Forest Theatre
2 Forest Road,
West Haven,
CT
06516
2 Forest Road,
West Haven,
CT
06516
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 37 comments
I’m sorry to say I’d been through there several times and noticed it, but never stopped to take a picture.
As of today, if you go to Bing Maps and choose Bird’s Eye view (it’s no longer on Aerial View which has been updated), you can see it clearly at the intersection of Forest Rd. and Boston Post Rd./Orange Avenue — especially in the image facing west.
Does anyone know anything on the Park Theatre that sat across from the Forest in Allingtown? I’m searching for info and pictures on it.
As of Jan. 15, 2011 the Forest Theater is no more. Sad to report it was demolished. :(
ANY BODY BEEN BY THIS PLACE LATELY IS IT STILL STANDING?
Thanx for beating me to it!
The theater has been sold to a developer and will probably be demoished. Article here: View link
What a shame that it sits there abandoned and derelict five years after closing. I know people who wanted to lease and reopen it after it closed, but the owners said no. Now its probably too late to do so without major renovation work.
I used to live nearby. When I was in High School (late 80s) I would always see what was playing at the Forest. They would show films that were already out in video. But we went because the atmosphere of the cinema was great. I think the cost was around $3.00. A little old lady sat in the front booth and sold the tickets, we’d walk in the doors and an old man would take the ticket back. He didn’t give you a stub or stamp your hand. First thing you’d see was the consession stand within the theater. You’d never miss a moment of the film if you wanted refreshments during the film. They didn’t show previews or advertisements. They just started the film. The chairs were all on a level floor. They had 4 or 6 ceiling fans (which look to be gone by the time the photos in cinematour.com were taken). There was only one shop on the left of the entrance doors. The grounds around the building were paved with no landscaping. Two films that I remember seeing there were National Lampoon’s European Vacation and Field of Dreams. The theater is not in a great location within the town, but it is near the University of New Haven. I haven’t been back to West Haven in years, so I don’t know what the status of the theater is now. Maybe you don’t care about my reminiscences, but isn’t it the nostalgia in all of us that makes us care about these old wonderful theaters?
What is everyones take on possibly purchasing the theater and tailoring it more to the college crowd from the university right next door. You could add ameneties that college students would appreciate alot more. Also, would adding events such as plays or concerts along with the movies be a feasible idea. I am a student at the university and there is nothing within walking distance of the school to do. Does anyone think this idea will work? Also Would getting investors or donations to contribute to the upkeep and purchase of the theater a good idea? Please get back to me on comments, i am very interested in bringing this ytheater back to a working form and am an eagle scout. I look forward to everyones opinion. Curretnyl im working on a survery to send to my fellow students to gauge what their interest would be in attending the theater again and if it is worth it. Thank you
I went by it last week. It does NOT look like the facade on this page. There’s a single chain link stretching to the right, but you can step over it. The front is boarded up, but you can see the movie poster holders, still. It almost looks like some sort of factory. Around the right and down 15 feet is small cinder block shed with brick on top and there’s a small hole in the wall that’s almost enough to slide in. There’s pipes inside and a door to the left, hopefully still open. There are metal rails on the windows in front, and I believe they are the originals.
does anyone know a number to reach for possibly seeing the price for this building?
i love this theater and its set up , it does need a make over but i think this house could be a break even house. Anyone going into a single or twin in 2006 should no that breaking even is the best you can hope for.
I think Roger Katz is wrong with his assessment “It is struggling to stay in business as are most sub run theatres nowadays”. This place is a dump. Go to the website cinematour.com and you will see more pictures of this place. Tell me would you really want to see a movie in this place? Does it look inviting to you? This is why it is or I should say was struggling.
My grandmother, Margaret Gibbons Collins, played organ (or piano) at the Forest during silent films. She seems to have led a tragic life, and most of her story is lost. I’m trying to get whatever info on her I can. Can anyone point me toward a history of the Forest. Any chance there are old payroll records or photos anywhere? I’d be very grateful for any leads.
if you have 10 grand to blow a month you can lease the theater 2 store fronts and 2 family house next to it they will not seperate them. they are waiting for a pharmacy to lease it. they already have a cvs across the street and a walgreens down the street. i already tried to work something out with the theater to no avail
I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN LEASING THE THEATRE. RATHER THAN JUST LET IT SIT THERE, THE OWNER COULD GAIN SOME RENTAL INCOME. IT WOULD NEED SOME REPAIR, BUT I BELIEVE WE COULD GET IT BACK INTO REASONABLE SHAPE TO USE IT. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL –
Is the Forest still for sale if so who is the realtor and what is the correct address?
There’s a local indie movie that centers around the Forest. Aptly named, “Save The Forest”. Link-> http://www.upontheroofproductions.com/videos.htm
The 2 store fronts to this theatre are now empty the last being a flower store. I called the realtor who said they are hoping to have a letter of intent from a perspective buyer or leasee. When i asked about its possible use they said it was not a theatre. i put several calls to the owner who has not returned any of my calls.
Would the owner be willing to rent the forest? It would be an awesome place to host a church service. The Forest is just sitting there collecting dust. How sad. If the owner think this is possible, email me.
Thanks, Ed.
could you rent out the stores to bring in income???
It still sits there forlorn and crumbling.
ANY THING NEW ON THIS THEATER???
Back in the 70’s there was a minor league baseball park a few blocks from this drive in. From the last row of the stands you could see the movies on the screen. (No sound of course) There were still showing films there in 1982.
It was called the Bowl Drive-In. The screen can be seen from I-95. I don’t know when it closed, but it seems to be still in tact. Last time I drove by, the marquee was gone. Probably fell down.