Loew's Jersey Theatre

Very well-said, Jodar. I just hope Jersey City would be willing to “foot the bill”.

Hi Theatrefan,

Perhaps I’m just getting a bit cynical but it seems to me the Loews just can’t seem to get a break! First, quite a few years ago Jersey City seemed to be talking about tearing it down, then FOL stepped in. Now the building has been sitting dormant for (what is it,) two to three years? And finally the possibility of a “renovation” cost of 70 mil. being raised to nearly 100 mil.? (If I have my figures straight?). What really is the “bottom line” here? Politics? Greed? Apathy? Mis-information? (all of the above? I wonder if we’ll really know the “truth”?

Re: Loews Jersey, I wonder if there are any photos any where that illustrate the re-construction (if anything has started.) of this wonderful theater.

I believe FF still shows film classics however the once ubiquitous double features are a thing of the long ago past. Between the cost of traveling there and the cost of a ticket for one movie I gave up when I was once an avid member.

The last bit of news I read (and this is by no means conclusive!) is that the “re-opening” date has now been scheduled for 2026!!!! I’m beginning to get a bit “concerned” as most of the film venues that featured “classic” films of various genres as part of their regular schedule (The Lafayette in Suffern, NY, Film Forum in NYC) seem to be dropping their classics due to “lack of interest”. Although, to be fair there is a relatively new venue, The Barrymore Center which opened in Fort Lee, NJ a short time ago.

As far as I know, the city’s contract with the commercial operator that will eventually run the theatre guarantees that Friends Of The Loews a specific number of dates to run their own programming. How this will work out in real life remains to be seen.

Has the $70 million dollars for the restoration been made available yet? I hope so.

I hope so too, Bill! The Loews, in all of its collective glory and beauty has been such an oasis for so many film lovers over the past twenty-five years or so… I hope its beauty and heritage are respected and maintained! (As someone who grew up in Hudson County I completely “get” the “hesitation” of many of us regarding local politicians!)

Promises! From politicians!

What will it be used for when reopened?

Let’s hope we get the opportunity for a few more classic film programs during the fall and winter of 2021 before the 2022 restoration “shutdown”.

Great news February 23, 2021 on the redevelopment of the Jersey Theatre!

Looks like FOL got the best of both worlds with this one - a viable full renovation and FOL will still play a major role in programming.

Full Announcement at Friends of the Loew’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/landmarkloewsjersey/

Feature article at Jersey City Times:

https://jcitytimes.com/loews-to-get-renovation-and-national-acts/

Brief summary:

““There was good news about the Loew’s yesterday – and it’s even BETTER than some folks may realize. As news outlets reported, yesterday the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency conditionally designated the company that owns the Devils and manages the Prudential Center as the commercial operator of the Loew’s. And as part of the plan, more that $70 million dollars will be found to fully restore the Theatre, bring it into full code compliance, and completely upgrade its production capabilities. But not all the news stories about this made clear one more important part of the plan: Friends of the Loew’s isn’t going anywhere. We will continue doing much of what we do now, still very much part of the Loew’s. In fact, we’ll be the non-profit arm of the Theatre’s expanded operation. And our most important role is to make sure that as many people as possible continue to have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the Loew’s – even if they can’t afford, or don’t want tickets to expensive pop concerts.” ”

It is my understanding that the current FOL 5 year lease for the venue has now expired and Jersey City is now moving forward with the plan the mayor tried to push though 5 years ago. This involves contracting out the restoration and operation of the theatre to companies experienced in this.

If the plan is successful and once it is complete, the venue will primarily be a concert facility. The difference between now and 5 years ago is that FOL’s roll in the theatre is more formally defined, better giving them the ability to plan and run local interest events including movies.

Please note that I have no “inside” information, and of course this may work out differently than either party expects. I have my doubt that any commercial organization will be in a hurry to spending millions of dollars on a venue where at least for the next few years, they will not be able to have any hope of recouping their investment.

Yes, that’s what I’ve read over at the Loews Facebook page recently. I am hopeful that “renovate”, in this case means installing a functional air conditioning system (to allow summer screenings!) and perhaps “improved” projection facilities such as 70mm. Color me “skeptical” but I hope none of the beautiful character and atmosphere of this grand movie palace is lost as the renovations proceed. And… I wonder where the money is coming from, especially during these “tough times”? (Private investors?)