Reopening of Ridgewood Theatre anticipated for later this year
RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS, NY — The hopes of preservationists for the return of the Ridgewood as an operating cinema may be realized in the second half of 2010. Having succeeded in getting landmark status declared for the theater’s exterior, the Friends of the Ridgewood Theatre, Inc. is hoping to to the same for the interior. The theater’s owner is reported to be committed to preserving interior details.
Perlman said he views the Ridgewood Theatre landmark project as “a case study in terms of teamwork.” The coalition included members of the Queens Preservation Council, of which Perlman is director, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, 4 Boro Preservation Alliance Corp, and Central Queens Historical Association, among others.
“Community and cultural groups were shocked by the [theater’s] sudden closure,” he said. “I was proud to see such a diverse coalition of supporters.”
There is more at BushwickBK.com.
Comments (1)
Although BushwickBK composed an overall great piece, this is an important EDIT on the last paragraph of the piece as it appears on the blog:
The owners original intentions to develop retail will not be affected by Individual Landmark status (facade) or any future possibilities of Interior Landmark status. Landmarking does not dictate the use of a building. It only ensures that historic architectural features will be preserved and reused creatively in the new use for the theater, so future generations can cherish them. As in this case, it is most likely retail for the back auditorium space, with modern screens upstairs. Landmarking helps maintain and enhance the values of a property.