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Looking for L.I. theater to buy
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
December 27, 2006 at 6:45 am
I’m interested in buying or leasing a cinema for music venue purposes in NYC as well as Long Island. I have done this with other locations and plan to keep the integrity of the theater even though my use will be for music. I’m looking for something that can be special, and I’ve got some great investors behind me. Please if you might have something.
Thanks,
Jessica
Comments (10)
You sound like you are burned out and need some serious financial advice on how to do this and be taken seriously.
“And now, handling the ‘protocols’ portion of the peace talks, Al Alvarez.”
Thanks for the chuckle, Al! But maybe you shouldn’t mince your words quite so much next time. You know, just come right out and say what you mean.
Something’s not right here. I did not post that comment????
If you’re investors have a stash on the order of, say, $75 – $100 million, you can have a look at the old RKO Keith’s in Flushing. The developer who owns it may be interested in selling and that place is certainly special. But, more realistically, the old Mayfair/Demille Theater in Times Square sits vacant – although, I’m not sure how much money it would take to prep the place for live performance. If you are serious, that’s probably your best bet.
Ed: you are too much. Where do you get all of this knowledge about the theater status of NYC? Most impressive. Can you e-mail me directly. Need to ask you something. Thanks. TJ McDowell.
Holy Cow, Jessica, look into the RKO Keith, Flushing…
It has a wonderful following of concerned citizens to retain this structure, in and out of the area.
Its a venerable theatre in need of monetary support and its in the right place…but it needs help before it ends up as a pile of bricks and dust.
If you are for real, then this is the deal â€"â€" bank on it, as its supporters will verify.
Hello Jessica,
You will need extremely deep pockets to start/restore a theatre here on Long Island. The average HOME tax on a 100 by 100 property is about $6000 per year. Could you imagine a business…especially one the size of a theatre?
Most Long Island theatres have been torn down or ‘absorbed’ into retail outlets. So there isn’t much left anymore in terms of a single screen wonder. The last big one that was restored was the Patchogue Theatre. Oh sure, I am sure if you look hard enough you may find ‘something’…but L.I. is a VERY expensive place to start ANY business…let alone a theatre. Yes, I am an LIer myself and I too am looking for a theatre, but just not on this excrement of an Ice Age Glacier.
Good luck in your search.
Geo
Hi Jessica!
My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a native Queens resident. I am a preservationist who formed the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater in summer 2005, and I’m also on the board of directors of the Four Borough Preservation Alliance. My experience ranges from advocating for the preservation of historic theaters to other landmark-worthy properties borough-wide. I believe in adaptively reusing, restoring, and landmarking historic community fixtures, for economic purposes, and ultimately, inspiring current and future generations.
As rumor has it, owner/developer Boymelgreen might be considering to put Flushing’s RKO Keith’s Theatre up for sale, and Cinema Treasures theater enthusiasts and other preservationists Queens is seeking a saviour. However, if Boymelgreen’s proposed redevelopment plan of the site succeeds, almost all of the theater will be demolished, with the exception of the already landmarked lobby and lounge. I feel that enough of the original interior architectural elements are present to restore it, and reuse it as a music-related venue.
The RKO Keith’s Theatre has been the subject of debate since the 1980’s, and has sat in a state of disarray as a result of unlawful developers (i.e. Huang) and a handful of politicians who were unwilling to respect the community’s desires. Since its closure, the Committee To Save The RKO Keith’s was formed, and offline petitions, letter campaigns, and other actions have resulted. A recently launched petition that currently has over 400 signatures with commentary is as follows:
View link
Some of the most famous vaudeville acts and films are imbedded in the theater’s walls and people’s minds. Our consensus is that if this theater is demolished, Flushing will not only lose an unofficial landmark & noteworthy piece of architecture, but the heart of borough-wide residents and numerous enthusiasts will be torn out. Please acknowledge our pleas, and work with us in any way you can to polish a gem, and put to rest a controversy in Flushing, Queens. The Bronx has Loews Paradise, Brooklyn has Loews Kings, and NJ has Loews Jersey (all in good hands), but this is the only remaining “wonder theater” in Queens. We will assist you to the fullest extent!!!
To follow the RKO Keith’s thread, visit: /theaters/834/
Please e-mail Thank you!
The former RKO Rockville Centre Twin is sitting vacant and waiting for a new tenant. There is plenty of parking near the theater and it’s only about 5 miles over the Queens border. Check it out!
/theaters/6147/
Hi Jessica! We corresponded in 2006 regarding the RKO Keith’s in Flushing, which is now on the market.
I am also seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century NY theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb. I will assist any new owner in restoring their building’s facade and possibly portions of the interior. The theater may be available for lease or purchase. If you are interested, please contact me at your earliest convenience for more information. Timing is crucial! Thanks!