The United Palace

Theater chain was Loew's & it was one of the 5 Loew's "Wonder Theaters"

Recently visited it armed with a camcorder. It is still in great shape

The 3,444-seat 175th Street Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb, with an interior quite similar to a slightly smaller theatre that he designed for Loew's in Syracuse, NY (now known as the Landmark).The 175th Street was built at the same time as the nearby George Washington Bridge, but opened before it when bridge construction fell behind schedule. Loew's hoped that people would regularly drive over from northern New Jersey to attend the theatre, but if they ever did, they were never enough to make it very profitable. After a few months of movies with stage shows, the 175th Street went to films only for the balance of its cinematic life. Because of its location on the Upper Upper West Side, it never got the recognition it deserved as one of New York City's most sumptuous movie palaces. The programs were never more than first-run for that neighborhood, so who would go there except locals?...In recent years, the church ownership has been renting the theatre for concerts and conventions that don't clash with its own schedule. With help from those revenues, it has been able to maintain the 175th Street in a condition very close to the original.

Seating capacity for the Loew's 175th Street was 3444

They also rent it out to movie companies for location work. You can see some of the auditorium in the movie "Marci-X".

Wow, I never knew about this theater, until it was mentioned in the Valencia's (jamaica) section of the site, which has also been converted to a church. This is a spectacular theater! Traditionally, the transformation of theater to church had been kind to a lot of theaters, like the Valencia, the Loew's Gates, etc. Theaters lend themselves very well to churches, and if they can't be a theater anymore, churches are the next best thing, as they dod the least "harm" to a theater in conversion.
Here's a history of the theater:
http://www.revike.org/cchurch/history.asp

75 years ago, the Wonder Theaters were built and became prime showcases for all the great MGM product over the next 3 decades. The only Wonder Theater showing film today is Loew's Jersey but, sadly, they are not playing any MGM product in their 75th anniversary programming.

However, the beautifully restored Lafayette Theater in Suffern, New York salutes the Loew's Wonder Theaters by presenting a newly restored 35mm print of one of MGM's greatest musicals, "Meet Me in St. Louis." It will be shown this Saturday, September 25 as part of their weekly Big Screen Classics series. They will also present a vintage MGM short, and will play live music on their magnificent Wurlitzer organ.

For more information, visit their website at www.bigscreenclassics.com

The current edition of the New York Press, the "Best of Manhattan 2004" issue, lists the 175th Street as "Best Movie Palace." The description of the theatre can be found about halfway down the following webpage:
http://www.nypress.com/17/39/bestof/manhattanliving.cfm
Personally, I think this NY Press designation, as well as the recent community outrage at the (fortunately short-term) closing of the Metro Twin, is evidence that the the dedication of the members of, and visitors to, CinemaTreasures and similar sites is having a positive cultural impact. Appreciation for these "treasures" is becoming more mainstream.
Another note on the 175th Street, from a daily commuter's perspective: the dome of the theatre, with cross, is visible while traveling inbound on the George Washington Bridge. Check it out the next time you're crossing the Hudson.

Construction was finished in the autumn of 1929, but Loew's kept postponing the opening in hopes that it would be simultaneous with the new George Washington Bridge. But bridge building delays finally forced Loew's to open the theatre on February 22, 1930, which turned out to be well over a year before the GWB opened on October 25, 1931. The inaugural program at Loew's 175th was Norma Shearer in MGM's "Their Own Desire" and a stage show that had originated at the Loew's-owned Capitol Theatre on Broadway. With a weekly program change, the theatre did well for about two weeks, but once the novelty wore off, attendance plummeted. On April 25, the 175th Street dropped stage shows and also reduced admission prices by 25%. Besides competition from the Coliseum and other theatres in the area, the 175th had to contend with an economic Depression that was getting worse by the day. In June, Loew's also began dropping stage shows at some of its other theatres, including the Kings, Oriental, and Bedford in Brooklyn; the Plaza in Corona, Queens; and Loew's Yonkers in Westchester.

The current seating capacity is 3361. Most known now for Latin Concerts. Called the United Palace. Rev. Ike rents it for Movies, Concerts, Filming Productions, and Theater Musicals/Plays.

I think it's great that he allowed the theater to keep it's projection capabilities, unlike the Valencia in Jamaica.

I nearly crashed my car when I once got off I-95 after coming off the GW Bridge to get out of a traffic jam and found this grand relic. My GOD this thing is AMAZING!!!!! Is it landmarked by NYC? Quite possibly the most beautiful theater remaining in NYC, handsdown. And from outside, it looks largely intact.

The inside is too. Check out the links on this page. They meticulously restored the interior too. And unlike the valencia in Jamaica, they chose colors that are true to the originals. The Valencia's new paint scheme is gaudy at best....however, it is maintained at least, so that is good.

If this theater was in a more "desirable" part of NYC, it would get more press. I never knew it was there until I stumbled upon it. Now, on those rare occasions when I drive into work in Manhattan, I make it a point to drive past this theater. I always hope that I'll get into some kind of minor traffic jam so I can get a better look.

This neighborhood is thriving...it's no ghost town. Like Flatbush, this neighborhood (Washington Heights) was profiled in NY Magazine as being one of NY's best kept residential secrets. Therefore, it's secret is out. Again, if and when this area changes, what will be the consequences of this theater? I think too many people know about it now and there would be a large uproar from the architectural community if anyone tried anything "funny" with this place.

I don't think that the interior has ever been "restored." Loew's always took care of its major theatres, and it was still in good condtion when Reverend "Ike" took over. His people have done the best they can to maintain the original decor and to repair water leaks and such. One of its few flaws, which dates back to its construction, is that it doesn't have enough restrooms for a theatre its size.

There's a theater located just off Broadway at 160th Street. It looks as though the auditorium runs parallel to Broadway. Does anyone know if this theater is listed? Right now it's a supermarket (must be a big one...) called Superextra or something like that.

CC, I think you're referring to the ex-Loew's Rio Theatre, which has a listing of its own here.

Warren...thank you..that's the one!

So...what about the one on or around 137th and Broadway that has a McDonalds in it now? It has the words Gotham Theater written there and it's clearly recognizable as a theater. Do you if this is listed?

Thanks again...

The lobby and auditorium can be viewed in later scenes in the 2002 comedy movie "The Guru".

Also earlier in that movie can be seen exteriors of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill Theatre, to which the filmakers did a restoration of the marquee.

What is interesting about the restoration of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill's marquee was that they didn't realize it was all still back there when they were going to "recreate" it. When they ripped the covering from the marquee (that must have been installed in the 1950's over the original), there was the old marquee in it's former diamond in the rough glory. They then restored the old original marquee instead of recreating it. Thankfully, it now remains as such today.

The same thing happened when Disney was restoring the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The marquee and the area underneth the marquee to the front doors had been covered over by fake walls and lower ceilings. The detail under the marquee was all covered over and the neon areas were made more streamlined. So when Disney restored the Pantages for the opening of "Lion King". They found that a lot of the original facade was just covered over.

Thanks for that information. I passed by the Pantages Theater about two weeks ago, and it really looked great. I didn't realize that the old marquee had been covered, and then uncovered. Disney has done a lot for a few old theaters. In Manhattan, of course the most famous example is the old glorious New Amsterdam theater, which now houses the Lion King (but I think had Aida for a while, but could be mistaken). The meticulously restored it to it's former glory.
Of course, also in Hollywood, Disney restored the El Capitan Theater. It looks beautiful all lit up outside at night. That marquee, while it does have an look old look, is sort of interesting. They installed one of those modern digital signs on the three sides, and had sort of poster pictures of the film that is playing. When I was there, they were showing a rerelease of "Pirates of the Caribean", and that was in the digital display on the marquee. Very attractive.

Here are pictures of the 175 St.
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/ike1204.jpg

http://www.agilitynut.com/p/ike21204.jpg

They should restore the vertical

Thanks Robert!
It looks good. I notice the Veritcal Loew's sign is still there, minus the letters.

Not that it's extraordinarily relevant to this page in general, but to clarify Bway's post from this past February 17th, the New Amsterdam has hosted in its post-renovation years a stage production of 'King David' and its long-running 'Lion King'; 'Aida''s run was exclusively held at the Palace Theater.

Here is another photo of the United Church.

It's nice to see they even left the vertical sign up! EVen if they took the letters off.

The Village Voice just voted this place the "Best House 0f Worship That Used to Be a Movie Palace."

I took the "scenic" route home from Sleepy Hollow, NY, the other day via Route 9 which eventually becomes South Broadway in Yonkers and then Broadway when it crosses into the Bronx. Anyway... passed a number of former theaters on the trip including this magnificent structure. I had never seen it in person before and I was kind of stunned by how imposing a building it is! As you approach from the north, you notice the stylish arched iron-work of the balcony fire escapes and then the huge structure that houses the lobby and foyer (where the vertical Loew's sign remains attached). The theater occupies nearly all of the trapezoidal block bounded by Broadway, 175th Street, Wadsworth Ave and 176th street with the entrances on the corner of Broadway and 175th. The auditorium runs parallel to Wadsworth Ave so the building sort of angles away from Broadway as it runs to the north with a row of tax-payer storefronts filling out the Broadway frontage. I have to get myself inside with my camera one Sunday (services at 2:45pm according to the marquee).

While coming down Broadway, I passed a couple of theaters in Yonkers (I believe one was the RKO Proctor, and then the Park Hill further to the south) and at least one in the Bronx (the former RKO Marble Hill). I was surprised at how large the old Coliseum building was at 181st Street. I also recall a building up around 204th street in Manhattan that appeared to have been a theater at one time. Anyone know what this might have been?

Here is another photo of the former Loew's 175th Street.

Bway,
your hyperlink of 8/24/04 was incorrect...
you had one to many .asp (Active Server Pages)extensions.

Heres the correct address:

http://www.revike.org/history.asp

Thanks Greenpoint, so people can access it again, but they must have changed the page address since I posted that message. My link used to work....

Thanks Bway,
The link is actually fascinating, I had no idea how ornate this former theater really was, the site itself has some amazing images.

There is a new CD just released that features Lee Erwin playing the Robert-Morton Theatre Organs at Loew's 175th and Loew's Kings. The Kings Wonder Morton recording on the CD is of the organ's farewell concert. More info at http://www.gstos.org/TheWondersOfItAll.htm

God bless Rev. Ike!

I passed by the theatre a few days ago and it looks fantastic. The marquee is intact and the edge-accents have been recently re-gilded. The facade remains as impressive as ever, sadly reminicent of the Loews Pitkin. If only the interior of the 175th St. should be in such grand shape.

I visited the interior of Loew's 175th Street about five years ago and found it to be in very good shape. What has happened to it since to warrant your concern?

Is United Palace (above) a theatre name? Also, does anyone know about a Palace Theatre and annex on St. Nichol showing movies from around 1918-1922?

Make that St. Nicholas...

Al; The 1926 Film Daily Yearbook lists a Palace Theatre, 1326 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY with a seating capacity of 574. It isn't currently listed on Cinema Treasures (under the Palace name)

Al; I have just found a Photoplay Palace Theatre in the American Motion Picture Directory 1914-1915. The address given is 176th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY. Could be the same theatre?

That seems about right, Ken. There is a venue on 176th and St. Nicholas that shows up in the NY Times as playing movies but then switches to boxing matches in the early 40's when the US enters the war. It can't be this theatres since Loews 175th Street was open and showing films during this same period. It is possible that the St. Nicholas Palace had boxing events while the "Annex" or "Garden" continued with movies and concerts. By all indications this seems to have been a very active section of Manhattan at least until after the war or whenever the Major Deegan cut-off the Bronx. There was skating rinks, bowling and concerts nightly along with the movies, fights, music halls and plays.

There was once a famous sports facility called St. Nicholas Arena, aka St. Nick's. Boxing and wrestling were broadcast from there in the early years of television. I don't think it was ever a theatre or converted from a theatre.

The St. Nicholas Arena was near what is currently Lincoln Center in the mid '60's off Columbus Avenue. While closed for many years, the arena was only demolished fairly recently - within the last 5-10 years or so? The arena was originally a turn of the century roller rink and played host to rock and roll concerts as well as boxing and wrestling matches. Not sure where the St. Nicholas Palace was located, but I am sure that the aka "United Palace" listed above refers to the building's current name under Rev. Ike's stewardship.

Does the congregation of this church use the original theater organ for their services, or has that been removed and replaced?

I thoroughly enjoyed the A&E specialon the Loew's Wonder Theaters, but was left wanting more. Much More!!!!! The theaters are incredibly special and represent an architectural legacy that will never be duplicated. That all five of these theaters still exist is a miracle, but this show could easily have done a hour or more devoted to their history and current states of condition. It was truly uplifting to see what has been done by voulnteers to rescue the Jersey. Why can't the same be done for the Kings! It is already owned by the city. The borough presidents office could easily earmark discretionary funds to jumpstart this project and Brooklyn corporate sponsors could be enlisted as well.

I was disappointed that we saw virtually none of the 175th St. theater in this special. I also was surprised that they didn't devote more to the Paradise since it has just been reopened. I wanted to see more of the architectual details.

Maybe I would never have been satified no matter how much they showed! :-)

I was great to see these theaters given the attention they desparately need if we are to preserve them for future generations.

I used to pass by this theater many a time as a kid with my father back in the (you guessed it) '90's, never really appreciating its beauty but being floored by its massive size. Do they still throw those local flea markets right next to the theater on weekends?

Sorry if my memories are way too recent..........

What? No KenRoe photos of the 175th? Don't let me down, Ken... Passed by again yesterday on my way home from The Cloisters. Had there been an easy parking spot in sight, I'd have pulled over and filled my digital camera's memory card with images. I grabbed a fleeting shot from my car window while stopped at the traffic light... but I hesitate to even post it. Of course, I won't let that stop me:

Smile as you pass

I definitely was smiling. I need to get into this theater some day.

Not one to disappoint, here are three exterior photos I took in May 2006 and a further six photographs I took in July 2003:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191759901/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191760474/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191761025/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191769785/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191770274/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191770682/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191771027/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191771512/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/191794613/

Huzzah, Ken! I could get lost for hours in this one theater alone, let alone all of Upper Broadway. I simply must get up there one day when I have no other agenda but to stroll and photograph.

Not only a double bill but the "Miss No-Cal Beauty Contest"
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/Movie%20Ads/HellisForHeros.jpg

This website has some history of the Loew's 175th Street.

Here are some recent photos of Loew's 175th Street. Click eaxh photo to expand it.

I drove by this place on Saturday night (after visiting Loew's Jersey) on my way up Broadway to 177th Street - it looks like a cross between a temple and a fortress, especially in the dark. Given its somewhat intimidating late-night surroundings, it seems a rather appropriate combination!

please does any body know where i can get old photos of this theatre

For reasons unknown, this seems to be the least documented (photographically) of the 'Wonder' theatres.

Theatre Historical Society of America has vintage photos from the Loew's Collection at reasonable prices. Their website is www.historictheatres.org

P.S. The current interior is very close to the original, thanks to diligent maintenance rather than attempts at "restoration." Photos can be seen at the official website, which has been changed to www.theunitedpalace.com

P.P.S. When you link to the official website that I just mentioned, go directly to "Gallery" and then scroll down to a link to new color photos that were added on 12/18/06. Some are real dazzlers!

Wow, Warren. Those are eye-popping photos on the church's website. Thanks for the tip.

Now that the people at MSG have taken over the Beacon Theatre, Ron Delsener productions will be producing rock shows here.

Has that been confirmed? And what is the effective date of the changeover? I recently heard that the annual spring run at the Beacon by the Allman Brothers Band has been announced for 2007.

Ed- this comes from someone who works at the Beacon. As far as the Allman Brothers, They have such a history with the Beacon that they will continue playing there. MSG took over the Beacon as of the first of January.

Iggy Pop will be performing at the "United Palace" Mon Apr 9,2007.Cant wait to see the theater!

Iggy Pop? I wonder if God has somehow tricked Iggy into going to church. On the other hand, the United Palace will definitely hear language it's not used to hearing!

Hahaha! Yup Scott, that's pretty funny.
I forgot which theater this was, but I remember reading one of the theaters on the site was converted into a church in the 70's. Then some years later, the church left for a larger facility....the "church" then became a porn theater. LOL, talk about a change in use..... I wish I could remember which theater that was. Of course there are plenty of theaters that became port theaters and then later a church....but it's a bit funnier or ironic when it becomes a porn theater after a church....

But that all being said, it has nothing to do with the 175th St....but as you said....the "church" will certainly hear some language it's not used to hearing, lol.

Is it still being used as a church? Is Reverend Ike still around? How can they have a big rock concert on Saturday night and have a place that big cleaned up, repaired and presentable for church services on Sunday morning?

LOL...."Repaired"....

Yes, it is still a church. They must have a large crew that does clean up and repair. Hopefully Iggy's fans will respect the building. Actually, the three times I saw Iggy the crowds were well behaved. He doesn't draw as many neanderthals as you might think, myself excluded of course.

I don't think the people at the concert take the expression "raise the roof" literally. LOL

Obviously I haven't been to one of these concerts in a long time, but back in the day, after something like this there would be some broken seats, cigarette burns on the carpet, gum stuck on the rug, graffiti, a broken mirror in the mens room, etc.

I guess it may also depend on if they serve alcohol at the concert, as most concerts do.

Shouldn't this be listed as the United Palace Theatre, which is the name it now uses for theatrical presentations? It hasn't been Loew's 175th Street for decades. Here's a recent article from the New York Sun: www.nysun.com/article/49840

Yes, I think the site usually uses the most current name the theater operated under. The most current name, or the last one it used when still a theater. The 175th St may have to become an aka name.

I agree. There needs to be consistency here. As long as one can easily search all AKA addresses when looking for a specific theater, it should not matter that what may be the theater's most famous appellation is buried in a list of "previous names".

Not to be contrary, but I think this should remain listed as Loew's 175th, the last name it had as a CINEMA. While they do have periodic concerts there, there are no movies and it's primary use is still that of a church. There are periodic concerts at the Cathedral of St. John The Divine on Amsterdam & 112th St - are we going to list that venue on this site?

Hey dave-bronx... Point taken. I'm primarily interested in constistency here on this site. There should be one uniform policy with respect to listing the theaters. Freezing the name of a given theater with that which served at the time of its closure as a cinema is one way to go - but, while that might leave this entry as "Loew's 175th Street", it would leave the great Rivoli Theater on B'way with the nondescript listing of "UA Twin". Perhaps the convention should be to use the theater's original name (at time of opening or at time of conversion to cinema) and then leave the rest to the AKA's. That is, if we even agree there should be any sort of uniformity at all.

I always heard they use the most recent name if it is still a theater, cinema or not. There are a few theaters that used to be cinemas, yet now are legit theaters, yet they have the legit theater name listed as the main name.
As for St John the Divine Church, it wouldn't be listed on the site unless if showed cinema at one time. AFIK, they never showed movies in St John the Divine, so there would be no reason to list it here regardless if they do concerts. The basic criteria that any theater on this site needs to have is that it MUST have shown movies at least briefly for it to be listed. There are PLENTY of worthy theaters or "palaces" that could be listed on the site...but they can't be because many legit theaters never showed film. A currently legit theater can be listed, so long as it at showed movies at some point....after all this is "Cinema Treasures", not "Theater Treasures".

Good point Ed. In the case of the Rivoli, I had forgotten they had changed the name there at the end. The more I think about it there are too many different circumstances to set a consistent etched-in-stone policy regarding names. The software limitations of this site are becoming obvious and I recall one of the owners hinting that there may be an upgrade in the near future. If that's correct, maybe they can have the search function to search the primary name and the AKA names as well, as you suggested.

My main interest is in the Theaters themselves, whether or not they showed films and so it is more than a little frustrating that many "legit" theaters are omitted from this web site because they did not show films. Don't get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that we have this site to showcase movie theaters, but I think all theaters (including Legit) should be included, maybe as a separate subset. I think most would agree that it is the architecture that qualifies a theater most as a "Cinema Treasure". Well, that plus the Cinema part! It would be wonderful if we could honor those Legit Theater Treasures in the same way. These are just as valuable.

Luis, I agree completly, I am intereted in theaters in general. At this time though, the site's focus is on cinema. Perhaps if the software is ever upgraded, they may consider that who knows, as a subset, but do remember the site is called "Cinema Treasures"....
There are so many worthy, unbelivable legit theaters out there, and I have to say that it's a shame there's no place on the web to really discuss them. The ones that were "downgraded" to show cinema at some point found a home here...but many that stayed the course, and putter on as legit houses are unrecognized anywhere.

Bway, thanks the the support and I totally agree that this site is called "Cinema" treasures and not the general "Theater" treasures. Nonetheless, it truly is unfortuante that there is no equivalent site for Legit. I chuckled when you stated that theaters were "downgraded" to present film, but that in fact was the case. It was their only option to survive. The New Amsterdam Theater on 42nd St. is probably the best example of this. An incredibly beautiful, ornate and technically advanced theater built for stage presentations, but forced to show films to adapt to economic realities. As a result, we have the New Amsterdam on this site, but others in the Broadway theater district are not here. Hopefully, we will someday be able to honor these theaters in the same way.

Luis, you are correct, and the New Amsterdam is the perfect example. It should never have been a movie theater to begin with....but thankfully, since it had been "downgraded" for a time to show movies, even though it has thankfully reverted back to the gem it is today, we can discuss the New Amsterdam....

We'll be attending the Bjork concert on May 5. Does anyone know the parking situation at the United Palace Theater? Are there lots nearby? If so, how much is does parking cost for events? Is there street parking that is safe? Is the neighborhood safe? Thanks in advance!!!

Many photos of NYC's "legit" theatres can be found at the Internet Broadway Database, including some that are no longer with us: www.ibdb.com

The area is well served by subways and buses. I would strongly advise using mass transit instead of driving there.

Warren - Thanks for the info! Unfortunately since we're coming a long way we have to drive. Is parking really, really bad? Is the neighborhood unsafe? Just wondering what to expect since we've never been there. Thanks again!

If you're not sure about the neighborhood the solution is very simple. Just park your car on the Upper West Side below 120th? or so and just hop on the nearby subway to get up and back from the theater. Enjoy the show!

Good luck finding parking ANYWHERE in the city! Lots will be expensive, but I'm sure - if you must drive - that you can easily locate a nearby pay lot by doing a google search for "kinney parking", "icon parking" or "parking lots NYC."

Seeing Bjork here as well. Also seeing her shows at Radio City Music Hall and the Apollo Theater. This theater has a few major shows coming up besides the Bjork show.

If you link to the official website listed in the introduction above, you'll find a telephone number for the building's custodian. I'm sure that if you phoned, they would be able to give you information about parking conditions in the neighborhood.

Parking in the area surrounding the theatre can politely be described as “challenging” (under “normal” everyday conditions, day or night, weekday or weekend). During a theatre event, I would expect it to be damn near impossible – don’t expect to find any street parking unless you arrive there several hours in advance of the show.

I suggest that you utilize the nearby indoor pay parking garage located on Broadway between 176th & 177th Streets (on the east side of the street) – very secure and convenient for theatre patrons. The Washington Heights neighborhood, while not terrible, is not the most hospitable at night, and the nearby Port Authority GWB Bus Station attracts its share of vagrants and miscreants. If you park close by and don’t walk far, you should be OK.

As previously mentioned, it is very convenient to public transport:
NYC Subway: A train to 175th St-Ft. Washington Ave.
MTA Bus lines: M5 to 178th St, M100 to 179th St; Bx3-7-13-15-35-36 to 179th St.
NJ Transit/various bus lines: GWB Bus Station (B’way at 178th-179th St).

By car: accessible via the Geo Washington Bridge, Cross Bronx Expwy, Henry Hudson Pkwy (9A), Harlem River Drive and Broadway/local streets.
Garage: Parking Unlimited Broadway (4162 B’way at 176th–177th St) - tel. 212-568-1001.

I know all of this because I’ve visited [on several occasions] a bar located just one block north of this theatre, nestled between the parking garage entrances - ironically, it is named “No Parking”!

Thanks everyone for the info. I don't mind paying a lot for parking this time since it's a special occasion. Thanks Ed for the google search info - I'll try it. Warren, I called the theater and they were slightly helpful - they said "there are a few lots around" but didn't know the names of the lots or prices. Thanks again all!

Thanks Alto! Your info rocks! Since it appears we'll be getting there early and parking in a lot, we might stop at No Parking for a couple pre-show cocktails! I should have asked this before but does anyone know any good eateries? Thanks!!!!!

Great food? Hey, this is Manhattan! Yes, there are the many pizzerias and sandwich shops, BUT if you like Dominican or Spanish-style food - you WILL be in heaven! There's one place next to "No Parking", but if you go up and down Broadway, you'll find plenty of restaurants and some bakeries/pastry/coffee shops.

I also want to inform you that the aforementioned bar is an, ahem, "alternative lifestyle" establishment, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting – it is indeed an excellent stop for pre- (or post-) show cocktails. The place is a relaxed meeting spot for socializing and friends (definitely not “cruisy”), the staff and customers are polite and nice (and they do get a “mixed crowd” – all races, ethnicities and genders are welcome - mostly men, but also many of their women “friends”), so you will not feel out of sorts. The music is superb - excellent DJs and mixes ranging from retro house to reggaeton (but sadly, no dancing – this is strictly a bar-lounge).

If you keep an open mind, you will really enjoy and appreciate its ultra-modern, sleek style and upscale lounge ambience (which is reflected in the pricey drinks, although there is never a cover charge). It just celebrated its first anniversary, and is probably the nicest and cleanest establishment in the area (and one of the few where most staff and customers speak English) - definitely more Chelsea than Washington Heights - but then again, what else would you expect? ;-)

In a survey of new music venues in today's NY Daily News, critic Jim Farber gives a rating of "Good" to the sound quality at the 3,292-seat United Palace, which is "still the home base for the preacher Rev. Ike." Farber describes the theatre's look as "Rococo a-go-go. This nutty-looking place, which celebrates its 77th birthday this year, haphazardly mixes over-the-top elements of Moorish, Mayan revival and Oriental styles, all jumbled together by designer Thomas Lamb. Think: the Beacon-- to the 10th power." The ambience, according to Farber, is "Wacky, tacky, cool." Upcoming attractions include Bjork on May 5th, and the Arcade Fire on May 7th and 8th.

NY Times has a fantastic slide show of Rev Ike's church.

The article requires a paid subscription but the slide show is free.

Go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/nyregion/index.html

Here is the full text of the article:

“With Indie Rock on 175th St., City’s Reinvention Rolls Uptown” by Jim Dwyer.
New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast), NY: May 2, 2007; p.B1.

In the time it took a traffic light to change, Joshua Sturm and friends explained what they were doing at the corner of 175th Street and Broadway on Monday evening.

Across the street, Modest Mouse, a rock band whose latest album reached No. 1 in March, would be playing a concert in an hour or so.
The Sturm group was part of a steady stream of indie music fans parading from the A train and the No. 1 toward Broadway, as if someone had suddenly declared Black Sneakers Night in Washington Heights.

Mr. Sturm led a little crew of high school classmates to the concert, just as he found his way to music all over the city. ''Josh,'' said Nathan Kane, one of the friends, ''is the scenester.''

The arrival on 175th Street of scenesters -- even those like Josh Sturm, who all but audibly rolled his eyes at the remark -- amounts to at least a minor milestone in the annals of unlikely events.

Over the last six weeks, an enormous movie theater in what had been one of the city's roughest neighborhoods has emerged as a major force in the world of indie music. Drug gangs have long since dropped out of sight; the theater, a gold-ornamented relic of the Depression saved by a rich televangelist, is surging with life; and a theater operator who lost a job in January is again booking concerts, selling T-shirts and serving kegs of beer, one plastic cupful at a time.

Since late March, 10 shows have sold out at the theater, the United Palace, which has 3,293 seats. Its managers say it is the third-largest auditorium in the city after Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. The next big acts due to perform there are Bjork and Arcade Fire; all the tickets were bought in minutes.

''This came absolutely out of nowhere,'' said Jasper Veldhuis, 24, having a cigarette on 175th Street before the show. ''The concerts I've been to are downtown, Midtown.''

Dave Anderson, 25, said he had a specific memory: ''The riots, that's what I grew up associating Washington Heights with.''

In fact, if Mr. Anderson had been standing in the same spot in front of the Palace on a summer evening in 1992, he could have seen a mob rolling up the middle of Broadway. They heaved rocks through plate glass windows, turned over Dumpsters and burned them. The occasion was the shooting of a drug dealer by a police officer, at a time when parts of Washington Heights served as a company town for drug traffickers.

That era has passed. Like many of the people standing outside the theater, Elise Smith, 22, knew nothing about the uproar 15 years ago. By force of habit she usually looks to the Lower East Side for music, not because she had any worries about coming uptown. ''We hit up Joe's Pub all the time, a lot of the smaller venues,'' she said. ''I was excited to see something different up here.''

Built on a full city block, seven stories high, the theater has been a looming, dizzying presence since it was opened in 1930 by Loews, ''designed by Thomas W. Lamb in Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco style,'' as David W. Dunlap wrote in ''On Broadway: A Journey Uptown Over Time'' (Rizzoli International Publications, 1990).

''Gold everywhere,'' is the way Evan Williams, 23, put it on Monday.

By the 1960s, all the old movie palaces, as expensive to heat and cool as actual palaces, fell on hard times, and the Loews on 175th Street was closed. In 1969, Frederick Eikerenkoetter, a televangelist known as the Rev. Ike, arrived with $600,000 to buy it. Mr. Eikerenkoetter had prolific success in extracting cash from congregations; the theater was used for his sermons on ''thinkonomics,'' in which the road to salvation led unabashedly into his bank account. (A sample: ''The lack of money is the root of all evil.'') Today, the theater enjoys tax-exempt status as a religious property. (Madison Square Garden, with no religious pretensions, is also exempt from taxes.)

For the last decade, Latin acts have occasionally used the space. Mr. Eikerenkoetter's group, the United Christian Evangelistic Association, still owns the Palace but does not present the concerts. They are organized by Andy Feltz, who ran the Beacon Theater for two decades, until Madison Square Garden took it over this year. ''I came up here, saw the place and said, 'Holy mackerel,' '' Mr. Feltz said. ''To a lot of New Yorkers, it's brand new -- nobody knew it existed.''

Photos:

http://www.theunitedpalace.com/slideshow1.htm

The exterior of this theater (and perhaps the interior) is used to portray the fictional nightclub "El Caribe" in the new crime movie \"We Own the Night\" starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall. Imdb lists the Loew's Paradise in the Bronx as a location, so maybe that other "wonder theatre" was used for interior shots of the nightclub. Or maybe IMDB is mistaken.

Forgot to add that the trailer features several shots of the 175th's old vertical sign lit up in red neon spelling out "El Caribe" from top to bottom. I suppose it might be a CGI composite shot, but it sure looks like the sign was physically installed for the movie. Can anyone verify? The film was shot in the late winter/early spring of 2006.

This venue has become a concert "powerhouse", attracting big-name rock and pop stars as of late - recent and upcoming music shows scheduled for late 2007 include:
Van Morrison (Oct. 12-14)
The Black Crowes (Oct. 30-31)
Annie Lennox (!!!)(Nov. 3)
Neil Young (Dec. 12-13, 15-16, 18)

Visit Ticketmaster.com for the complete line-up.

World-renowed acts in a dazzling theatre, all worth the trip uptown on the "A" train!

Good luck finding tickets (checking with Ticketmaster online, it appears that the Annie Lennox concert is a "sell-out" (riding on the success of her long-anticipated and recently released CD album "Songs of Mass Destruction"). I am hoping that they add more shows!

What do they call the place in it's use as a concert hall?

It is called "The United Palace" in all of the concert ads I've seen - which is also the official name for the church used by Rev. Ike's congregation. They're making some noise about the venue's 75th Anniversary on the official website as well as in some radio commercials I've been hearing on the local classic rock station. As Alto posted, some big names are being booked into the United Palace - names that might have previously booked the Beacon or WaMu Theatre at MSG (and acts way too big for the smaller Nokia Theatre in Times Square).

The United Palace is the name used for both the church and the concert hall.

I am pretty impressed with the acts they are attracting.

Here is a recent photo.

I was up around the theatre a couple of weeks ago and snapped a number of exterior photos. Probably TOO many, but here goes anyhow:

Broadway & 175th
Facade corner detail
Blade
Main facade
Marquee detail
Smile as you pass
Box office
Facade section
Basketweave detail
Marquee panel
Wadsworth & 175th
Wadsworth facade
Upper facade detail
Wadsworth side wall
Wadsworth & 176th
Stage House Tower
Stage House upper facade detail
Broadway & 176th
Building profile looking south on B'way
B'way entrance & facade
B'way fire escapes

Exhaustive and exhausting, I know. I basically just took a walk around the building and fired away. Hope it's of interest to some folks. I didn't have the time to wait for the doors to open and take an interior walk through - but I think the series of stunning photographs on the United Palace's website offer a nice sampling of interior views (not that that'll stop me from photographing the interior myself one day and posting them right here)!

Thanks for these, Ed. As we know from the lack of photos from some sites, there is no such thing as too much coverage of these palaces.

Ed, Yes they used the theatre for the night club scenes in "We Own the Night".
The exterior was also a location in the film "Two Weeks Notice" along with a nice photo montage of theatres that was later cut from the final release version of the film.

Saw Annie Lennox last night. I had no idea what an amazing venue this would be - the interior is in great shape. The accoustics are excellent, and the sight lines, for being such a huge space, were good - much better than city center or the broadway theater, which both seem about similar in size. And what a gorgeous proscenium that frames the stage. It was such a thrill to walk into the lobby and up the staircase - not to mention the huge marble urinals!

I hope that you didn't have to wait too long to use them. One of the theatre's flaws was insufficient restrooms. Most theatres that size had two to serve main floor patrons and two for upstairs, but the 175th had only the two on the main floor. Or least that was true when I last visited the theatre in 2002. Perhaps more have been added since.

the restroom was on the second level, and there were probably about 15 to 20 urinals. it was a full house, but the wait was a few minutes.

Has that tower on the stagehouse always been there, or did the church add it? It may be enclosing the water tower. Obviously the cross and ersatz stained glass have been added, but the structure itself looks out of place, a different style than the rest of the building.

It would be nice if they lit the blade with Palace which would work since it is the United Palace. Im glad this facility is being discovered again. It was fortunate that reverend Ike bought this theatre and preserved it as a church and is letting other use the theatre for other purposes. I was in the theatre in 2002 and thought it was in great shape. I was able to see all the Loew's wonder theatre except the Paradise in the Bronx. There is only one wonder theatre left to be revived the Loew's Kings in Brooklyn.brucec

Dave-bronx, I wondered the same thing as I took those photos a couple of weeks back. Perhaps Warren knows the answer to that (in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the answer has already been posted on this page, somewhere above).

A set of photographs that I took in October 2007 during the Cinema Theatre Association(UK) visit to the theatres of New York that I organised:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918472381/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918492067/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918503201/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918525225/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1919362928/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1919374634/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918558781/
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/1918569279/

Thanks, Ken. Interesting about the various colored lighting circuits behind the decorative side wall & ceiling panels in the auditorium to change atmosphere. I wonder if we'll ever see those restored in our lifetime!

After viewing all of the posted photographs, I can only begin to imagine the skill and craftsmanship [and patience] required to create such a space. This could never be duplicated today on such a grand scale. This is preservation at its finest.

It has been said that "God is in the details". If that's the case, then it should be no "wonder" why a church chose this magnificent structure as their home.

I've toured this fantastic exotic movie palace.

Here's more photos from CTA visit this year that I found on flickr.

Lobby
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1804620143/

more lobby or foyer http://www.flickr.com/photos/theatretalks/2068988418/

The interior of this theater is one of the most amazing that I have ever seen. Just absolutely overwhelmingly beautiful. I was there tonight to see Neil Young. Unfortunately his show wasn't as cool as the theater. And that's coming from a hardcore Neil Young fan. It looks like they are now using this as a regular venue for concerts, and they should!! It's just great that this place has been preserved as well as it has been. A really amazing piece of architecture.

This was another example of "r" before "e"-- Loew's 175th Street Theatre, not Loew's 175th Street Theater. The circuit was Loew's Theatres, not Loew's Theaters. The group of architectural marvels was "Loew's Wonder Theatres," not "Loew's Wonder Theaters."

Here is an updated link for Rev Ike. Click on "The Palace" then "Facts & History" for some information about this building.

This is a shorter link that can be used for the Related Websites above:

http://www.revike.org/

That homepage photo of the Reverend suggests that some of the church collections have been going towards cosmetic surgery. He looks much younger now than he did 40 years ago.

Warren, that's a rude comment. I hope the Reverand, and his church, which have so magnficiently maintained this glorious movie palace and made it available (at tours, concerts, etc) for the public to see and enjoy, both live on for a long, long time. They deserve the gratitude of all fans of historic movie palaces.

I think this theater may have to be changed to "United Palace Theatre". That is how it's advertised in Concert Bookings. The place is still a church, but it is also used as a Theater/Concert venue too. Many famous performers have played here, such as the Black Crowes, Niel Young, Van Morrison, etc....

For example, that's how ticketmaster calls the theater, and I have seen the "United Palace Theatre" name on other advertising for concerts too.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/356/?search_redirect=united%20palace%20Theater&tm_link=tm_header_search

I know it's tough to lose the "real" name as the main theater name, but I think in the policy of the website, the 175th St Theater name may have to become the "aka" name, as the current name IS the "United Palace Theatre" for concert bookings, even though they just call it the Christ United Palace for the church.
Even the Astor Plaza Theater had to be changed to "Nokia Theater" when it became a concert venue. I know it's not only a concert hall, but is still a church, but shouldn't the name reflect the current theater name?

Also, it's status isn't closed, as the building is not only being used as a church, it is also open for concerts as mentioned above.

Since it has a dual identity as Christ United Palace [a church] and United Palace Theatre, I don't see any problem with the listing staying as Loew's 175th Street. Neither of the current venues show movies. Loew's 175th Street did, and was certainly a "cinema treasure."

The "Nokia Theater Times Square" doesn't show movies either anymore, yet that is the main name listed for the old Astor Plaza Theater.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/309

There are many all over the site named as their CURRENT name:
-the old Grammercy Theater, now the Blender Theater. Also doesn't show movies under "Blender Theater".
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6113/

Those are just two off the top of my head. There have to be countless more if we start looking for former theaters, now concert venues. All the concert bookings don't call this place a "church", they call it the United Palace Theatre.

The Related Websites link above shows the name as United Palace, so that should be the primary name for this theater.

That's the CURRENT name of the theater. I hate to lose the original name of this place too, but other just as significant theaters listed on this site, which are no longer showing movies, but still operating as theaters (even if only part time) are listed as their current names. I thought that was the policy of the website. Again, if you type "venues" at ticketmaster, this theater doesn't come up as the "175th St Theatre", it comes up as the "United Palace Theatre":

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/356/?search_redirect=united%20palace%20Theater&tm_link=tm_header_search

I agree, it is much more significant as the "175th St", yet like other theaters that no longer show movies, but are concert halls, such as Nokia and Blender, they are listed as their current names.

Unfortunately for consistancy, it should show the current name. I mean again, for example, wasn't the "Mayfair Theater" more significant when it operated as such, or later when it became the "Embassy 2,3,4", yet it is listed as it's most current (or in that case last operating name) name used.

Incidentally, from what I have read, the projection capabilities are also still intact at the 175th St-United Palace Theatre.

By the way, I didn't mean to imply that the 175th St Theater was less significant than the old Astor Plaza (Nokia) or Grammercy Theater (Blender), those two sentences sort of give the wrong impression, I meant to say that many significiant Theaters use their current names on the site...then went on about Grammercy and Astor, I didn't mean to imply that those are more or just as significant "cinema treasures", just that those are two examples of theaters in general that are using their most recent names instead of their movie day names.

United Palace only operates part-time as a theatre, so I think that rules out changing the main name from Loew's 175th Street. I'm sure that many members will agree with me. Loew's 175th Street is one of the legendary "Wonder Theatres." Let's have some respect for history.

I sent in the name change for the Gramercy, because that was a total change in the name of the theater. I agree with Warren for the various reasons he posted above. The website link is included above for those who wish to visit it- and it is a very nice website with many beautiful photos of the movie palace. Most people on this website are more familiar with the historic name.

The status was changed today to "open" pursuant to the comment suggesting it.

I will also add gratitude to the church for keeping the movie palace in such wonderful order, and making it so available to the public.

Okay, I guess I understand the point, even though it seems to be a little contrary and inconsistent with what has happened with other theaters regarding current vs. former names.
But should the "United Palace Theatre" at least be used as an "aka" name?

The keyword here is "inconsistent". We might as well discard the policy since exceptions are constantly being made to it. The current name of this theater is United Palace. Some people might not like that name but that is its name. "Let's have some respect for history"? How about having some respect for the church that maintains this theater. They chose to change the name to United Palace and we should respect their choice by using that name for this theater. This is no longer a Loew's theater.

I agree. Screw history.

How do people find it today?

Don't you folks understand that it's only used as a theatre part of the time? In fact, at least 80% of the activitity there is for church purposes. "United Palace Theatre" could be listed above as an alternate name in smaller type. Anyone seeking information for that venue could easily find it through the search engine.

"Screw history," says Al Alvarez. A quote which will live in infamy, to paraphrase the 32nd president of the United States.

It really doesn't matter if its a full time theater or a part time theater. If this building was only used as a church, then the name would remain as Loew's 175th Street Theatre since that would have been the last name it had as a theater. One function of this building is a venue for concerts, with a new name of United Palace and that's the name that it should be listed under on this website. Loew's 175th Street Theatre would be an aka name. Adding the aka name would allow a search for Loew's 175th Street Theatre to return this listing. If you believe that the naming policy is wrong, then ask that the policy be changed. Maybe theaters should be listed by their most popular name or the name that they operated under for the longest period of time. Whatever the policy is, we should abide by it so there is some consistency in the listing of these theaters.

It makes no difference to those of us who know our way around this website, but for a newcomer it would be confusing. If one types in "Loew's Paradise" for example, you are informed that there's no match found, because it's now listed as Utopia's Paradise (a laughably stupid name by the way. It's like saying "paradise's paradise"). Someone coming here looking for info about Loew's 175th Street Theatre might experience the same thing because they may never have heard of the United Palace. If there was some way that the search could also search through the aka's that would solve the potential problem.

The search engine does search aka names. If you search for Loew's Paradise, you receive the message "Oops! Your search for 'Loew's Paradise' did not find any results". Now, put a checkmark in the box that reads "previous names" and press the search button again. You should see the Paradise Theater in the search results. Give it a try.

Isn't it more plausible that someone who saw a concert at the United Palace Theatre today would be trying to find out about it and rather less likely that someone would be looking for a movie theatre that closed 38 year ago?

That does make sense Al. I'd like to know why it takes a debate which in some cases leads to heated arguments and personal attacks before a theater name is updated. Most of these arguments could be prevented by just changing the name of the theater. Then everyone could move on to something else.

Al, you are correct. Most people outside regulars of this site or in the "theater world" would even know the church has once been called the Loews 175th St.
The OFFICIAL policy of this site is to have the main name of any particular theater as the CURRENT name of the theater. This theater is called the "United Palace Theatre". If you are looking to buy tickets for a "Van Morrison" concert on Ticketmaster at this theater, you are searching the UNITED PALACE THEATRE, not the Loews 175th St. It doesn't matter if it is mostly a church, which is true, but the fact remains that it is no longer ONLY a church. The theater IS used as a theater in addition to a church. This is not like the Loews Valencia which is rightly still called the Valencia as the main name on this site, as it is ONLY a church. The "Tabernacle of Prayer" is NOT used as a theater, and only for a church, so Valencia's name remains, just as you would not call the old Oriental Theater in Boro Park "Marshalls", as it's not used as theater. The 175th St IS used as a theater, even if not as regularly as a church. The place IS a concert venue, and IS open to the public not attending church services.
Yes, this theater is more significant than the Blender Theater (Grammercy Theater), or the Nokia Times Square Theater (Astor Plaza Theater), however, both those theaters lost their former theater names and use the concert venue names instead, as THAT is the official POLICY of the site, so they were rightfully changed.
This theater not only should have the United Palace Theatre name, as that is the official CURRENT name of this venue, it doesn't even make mention of the CURRENT name as an aka name. Like it or not, THAT is the name of this theater, not the 175th St Theater, which hasn't existed in name in almost 40 years.

Other examples would be performing arts theaters. The REGENT theater in Bay Shore is listed as the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, as THAT is the current name of the place. There are many such situations.

I know the 175th St Theater is more significant than many others, however, what theaters are given an exception to the "current name" policy? How many theaters are named by their former names instead of their current name, and which are they?

This is not a full-time theatre. It's a church that sometimes can be rented for secular activities such as concerts and movie/TV "shoots." The availability is very limited because the church uses the building most of the time for services and out-reach to the community. The official name is United Palace Church. "United Palace Theatre" exists only on paper when secular concerts are held, which doesn't seem to be very often.

Bway, get a life.

so far as I know, there have only been a few concerts here, and only recently,and when I visit official website, there are none listed for 2008 at all. It is primarily a church.

http://www.stubhub.com/united-palace-theatre-tickets/

If this is primarily a church, then the status should be Closed.

Howard. No offence, but what the heck is "Get a life". Why would you even say something like that? Where have I gotten "out of line"? By having "the nerve" to suggest that a theater name may need to be changed on a website? All I was suggesting is an observation about a name of a theater, and how it's listed on the site, perhaps (or perhaps not) against the policy of how names are listed by current use. I am afraid YOU should get a life if you can't handle an adult conversation/debate on it. At least Warren respectfully disagreed with me.

"Get a Life"? Is that necessary? The nerve of me to to suggest such a thing. Geesh.

And by the way, while yes, it is not used particularly often as a concert venue, it does have some events scheduled according to Ticketmaster:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/356/?search_redirect=united%20palace%20Theater&tm_link=tm_header_search

And also according to the link Al posted a few posts up:

http://www.stubhub.com/united-palace-theatre-tickets/

Someone searching for those tickets at this venue wouldn't be able to seach for them looking at the "175th St Theater", as it hasn't existed in almost 40 years. But would find them under the United Palace Theater, the name of the theater the concerts play at.

"Bway," I don't understand your logic. Why would someone searching for tickets for United Palace Theatre go to Cinema Treasures? This is not a ticket agency. I think they would go to Ticketmaster or any of the many other brokers in cyberspace. Also, United Palace is not a cinema. Why would they even think that they could buy tickets for a rock concert at a website called Cinema Treaures?

I didn't say they would go to cinematreasures. I said they would be searching for the the United Palace Theater on ticketmaster (or wherever). That is because that is the CURRENT name of the theater. You misunderstood why I mentioned that. I meant it that they wouldn't be searching ticketmaster under "175th St Theater", which is NOT the current operating name of this theater. This website, in most of my experience here (unless you can point me to some theater that this isn't true) uses the CURRENT name as the title, which is the United Palace Theatre.

But that all an aside, at the very least, "United Palace Theatre" should be an aka name here. As that IS the current name for the THEATER operation of this building.

The marquee says United Church.

Perhaps that should also be added to

The Palace Cathedral / United Palace Theatre

since Loews 175th was too simple.

Perhaps
"The Reverend Ike's The Palace Cathedral, presenting half a dozen concerts a year as United Palace Theatre, and otherwise known as United Church

Just to make this clear, I was being sarcastic in regard to my proposed further expansion of the current long, complicated name.

Hands up, now, how many Cinema Treasures fans will remember to look for this theater as "The Palace Cathedral"?

Thank you CT. This page is now a tribute to a living preserved theatre and not another tombstone to memories of a dead one.

And truly, the reason that the policy of the site is to have the current name as the main title, and all other names as "former" names, is because the site is set up for the general public. Someone walking by this theater today, and curious about it, and googling what it says currently on the marquee today is brought to this page. Aside from theater buffs, or some historians, no one will have any idea what the name of this theater would have been almost 40 years prior (and that goes for any theater). Someone walking past the Nokia Theater may not even know it was called the Astor Plaza Theater just 3 years ago.....much less a theater name from 40 years ago. I understand the reason for that policy of the site, and it must be consistent. I know it's painful to lose the original name of "175th St Theater" as the main name....but I don't think there are theater pages were exceptions to this rule are made, no matter how significant the theater is. For example, if they (for arguments sake) changed the name of Graumann's Chinese Theatre to the "Hollywood Blvd Theatre" and that's how it was operating....the name WOULD have to be changed if the policy is to remain consistent on the site. Thankfully that isn't happening, but that's what would happen.

Now lets get back to what we come to this site for, to enjoy the history of these great buildings. And think of this alternative....we could tragically be talking here on this page about how beautiful the 175th St Theatre WAS with it's name still as the main name....if the theater had been gutted 38 years ago for retail.....let's be happy the least of this theater's "problems" is it's current name. I much rather see this name up there, than the original name there if the theater was no longer operating, and instead you could be buying dollar store items inside instead.....

Somebody heard you. It is now called the "United Palace" and will show up as such on the recent comments section.

When I wrote last night, the theater name on this website literally read:
The Palace Cathedral / United Palace Theatre

That combo name, complete with hypehn rather than "aka" looked inappropriate for this website, and was why I commented.

That combo name has since been modified or corrected to the singular "United Palace Theatre"

I want to repeat what I wrote earlier, and can be said of other theaters, too:
We all owe much gratitude to churches such as this one, and leaders such as Reverend Ike, who have lovingly restored, maintained, and operated movie palaces. Before concerts began, this church had already welcomed visitors.

On the official business card handed to me by the 'operations manager', when I was setting up my Cinema Theatre Association visit to New York in November 2007, has the name printed:
Christ United Church - The Palace Cathedral

Indeed. And, as pointed out above, "United Church" is all that I saw in the photos as being on the actual marquee!

the name of the building isn't United Palace Theatre. A very occasional concert series is sold/promoted by that name.

The last name, as a regular theater: Loews 175th.

Howard, I agree, much credit has to go to this congregation in restoring, and maintaining the unbelieveable former 175th St Theater in such beautiful shape. And I am glad that they have also come to the point, where the theater can be used for concerts and other events as a theater, in addition to serving their needs as a church, as I am sure it brings them in needed money too, as this theater is not cheap to maintain and operate.
So yes, credit to churches that take over these great old movie palaces and keep them intact for future generations. It's so much better than walking into a place like this that is now just another drug store.....

Changing the listing to United Palace Theatre is ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS!!! If it operated full-time as a theatre, I could live with the change, but it doesn't. A church deacon told me that 90% of the activity is church-related. If the main name must be changed, it should be to United Palace, with United Palace Theatre as an alternate name after Loew's 175th Street.

First we have to deal with AMC wiping the great Loews name out of existence and now our own Cinema Treaures changes the listing of one of the great all-time classic theatres to United Palace?? Is anyone coming on this site looking for the United Palace Theatre? Bad bad move.

Okay -- I have made another change to this listing: I have changed it to the United Palace. I have no doubt that will probably not win any more fans, but we're looking for something that makes sense, is consistent with our policy, and, yes, respects the original name of the theater. The problem with these contentious name battles, and I appreciate all of the enthusiasm and passion, is that if we listen to all involved and make a decision one way or another, we are destined to upset someone (or some people). The buck stops here. This was a Ross & Patrick decision and something that made sense to us. The "Theatre" part has been dropped to reflect the flexible use of the building and the name chosen by those who run it. I am sure this will not stop the debate, and I love the fact that this theater engenders so much passion, but I wanted to make sure you knew why we had made the change. Thank you for your support and understanding.

In most cases when a former theater is converted to a church, it is listed here by the last name it had when it was a theater. This is a unique situation. If the building was only used as a church, then the Loew's 175th Street Theatre name could have remained as the primary name. This church/theater sells concert tickets to the general public just like any other concert venue does. By doing that, the building is also being used as a theater. Since it is being used as a theater, regardless of the number of concerts held here, it should be listed under the current name that is used for the concerts. People that come to this website looking for Loew's 175th Street Theatre, can still find it by checking the "previous names" box on the "Search Theaters" function. I'm sure that changing the name of this theater wasn't an easy decision for Ross and Patrick to make, but given the circumstances and to maintain a consistent policy regarding theater names, I believe that it was the correct decision.

But the policy really isn't consistent -- it's "in most cases." A case in point is the one-time Loew's State in downtown Los Angeles.

I suggested previously that the listing for that venue be changed, since the Loew's part of its name was dropped in the 1950s. It continued showing films as "The State" for many years, and most people living today who knew it as a movie theater knew it as "The State," not as "Loew's State."

Now that it's a church, the official name is Catedral de la Fe -- but since it's not a part-time concert venue, at least we don't need to change the listing name to that!

You are correct that there are aberrations here and there. How Ken and Bryan keep track of over 20,000 theaters boggles my mind. Sometimes, if users haven't submitted updates to them, the names aren't changed. I've just corrected the State in Los Angeles to reflect its last name (before becoming a church).

If thats the case, then you should post a comment on the Loew's State Theater page asking that the name Loew's be dropped from the primary name and Loew's State Theater or Theatre be used as an aka name.

The name Loew's has been dropped from the downtown LA State Theater. It is, of course, now listed as a previous or aka name.

That was fast. :) Thanks!

The name seems to be The United Palace (not United Palace). In any case, this will be my last contribution to the listing because I believe that Loew's 175th Street should have remained as the main name. I've canceled my subscription to the thread so that I don't have to see any more reminders of Al Alvarez's obscene "Screw history!" remark. The barbarians have triumphed (or at least for the moment).

I have to agree - I'm off this thread as well. That building is and always will be the Loews 175th Street.

Let's put it this way (again): In my mind, it will always be the Loew's 175th Street as well, but in 2008 it is The United Palace (I am making yet another change per Warren's suggestion). As for the "Screw history" remark -- as a historian, I'm uncomfortable with that as well. That is certainly NOT what this name change is all about. It's about consistency, which is the hallmark of any database.

I'd like to think that since the building is no longer known as Loew's 175th Street, then The United Palace is the more historically accurate name in 2008. I'm sorry this issue has caused so much debate. It won't be the last disagreement, unfortunately. I wish these decisions could come without name calling and such upset feelings, but I know it's based on deep love and affection for these theaters. Thanks for your input everyone. See you on another thread. :)

Off the thread? How sensitive some denizens of New Amsterdam can become when faced with common sense changes...

For consistency, yes, this was the right decision. If it was "only" a chuch, like the old Loew's Valencia, now the "Tabernacle of Prayer", which ONLY is a church, then it could go back to 175th St Theater, as you wouldn't have Tabernacle of Prayer as the title of theater, as it's NOT a theater, it's a church. This theater is a bit unique, as it is both at this time. Seach "theaters" or "venues" at ticketmaster, and THIS building comes up as "The United Palace Theatre" (with theater in the name, but let's not go there).
I think people are too sensitive, this place hasn't been the 175th St Theater in almost 40 years, and even though it has only come back to being a theater over the last 2 or 3 years, it IS being used as a theater once again, even if in addition to it's main church function.
Would we be better off if the place had "Dollar Tree" or "Walgreens" haning over the marquee instead, and the name could be "175th St Theater" on this page? I think it's wonderful that they opened up the doors to being a theater in addition to their church once again.

If they ever stop using the place for concerts, and it once again is only a church, then perhaps it should be revisited, but the theater operating out of here, even if briefly is called "The United Palace Theatre" on anywhere the venue is mentioned, so the right decision was made.
And hey, we are all here for the same reason, we love these old buildings. Again, we should be happy that it is preserved and oeprating.

Look at it this way, the church could have retained the name 175th Street Theatre minus the name Loew's but they chose not to. Someone should complain to the church about their lack of respect for history.

In August 1966 this theatre was part of the Loews circuit release of the Spanish film “Every Day Is A Holiday”, known around the world as “Cabriola” and starring child star Marisol. Released as a co-feature to “Born Free” on a wide sub-run break, the project was designed to launch Marisol into the U.S. market by hiring Mel Ferrer to direct and dubbing the film into English using Marisol herself in both languages. Although the egomaniacal Ferrer claimed to have discovered her, Marisol was already the top Spanish box office star in the world and this was her eighth film. Her previous films had played only in Spanish language theatres in the US.

In a rare recent interview, the reclusive and retired Marisol (Pepa Flores) claims that Ferrer was cold and distant but that his wife, Audrey Hepburn could not have been more supportive when visiting the set, giving Marisol beauty tips and even sending her to Paris for a haircut with a recommended stylist.

Still going strong as a concert venue, with alternative rock shows...

17-18 Sept. 2008, 8 PM: Sigur Ros, Parachutes (SOLD OUT)

9-10 Oct. 2008, 8 PM: Beck (Modern Guilt Tour), MGMT (SOLD OUT)

For more information, see: The Bowery Presents and Beck: Modern Guilt.

Last month, two performances at the United Palace by Smashing Pumpkins were complete sell-outs, according to a report in the 12/13/08 issue of Billboard Magazine. 6,586 tickets were purchased, for a total gross of $383,555. Seats were priced at $85 and $45.

I am just impressed they are able to book such popular and big bands as the Smashing Pumpkins. It shows that places like this can be sucessful, and there are uses for these beautiful theaters, even if movies in them can no longer be popular.
This revenue is certainly more than can be made by just "being a church", and hope this helps the congregation stay healthy, as I think it's wonderful that they have not only preserved a beautiful building, but also opened the doors to allow it to be used as a theater too.

Hopefully one day some of the other old theaters now churches can experience a similar success as a theater venue, such as the Loews Valencia in Jamaica, or the now shuttered and fate unknown Loews Kings in Brooklyn.

This naming situation seems to be sparking unnecessary controversy. The list owners should have one policy and stick to it: either list theatres by their original name - or - list them by the current name.

The Internet Broadway Database presents a nice model by neatly listing all names a theatre has been called along with the relevant dates below the current name. Of course they have far fewer tehaters to keep track of than Cinema Treasures.

Apparently the list policy is to use the current name which does create a bit of a conundrum here because the theatre is known both as the Palace Cathedral for worship and the United Palace for other events. So, "United Palace" seems best in this case. Like it or not, the theatre has now been called the United Palace just as long as it was the 175th St Theatre.

My own choice would be to name each page by the theatre’s original name. But even this would cause controversy too, as sometimes a later name would be the most familiar one. But anyway, I don’t have to do the work of maintaining this wonderful site so it’s not my choice.

The ideal would be for theatres to be searchable by both the current article title and any previous names they were known by.
Cheers!

P.S.: Calling it the United Palace or whatever doesn't make me sad at all, because incredibly this beautiful theater has survived and is in gorgeous condition. It would be only a memory today if the folks who call it the United Palace had not bought it and preserved it!

You can search by current or former names. When you do your first search, as screen will come up, and you can click "former names" and search both current and former names at the same time.

Does this theater still have the capacity to show films? The actual web site is not clear though a prior post says that it does. No one, however, has even posted a comment saying that they have seen a film at this theater after Reverend Ike took over.

I mention it because "In The Heights" the 2008 Tony award winner for best musical has announced that the feature film rights have been sold and we can expect a film version of this incredible musical in the next 1-2 years.

What better place to hold the World Premiere that at the Loews 175th Street Theatre, which actually is "In The Heights"!

Imagine the glamour, the red carpet, the attention that it would give to this incredible building!

Here's a photo of the auditorium when it was first used solely for Reverend Ike's church services, prior to concert rentals under the name of United Palace: http://images.google.com/hosted/life/f?q=theaters+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtheaters%2Bsource:life%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN&imgurl=756c79bbfc34c7ce

Thanks for that photo. The place looks beautiful inside. Thank goodness it was taken over by a church that has beautifully maintained the place all these years.... So many other theaters weren't as lucky, and instead were left to rot.
Now I think it's wonderful it's come full circle, and the place is once again sometimes used as a theater again.
The stage still looks very intact in this photo, which mush have been soon after it closed as a theater.

Has anyone been in the place for a recent concert? I would love to see a current photo. I occasionally check it's bookings. If it's ever someone I am even slightly interested in seeing perform, and I am available, I would probably go to the concert just to see the inside of the theater.

Actually, here's a WONDERFUL slideshow on the United Palace Theater's website which shows how intact and beautiful the theater still is. Simply spectacular:

http://www.theunitedpalace.com/slideshow1.htm

I agree Bway! What's truly special about this theater is that the church, who beautifully restored and maintined this palace over the years, has made it available to be used by the public for secular purposes; i.e. concerts. This is pretty rare and I look forward to someday being able to attend a concert here someday as well. The groups that play here don't tend to be my cup of tea, but like Bway says. if I am remotely interested, I would love to go just to expeirience the theater in a non-religious way.

I just found out that the B-52's are expected to play the St. George on Staten Island later this year. That's a group I would love to see!

They have had some really big names perform at the United Palace, and while most are not my thing, a few remotely have. Again, if anyone even remotely.....

Ticketmaster has a seating chart available for The United Palace Theater:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/seatingchart/356/18664

....actually, United Palace Theatre, not Theater.... :)

It doesn't matter Bway. The name at the top of this page doesn't use that awful "T" word. :)

Actually, I just noticed that....it doesn't say Theater(re) at all!

There was a long debate about this some months ago. We used the name the theater/church goes by -- not the one Ticketmaster has.

And I don't think that "The" is actually part of the name. In conversation, one might say "I'm going to the United Palace" rather than "I'm going to United Palace," but whenever I see the theatre reported in the press, it's either United Palace or United Palace Theatre, without "The" preceding it. The spelling of "theatre/theater" is sometimes changed to conform with the publication's style book.

Hi Warren -- I certainly did not intend to reopen this debate. As previously discussed, please note their URL (http://www.theunitedpalace.com/home.htm) and the name throughout their website: "The United Palace." I agree with you that it seems strange, but we use the names that theaters/venues provide.

Ross

Haha, this has got to be the most "what is the name of this place" theater on the site.
But in any even, whatever the name of this theater is, I think we can all agree that the places is still a spectacular theater, and the church has done a great job keeping this "cinema treasure" with us, and the extra bonus is that it's even once again occasionally being used as a theater..... I don't think we could ask for too much more.

Perhaps someone should contact the management about verifying "The" as part of the name, instead of accepting the website as accurate. Many websites are notorious for errors.

Warren, I agree with you. I will try and verify the name and get back to you.

I was just looking at the link from Life magazine that Warren posted Jan 28th, and then the Ticketmaster seating chart and apprently in the older photo of church service, the 175th St theater didn't have a center aisle, but it appears that in the current photos (in the United Palace link I linked above Feb 9th) and in the Ticketmaster chart as now having a center aisle. I would assume it would make sense to have a center aisle as a church, so that's probably why they made it.

I'm researching a potential story on The United Palace Theater for Channel 13, NYC's flagship public television station.

I would love to hear from people with a personal connection to the theater, anyone who used to visit the theater as a kid to watch movies, or attended church services during Rev Ike's heyday. Or even anyone who used to perform there. Please contact me at joshuaelliotc@gmail.com

Thanks

The year given for this photo is 1983.

It's just wonderful that this theater is so well preserved.

A story I did on the United Palace for WNET, New York's flagship public television station went up on the web today. The piece has some great shots of the interior and gives a good sense of how the building is being used today:

http://www.thirteen.org/thecityconcealed/2009/04/20/united-palace-theater

Thanks so much Joshua for sharing the link with us.

A review and photos of a recent "salsa" concert at the United Palace can be found here. Please note that the NYT does not recognize "The" as part of the name: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/arts/music/11mira.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=United%20Palace&st=cse

For some reason, I couldn't read that link without logging into the NY Times site, but found another link on google which I didn't have to sign in for:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/arts/music/11mira.html

Haha, not to reopen the controversy on "what" the title of this theater is, and the NY Times may not have had "the" as part of the name, but it did have "Theater" as part of the name....."United Palace Theater". :)

I've been told the old Robert Morton organ console burned in the theatre a few year back. It was gold gilt and jeweled console when I heard organist Lee Erwin in concert in 1971. Any plans to restore
the console...? And, I think this Morton sounds better than many
others. If it's not working, what's it take to get the organ
playing...?

Reverend Ike died on Tuesday July 28th. 2009 in Los Angeles at age 74.

As William has reported, the Reverend Ike has passed on. The Reverend deserves a lot of credit for the Loew's 175th Street Theatre surviving in the form we see today.

A link to his obit in the New York Times is provided by Warren.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/nyregion/30ike.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Reverend%20Ike%20dies&st=cse

Yesterday, I emailed the NY Times article to homepage for news, after seeing William's comment.

here's a followup NY Times article on the passing of Reverand Ike and the effect on the church:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/nyregion/03revike.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=C.J.%20Hughes&st=cse

This ticketbroker is using an incorrect photo for the United Palace. The theatre shown is actually the United Artists in downtown Los Angeles, quite a distance from NYC's Upper West Side: http://www.eventticketscenter.com/Event.aspx?EventID=8018&gclid=CNen5eafs54CFUlo5QodWw1lmw

This NYT Sunday Magazine article about Reverend Ike suggests that his greatest accomplishment was the salvation of Loew's 175th Street Theatre, which is "awe-inspriing even when empty." Hallelujah!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/magazine/27ike-t.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Reverend%20Ike&st=cse

The Allman Brothers Band will move here from the Beacon Theatre: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/arts/music/06allmans.html?scp=1&sq=Allmans&st=cse

Very interesting! Thanks!

The movie palaces of Washington Heights and Inwood.

http://www.washington-heights.us/history/archives/000272.html

I'm going to see the Allman Brothers in March. Can anyone recommend a decent/safe hotel with parking within a reasonable cab ride from the theater?