It’s a shame you were unable to experience a screening in this historic theater, but perhaps you will if we’re successful in reopening it. It’s forthcoming to know of a developing strong arts community in Bushwick. Thank you very much for providing the link, and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your help very much, and I will reach out.
RKO Keith’s is now put up for sale once again by developer Boymelgreen. It would be best trying to find an organization who’s faithful for its history to acquire the site, and not abide by the aesthetically displeasing glass curtain facade concept with demolition of a majority of the theater. Any ideas?
Sad how a promised restoration of one of Queens' most historic theaters now symbolizes a McMansion with artificial stucco known as “dryvit.” Kudos for retaining the sign, and the balustrades and ornamentation near the roof though.
A press release was circulated to some newspapers, similar to the link on the homepage: http://cinematreasures.org/news/18787_0_1_0_C/
Some additional newspapers have expressed interest, so keep checking the weeklies. I will post direct links as they come.
Four performing arts-related non-profits have expressed interest in leasing the property, and we are in communication. They may want to lease the space with AL, and partner up. Still, words need to be put into actions quite frankly, in order to spare this gem of a theater from being converted into retail. My question then becomes: Can everyone PLEASE try to think of some more parties I can reach out to, that may be interested in leasing some of the screens? We need to think ASAP. Thanks! Feel free to e-mail me at and carbon copy my friend Al at
It is unfortunate that the Forest Hills Theatre was gutted for a typical Duane Reade and Staples, but I am thankful that the facade is still present for passersby and theater buffs to cherish. I recall seeing many movies in that theater growing up, and remember marveling over its architecture even at a young age. The marble staircase was great. Here’s a link I came across for all of you to enjoy. It contains a brief history, a photo, and interesting information on its organ installation:
Salvage as much as possible at the very least, but try convincing developer to build around it or even move the building. If the theater in part or in whole is donated to a non-profit, the owner would be eligible for a tzx write-off. It’s not too late. Keep trying even when the end seems near. Good luck!
The the article ays the theater’s upper facade is intact, but please realize the terra cotta on the lower facade is as well, beneath the display cases and aluminum siding which can be removed easily.
I have contacted Patrick Crowley directly, and hope he will post the press release I composed with Al on the homepage. Landmarking is another issue, and I understand that someone could have submitted it.
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
Ridgewoodguy123: Can you please tell me who owned it before and who the owner is right now. Did you speak with the current owner? The owner can generate lots of income if he leased some of the theaters to a theater/performing arts non-profit. It can be a star venue in Ridgewood, and still show films in some of the theaters. Why in the world would he prefer retail? Isn’t there enough stores on that block and along Myrtle Ave? The Ridgewood Theatre is a distinctive historical building, and this is a UNIQUE opportunity. Many of us feel it should be treated as such.
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
Hi Todd (TDeluca), I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest who will “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater of great historic merit in Queens, NY by Thomas Lamb. The theater is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail me at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at for more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest who will “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater of great historic merit in Queens, NY by Thomas Lamb. The theater is available for lease and possibly for purchase. If you know of someone who may be interested, please e-mail me at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at for more information. Thanks!
Hi John,
It’s a shame you were unable to experience a screening in this historic theater, but perhaps you will if we’re successful in reopening it. It’s forthcoming to know of a developing strong arts community in Bushwick. Thank you very much for providing the link, and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your help very much, and I will reach out.
RKO Keith’s is now put up for sale once again by developer Boymelgreen. It would be best trying to find an organization who’s faithful for its history to acquire the site, and not abide by the aesthetically displeasing glass curtain facade concept with demolition of a majority of the theater. Any ideas?
Sad how a promised restoration of one of Queens' most historic theaters now symbolizes a McMansion with artificial stucco known as “dryvit.” Kudos for retaining the sign, and the balustrades and ornamentation near the roof though.
Great links, Warren!
Queens Chronicle, Ridgewood Theatre Closes Its Curtain After 91 Years:
View link
I don’t know of any vintage interior shots, unfortunately. This is the only bit of press coverage thus far:
View link
A press release was circulated to some newspapers, similar to the link on the homepage: http://cinematreasures.org/news/18787_0_1_0_C/
Some additional newspapers have expressed interest, so keep checking the weeklies. I will post direct links as they come.
Four performing arts-related non-profits have expressed interest in leasing the property, and we are in communication. They may want to lease the space with AL, and partner up. Still, words need to be put into actions quite frankly, in order to spare this gem of a theater from being converted into retail. My question then becomes: Can everyone PLEASE try to think of some more parties I can reach out to, that may be interested in leasing some of the screens? We need to think ASAP. Thanks! Feel free to e-mail me at and carbon copy my friend Al at
It is unfortunate that the Forest Hills Theatre was gutted for a typical Duane Reade and Staples, but I am thankful that the facade is still present for passersby and theater buffs to cherish. I recall seeing many movies in that theater growing up, and remember marveling over its architecture even at a young age. The marble staircase was great. Here’s a link I came across for all of you to enjoy. It contains a brief history, a photo, and interesting information on its organ installation:
View link
For my joint press release with Al & our appeal to potential parties of interest and the general public:
http://cinematreasures.org/news/18787_0_1_0_C/
Please e-mail me at and I will be happy to share my thoughts this evening. I have to head back to work. Mention who you are in the subject line.
Great! Perhaps the facade can be salvaged and donated as well. It can be reused, rather than feeding a landfill.
Please still try to encourage the developer to donate some facade elements then.
Salvage as much as possible at the very least, but try convincing developer to build around it or even move the building. If the theater in part or in whole is donated to a non-profit, the owner would be eligible for a tzx write-off. It’s not too late. Keep trying even when the end seems near. Good luck!
The the article ays the theater’s upper facade is intact, but please realize the terra cotta on the lower facade is as well, beneath the display cases and aluminum siding which can be removed easily.
I have contacted Patrick Crowley directly, and hope he will post the press release I composed with Al on the homepage. Landmarking is another issue, and I understand that someone could have submitted it.
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
Hi Steve Patrick,
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
Any updates on this once cherished theater?
Thanks, Lost Memory!
Ridgewoodguy123: Can you please tell me who owned it before and who the owner is right now. Did you speak with the current owner? The owner can generate lots of income if he leased some of the theaters to a theater/performing arts non-profit. It can be a star venue in Ridgewood, and still show films in some of the theaters. Why in the world would he prefer retail? Isn’t there enough stores on that block and along Myrtle Ave? The Ridgewood Theatre is a distinctive historical building, and this is a UNIQUE opportunity. Many of us feel it should be treated as such.
Can someone please post a photo with a workable link?
Where is the Jackson Theatre?
To James Searles:
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by the prolific Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail at your earliest convenience, and I will share more information. Thanks!
Hi Todd (TDeluca), I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest that may “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater by Thomas Lamb in Queens, NY. It is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail and I will share more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest who will “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater of great historic merit in Queens, NY by Thomas Lamb. The theater is available for lease and possibly for purchase. Please e-mail me at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at for more information. Thanks!
I am a preservationist who is seeking parties of interest who will “save the day” for an endangered early 20th century theater of great historic merit in Queens, NY by Thomas Lamb. The theater is available for lease and possibly for purchase. If you know of someone who may be interested, please e-mail me at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at for more information. Thanks!