republic. I've been in movie theaters in Greenpoint but not Williamsburg. Is there a page for it on this site ? If not, perhaps you'd like to start one.

Dear P.Koch. I know there is a page, just a thought while I was on the Commodore site.......and yes I used to go to the meserole while in Greenpoint....Do you remember Van Dolans Ice Cream parlor on Manhattan and Bedford Ave?????I used to go there when I was 16 years old and hung out with friends in Greenpoint....Oh what fun days they were.........anniegirl

Anniegirl, I remember the Meserole quite fondly but not Van Dolan's. What years did you hang out there ? My only high school "hangout" was a few afternoons over burgers and cokes at Joe's Busy Corner at Driggs and North 7th, near the Canarsie Line subway station and my high school. St. Francis Prep (186 North 6th Street), late 1972, early 1973.

Dear PKoch
I hung out there around 1960-1962..did you know the Brown Sisters Dolly and Theresa and their brother Billy or as he was known as Bubba Brown..All irish folks...also the Dietz sisters Tina and Donna they lived on the North Side near Bedford..The Browns lived on Bedford Ave near North 5th Street closer to the Park...Sometime later on we went to a place called Medford's Bar and Pizza Joint on Metropolitan and Bedford Ave....We sometimes would hang out in Daisy's Bar on Bedford and North 7th Street when at age 18 at the time you could actually go into a bar...We went to that Burger place only once....Did they also serve breakfast and lunch there? and were they on the corner of North 7th and Bedford. If so than that is the place we ate in a few times....Anniegirl

Dear Anniegirl :

You're about a decade to a decade and a half before me timewise in terms of hanging out in Williamsburg and Greenpoint as a teen and young adult. Sorry, I didn't know any of the people you've mentioned. Breakfast and lunch were probably served at Joe's Busy Corner, along with lots of great coffee. It was on Driggs and North 7th, not Bedford.

PKoch

anniegirl and Pkoch,
I took a look at the Republic page, listed at 402 Keap St.,and the architect was Eugene DeRosa, the same designer of the fabled RKO Madison. I wanted to learn more about this theater, but was dismayed to see no postings.Which year did it close?

Panzer65, I don't know. Perhaps Warren and Lost Memory can be of some help.

As well as Anniegirl, of course.

I moved out of Brooklyn to Kew Gardens in 1973...By then the Republic was already torn down and a Shell Gas Station was bulit on the site......anniegirl

Anniegirl, why did you move to Kew Gardens in 1973 ?

anniegirl
Thanks for your reply concerning the Republic, Any thoughts or memories of this theater you wish to share?

Dear Poch, I moved to Kew Gardens after my entire family moved there. My Aunt and Uncle moved to Austin Street near Lefferts Blvd first, then my other Aunt moved to Kew Gardens Road ( she still lives there) then we moved to 129th Street and Metropolitan Ave..So we can all be close to one another..We all moved from Williamsburgh.
Dear Panzer 65, My only memories of the Republic were Saturday afternoons at that moviehouse when not at the Commodore.....anniegirl

Thanks for the info on your move, anniegirl, but why did you and your family move to Kew Gardens ? If it's none of my or anyone on CT's business, it's OK to say so.

Thanks anniegirl for your reply.

anniegirl and PKoch,
Warren and I have some recent postings on the Republic page that may interest both of you.

Dear PKOCH
Are you from Kew Gardens? My Aunt Fran moved there first because she wanted a change....So we all moved to Kew Gardens after her and stayed there for 25 years. Then I bought a house on Long Island in Shirley....and have been here ever since.,..and You? anniegirl If You want, you can e-mail me at anniegirl1945@optonline.net.,...and all you guys who love the movies if you wish.........anniegirl

Anniegirl :

Thanks for your answer. Small world. My cousin John lives in Shirley.

No, I'm not from Kew Gardens. I know the area, though. Friend of mine named Ron Kloot grew up at Austin and Lefferts. Another friend and his wife used to live at 83-15 Lefferts, between Metropolitan and 84th Avenues.

I moved from Ridgewood, Queens to Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County 16 years ago because I was getting married, and my wife-to-be and I needed a home convenient to both our jobs : mine in Manhattan, hers in New Rochelle.

Thanks for your private e-mail address. I may use it for non-theater chat.

P(eter)Koch

ok Peter koch....We love on Lama Drive which is South of Montauk Highway in Shirley. My husband and I sold our house in North Shirley and moved into a Townhouse Community for 3 years, then our Daughter and Son i Law just purchased a house in Lama Drive and we have taken up household with them.....All good.....We have a 18 year-old daughter in Suffolk Community College now so it is convenient for travel for her........Oh well. We were just in Dutchess County last week.. My husband and I went to a small farm in New Paltz across from the College.....It's great upstate....We usually go to Lake George once every year to visit friends........ Talk to you soon about our common interest MOVIES and Trivia and Such.....anniegirl

Dear PKoch. Does your friend know the Homestead Gourmet Deli on Lefferts Blvd??????? Great eats there...I always shopped there for Holiday Salads and Cold cuts and Polish Rye Bread....the best bread ever......Anniegirl

Thanks for all the details, anniegirl. My cousin lives on Mastic Avenue in Shirley.

I don't know if my friend knew that deli on Lefferts Blvd. I can't ask him now, because he died in the mid 1990's.

oh I am sorry about your Friend.....Maybe if you are ever out this way we can get together for lunch......anniegirl

Thanks for the condolences for my friend's death and for the lunch invitation.

I realized over lunch that I should have said, the older of my Lefferts Blvd. friends, Ron Kloot, died. The younger one (Eric) is still very much alive and well in Florida.

That's good at least you have a friend from the old neighborhood to talk too...If all goes well , I am going back to my old neighborhood next month for a memorial Mass for my best friend's Dad. I will surely pass by the site of the Commodore and perhaps place a Rose there in the dirt if I am able to........IN MEMORY....anniegirl

Thanks, anniegirl. I haven't seen or spoken with Eric for awhile, but I can reach him easily enough through work.

I sometimes have lunch on Friday with an even earlier friend from parochial and prep school (Grades 1 through 12).

I hope your visit to your old neighborhood next month goes well.

Thanks Peter...anniegirl

I was saddened to see the photos from February of last year. Another fine theater permanently lost. However, the photo of the remains of the organ stood out to me the most. Did anyone try to rescue this instrument before the demolition of the theater? And if not, why? I was shocked to see the organ still intact. I thought most theater organs by now have been accounted for. It makes me wonder how many other organs out there still need to be rescued from decaying theaters.

I just came across this video of the Commodore during demolition.

You're welcome, anniegirl. Thanks, mp775. Yes, MikeR. Very sad.

Hi all,
Because I live on Long Island, I have not had the chance to get to Brooklyn to see the empty space where a moviehouse of my childhood once stood..What are they going to build in that space? Does anyone know? Anniegirl

If its like what they did here in New Jersey, pick one: parking lot, retail store, office buildind, condos.
Id rather have the old time movie palace, thank you very much.

Me, too.

But any of the above is better than an empty lot.

Not if you see what they built on the old parking lot of the RKO Keiths Richmond Hill or the site of the old Loews Triboro in Astoria. The Condos that were built are truly hideous and a slap in the face to the neighborhood.

Still better than a shooting gallery for junkies, or a homeless shanty town.

um....that wasn't one of the choices.

But it was always one of my fears, growing up and living in Ridgewood, especially post-July 13 1977 blackout and subsequent devastation of Bushwick.

Agreed! However, the new York of today is quite different from the New York of the 70's, 80's and early 90's. Many neighborhoods that were devastated have not only recovered but many have thrived. Neighborhoods like Park Slope, the South Bronx, the Upper West Side above 86th Street, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, Hells Kitchen, Williamsburg, etc have seen incredible recovery, growth and betterment in the quality of life for its residents. Others neighborhoods, like Bed Stuy, Bushwick and East New York are noticeably better. At the same time, brand new neighborhoods have developed like the Financial District, Dumbo, Hudson Square and Long Island City. As long as the city keeps crime under control and keeps people "wanting" to live in our great city, we will not return to those awful days of our city's past. I believe our current mayor will see to that.

I hope so. However, I don't think NYC is immune yet to shooting galleries for junkies, and / or homeless shanty towns or "Hoovervilles".

We may not be immune to shooting galleries but I do believe we are for Shantytowns. There is no way the city or the public would tolerate it.

That's good to know, LuisV.

Hi you all, Shantytowns? I never remeber Williamsburgh being a shantytown.....And yes there has been a revitilization in all bouroughs...except Far Rockaway, Queens. I only hope that if they build a condo or strip mall at the site, they name it the Commodore Plaza in memory of that fine moviehouse. Anniegirl

Hi Anniegirl, I don't believe Peter K meant that Williamsburg had shantytowns. I assume he was referring to the shantytowns that did exist in many parts of the city during the depression. As a matter of fact, some bums were actually living in makeshift housing in Thompkins Square Park in Manhattan in the 80's.

Even though it looks like we're heading into some desperate times, I still don't think we will ever see the return of shantytowns to our city.

Given the glut in Williamsburg's condo market - where many unsold units are now being rented (or attempting to be rented) - and the site's close proximity to the el line, residential development here does not appear to be realistic for the forseeable future. The construction of several retail stores is probably the best we can hope for, though the odds clearly favor the continued existence of a vacant lot.

Looking back, the destruction of the Commodore was an incredibly stupid action from both the cultural AND economic perspective.

The site of the old Broadway Theater also sits EMPTY. But developers are always going to tear down old buildings while dollar bills dance around their heads. It's sad they tear down something that has character and put up a building that is grey and flat. I am sure most of those new buildings will start to fall apart in a few years. They go up so fast and cheap.

Good point, Billburg. Thanks.

Thanks for posting for me, LuisV.

No, Anniegirl, I didn't mean to say there were shantytowns in Williamsburg. All I was saying was that, just as nature abhors a vacuum, vacant lots tend to be squatted on by the homeless, who are perhaps afraid of being robbed, raped, and murdered in the NYC shelters, kids play baseball, or other games, in them; in general, unused vacant horizontal space tends to become used again very soon.

John D., I agree wholeheartedly with you about the destruction of the Commodore Theatre.

dear all, ok it's just that I am not old enough to see any shantytowns in my time. However living in Williamsburgh, i did travel with my mom to the lower east side of manhattan and i remember the bowery with all of the homeless there in the 1950's. I was afraid to get out of the car. I surely hope it does not return to those days of homelessness. But woh knows what lies ahead. Next to the Commodore theater was the glenwood hotel and in the summer when we exited the movie, we walked down to the ice cream parlor run by 2 brothers that were quite portly in stature. That hotel was surly a place for homeless men. They were hanging out the window and they looked hopeless. That was in the 1950's. Does anyone have any similar stories. I am now 63 years of age and I was affected by those experiences. Anniegirl

No, Anniegirl, I've had no similar experiences. I am now 53 years of age.

The Hood

http://www.topix.net/city/brooklyn-ny

hello everyone my name is Dorianne Delgado..Some of you know my dad Angelo Delgado he was part owner of the commodore.. I discovered this blog looking for a photo of the Commodore in its original state circ 1920's but i can't find one. I'am happy to see that many people loved that place. It was a second home to me and my family.. If anyone see this and has questions i will be more than happy to help. i have answers to many questions that were posted wish i could have found this sooner.. especially when people were interested in trying to help save it..My dad tried so hard to delay the sell so the money could be raised to buy the other owners out... (sigh) but its to late now it's been difficult for my dad because he worked there for 20 years and before that he ran the williamsburg theatre also known as the commodore twin.. Hope to hear from someone delgado218@yahoo.com or myspace url delgado218

I am 43 years old today.

Hi Dorianne, How is your dad, I used to call him every week to see what he needed for my orange/ fruit punch machine. The theatre was always a good customer. Please relay these best wishes on behalf of Energy Beverage.

Happy 43rd Billburg...
I am sneaking up on 35 in a few months...
Next year I will tell people I am going on 26.

hey greenpoint, i will send my dad your regards. He is ok, bored out of his mind now that he's retired. I don't think it will last very long he's already thinking of starting another business closer to his home. I loved getting my dads chicken next door with some fruit punch then sit in the balcony and watch a movie. i have so many great memories of that place. :)

Dear Dorianne,
When did your dad own the Comodore? I used to go there as a kid between the years 1952-1970. I loved that theater. Every Saturday I was there with friends...I remember the matron with the flashlight telling every kid to be quiet. The ladies room had brown couch's to sit on and when the J train passed by the place would tremble..I remeber the soda machine, the cup would drop down and the syrup and seltzer would mix. It was right next to the candy counter. And the movies, that played there, great for the neighborhood. I remeber when we used to be able to sit in the balcony. Wow. at night. My Mom, Aunts and Uncle's would go at night. Now it is just a memory.
But a great memory. Give my regards to your dad for many a great time any kid could have. I lived 70 Penn Street and then on 700 Bedford Ave at Heyward Street then 35 Lynch Street and lastly 258 Marcy Ave at Keap Street. Went to Transfiguration School 1952-1960.anniegirl

HI anniegirl, It's so nice to read that many people had great memories there. My dad ran the Williamsburg theatre about 2 blocks down the street in 70's. He became partner of the Commodore in the early 80's until it closed. I was about 4 years old when he started there. Yes, I remember the soda machine it was red and in the same spot you described. It was there for a couple of years then my dad upgraded the candy stand. he had a new one built in front of the old one. The old stand became a storage the room. He got rid of the soda machine and added more arcade machines. I missed that machine I used to ask my parents for change just to watch the cup come down and fill with soda. It was pretty amazing 2 me lol. The couch in the ladies room was gone in the 80's probably because the bathroom sizes were cute back to make room for the candy stand or my dads office. i not sure which ladies room was the original one. The size of the balcony's were also decreased to add a second screen up stairs. So you probably remember one big balcony in the rear. They used the middle section of it to make the second screen. All that was left was 2 small balcony's one on the left and one one the right with a huge wall in between them. I wish I could have seen it it before all those changes because I could tell it was a beautiful theatre. I used to sit in the balcony and stare at the huge chandelier, all the details on the walls and try to imagine it when it first opened. Its sad how everything old gets torn down instead of bringing it back to its original beauty. If that theatre were in England it would have stood for hundreds of years because they preserve history.I read the whole blog and saw the discussion about the kimball, that organ was behind and above the screen.when you walked on stage right there was a doorway straight ahead that led to a tiny room behind the movie screen. In that room there was a metal ladder bolted to the back wall that you had to climb straight up to a ceiling door through that door was where they kept the Kimball organ. As far as the filming Avril filmed her music video on the outside of the Commodore they couldnt get in to film.They went in to my dads restaurant next door and asked my dad for help getting in but the theatre was already sold.The second filming was the disney movie enchanted. Just some fyi saw a lot of questions about it. :)Thank you for writting if you have any other questions please ask.

I wish I could had taken pictures from the inside,I loved the chandelier inside the theater..Wow,I miss that place..

Is IT TRUE? THAT THE JEWS BOUGHT THE COMMODORE FOR $1.00? If True Williamsburg,Brooklyn really is the
'King Of The Jews! jDa'Vi.

I HEARD THAT THE COMMODORE THEATER WAS SOLD FOR $1.00 TO THE JEWS. TRUE OR FALSE? Shoot i even had $1.00. =(

I don't know what the current owners paid for the theater, but the theater was deliberately attacked with holes punched in the roof to quickly destroy the place so there was no hope it would be saved. Has anything been built in it's place?

Anyway, here a 1967 photo of the Commodore in it's happier days:

http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=brooklyn+&catpagesize=25&ProductID=30513

Passed by the site today. It is still an open lot. Looking through the wall, I saw a mostly weed strewn lot with no sign of any development. Yes, some concrete foundation were installed - many months ago - but absolutely no new development appears to be comimg soon - if ever. The most recent Building Permits lapsed last February. Thr only activity I saw was a place to accumulate broken bike parts - but that is it!

The total stupidy of gutting what could have been an extremely appealing endeavor in marketing the Commodore as a cutting edge movie house just becomes more and more apparent! Stupidy rules!

It still sickens me whenever I ride by on the el trains through March Ave station that they tore this theater down....and for what? What a waste.

I meant Marcy Ave....

The last days of the Commodore..RIP!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=200WPHslf6c&feature=related

Thanks Panzer for capturing an act of absolute folly! In looking at the empty lot that will probably remain vacant for the foreseeable future, the sheer stupidy of it all just shocks anyone's conscience.