Ridgewood Theatre
55-27 Myrtle Avenue,
Ridgewood,
NY
11385
55-27 Myrtle Avenue,
Ridgewood,
NY
11385
31 people
favorited this theater
Showing 276 - 300 of 2,835 comments
I apologize for perhaps overreacting. I guess I was just “in shock” when I read that article and people were quoted as saying “it’s all gone”, which I found hard to believe, based on observations put for here.
It is possible that the author did perhaps put their own thought into the article, above facts, and that the people quoted were taken out of context, which is also possible.
In posting the recent Daily News article, I mainly wanted to get the word out and did not offer any extended critical comments. Based on a re-reading the article and a review of the most recent comments, I offer the following observations, which fall on both sides of the ledger. Here goes:
Although I last visited the interior a little over one year ago, it hardly seemed a “shambles” at that time. The only major difference that I saw was the removal of the wall dividing the two ground floor theaters. Beyond that, the theater did not appear that different than it did on its last night of operation – which meant that it was prety shabby, but hardly in a shambles. (I did not, however, visit the upper level, where such problems as roof leaks might have taken a toll.)
During the past year, a site manager, who appeared to be very enthusiastic about the Ridgewood’s return, was assigned here. Under his watch, I do not believe the theater would have suffered any substantial further deterrioration.
Based on this, I believe the article’s auther probably did not visit the Ridgewood and instead relied other’s assertions – or his own imagination.
On the other hand:
While at first blush it may appear to be the case, the $25 million restoration cost estimate is not necessarily outrageus. Instead, it probably reflects the contemporary cost estimates that the owner was being confronted with as he tried to market this huge building for a variety of economically viable and multi-purpose uses. The key phrase here is “economically viable”. In order produce a product that can hold its own with the competition and not become a money loser, you need to make the necessary investment. Doing things on the cheap in this context is a prescription for failure. Beyond this, the restoration of the lobby and staircase to their former glory – as the current owner desired to do and that the Ridgewood community leaders would also like any new owner to accomplish – will also add considerable costs on its own. This just once again proves the points that it is a lot easier to win landmarks designation for the facade than it to turn the old building into a viable economic entity – and that construction costs have really gone through the roof.
The negative comments noted above about Paul Kerzner and Ted Renz are disturbing. They have been among the most consistently dedicated advocates for Ridgewood for many years. (I believe Paul has been around since at least the 1970’s.)The active support of these persons – and the organizations they represent – for the Ridgewood’s positive future development is absolutely essential if this is ever actually to occur. Questioning their motives because you disagree with what they say is, to put it mildly, not helpful.
So, I hope this adds to to what I trust will an informed and fair dialogue on this very important subject.
Sounds cliche, but when there’s a will, there’s a way. Supporters of the Ridgewood Theatre’s preservation and reuse consists of a broad coalition, which I spearhead as Chair of Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre since the theater’s closure in 2008. We are still working with a few potential buyers and tenants. There are numerous historic theaters, where the multi-plexing has been removed, and the theaters were perhaps vacant for years, and then restored after substantial weathering. Staten Island’s Paramount Theatre is currently being restored, and they are doing a commendable job. Loew’s Paradise has been completely restored and was landmarked in 2006, and now reused for boxing, occasional performances, and a restaurant. Also consider the complete restoration and reuse of the Beekman Theatre in NYC as a performing arts center. A performing arts center could thrive in Ridgewood, considering the growing arts community locally and in Bushwick and Williamsburg. You mustn’t be a defeatist, but a proactive creative visionary.
Paging Donald Trump!
I wouldn’t invest a plugged nickel in this project. If the breweries come back to Bushwick and Ridgewood (there is still a good demand for beer there) and the Flushing Ridgewood Line trolley cars start rolling again, I may re-consider.
These things all belong to the past and are not viable today. To be critical of someone like Paul Kerzner for making a statement reflecting reality suggests a lack of understanding of the financial situation as it exists. I could be wrong and if others are convinced that this project will be a winner, they are free to invest all or any portion of their savings to support the goal.
J. F. Lundy, would YOU invest your life savings in a venture to bring it about ?
The Ridgewood Theatre restoration had no sound economic basis as a commercial proposition. The current economic meltdown is accelerating as the Federal Reserve and Treasury resort to QE, or monetizing of public debt. This precludes any sort of government subsidy for programs such as this that lack wide community support.
The folks that post to this site have a nostalgic interest in seeing the restoration, but few if any live in the area today and would rarely utilize the theatre if it was restored, and, I am guessing that, few would invest their life savings in a venture to bring it about.
Indeed!
That is no doubt a factor but I think something more is involved here.
Yes. To paraphrase Shakespeare, something is rotten in the Ridgewood Theatre as well as in Denmark.
Yes, I agree, something is fishy here. Paul Kerzner has always been very active in preservation, and now all of a sudden “all is lost”? Give me a break, something is terribly fishy here. I suspect “real estate commission” has gotten in his way in this instance. As noted, the theater was an operating theater just 2 years ago, and now it’s “too far gone”. Tell me another one.
Something is very unkosher in the Daily News interview. It is bizarre how usual preservationists such as Paul Kerzner and Ted Renz of Ridgewood, have even agreed that the theater auditorium is inn shambles. It was a fully operational theater in 2008, and since some multi-plexing was removed, to reveal plentiful early Thomas Lamb Adamesque features, so now it’s suddenly in shambles??? It was a treasure awaiting rediscovery after decades, and it would be a CRIME destroying it for any business that can open someplace else.
Check out these photos in the Times NewsWeekly from April 2010, and tell me what you think: View link
I hope that is not the case, but I find it hard to believe the theater could be this trashed in just over a 2 years, it was an operating theater.
The Madison did have that “mysterious” fire in the late 70’s. And let’s not forget what happened deliberately to the RKO Keiths in Flushing. I am not not suggesting any of that took place here, however, I am hoping that the “shambles” that is described in that article is just an exaggeration, as I still find it very hard to believe the place could have went from an operating theater just two years ago to “everything is lost” and “shambles”. Something is either being exaggerated here, or something is wrong.
Regarding your question, Bway, perhaps there was deliberate destruction between March 8 2008 and now, like the fire that was set in late 1978 or early 1979 in our good and close friend the RKO Madison Theatre.
But why ? To collect insurance money ?
Another good thought, Bway. Thanks.
Wow, I just read the article. I don’t see how the theater could have gone from an operating theater in 2008 to shambles in just two years. Something doesn’t add up here. I know it wasn’t in the greatest of maintenance when it closed, but give me a break.
Thanks, Bway. Good thoughts.
Peter, from reports somewhere above, the fake walls dividing the two orchestra level theaters was removed, so downstairs is one large space again. I don’t think the fake walls dividing up the balcony were removed at this point.
As for “being in bad shape”. It’s not necessarily that the theater is in “terrible shape”, but to begin renovating to reuse it, and upgrade everything (which was extremely old even when it was operating), would take a log of money. And it would have to be profitable. That is the dilemma. I just hope that if they do retrofit the theater for other uses, that they are “kinder” to the architectural features than they were with the Madison down the street, which just seemed to have a jackhammer go through it.
Time will tell, and we shall see.
Month after month goes by and nothing ever happens. I think it is time to realize that it appears that the only people really interested in this theater are the ones that are communicating on this website.
Sad but true. Thanks, John. Interesting that the article says “auditorium”, singular, because there were five cinemas in there. I didn’t know the seating areas were in such bad shape.
No matter what change is rumored, I’ll believe it when I see it.
I’ll be walking by there this coming Friday morning, August 13, and will make my usual report here and on Bushwick Buddies after I have done so.
This not very positive article (appearing at the end of this post) about the old Ridgewood appeared in today’s local edition of the NY Daily News.
It clearly confirms the well known fact that the current owner could not successfully market the old theater and has now placed the building on the market. While the facade has received landmark preservation status and most of the local community leaders would like to also retain the old theater’s lobby and grand stairway, it appears that the already greatly modified theater area – which apparently will require $25 million to restore to ite former glory – will probably be gutted to make way for whatever use ultimately occupies this site. It also appears that this use will probably not be cinematic.
While this is very depressing, it does reflect the very clear economic realities of this situation. But facts are facts.
View link
Thanks, Tinseltoes.
Thanks for your insights, John D. and NativeForestHiller. I remain optimistic.
Perhaps the owners are placing it on the market again, in order to evaluate their options. When it was listed by Massey Knakal in 2008, it was believed to be at $14 million and then $11.75 million. Now it’s believed to be at $3.4 million. It has decreased, but I can see how even that asking price can be a strain in a tough economy. On the plus side, prospective buyers can acquire a landmark theater with great architectural and cultural history, superb location bordering 2 boroughs, proximity to art communities, great square footage, and eligibility for grants. It could launch several careers. A revitalized theater could improve property values. This could be the Radio City of Queens & Brooklyn, if it was restored and redeveloped creatively as a performing arts center with community spaces. Any bids? Feel free to circulate my take, and feel free to e-mail me at My inbox is always in business.