I couldn’t come across any interior shots, but will keep trying. The New Rochelle Theatre was being erected by the Keith-Albee circuit, according to an August 29, 1926 NY Times article available via Proquest. For all who have access, it is as follows:
Hi Dave, Thank you very much for preserving the door-pulls of the Beekman Theater, which was touched by so many. I commend you for reusing it as a centerpiece. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joe, I find it commendable that you are willing to hold off on selling to any developer who’s looking to make a quick buck. What is the name of the theater and where is it located? It would also help if you can track down a vintage photo of this gem, and acquire estimates on restoring and adaptively reusing it. Please let us know shortly.
Elkin, NC according to the press release. I wish the new owners all the very best in their restoration plans and beyond!!! What a miracle! Are there any photos of this gem?
I wish to add to SteveR’s posting that the imminently endangered Playpen Theatre (693 8th Ave), originally the Beaux Art style Ideal Theatre in 1916, has attracted petition signers with comments of quality:
I think it would be best to promote at least 15 endangered theaters across the US, so we can take many more members' views into account. Please share your thoughts.
In regard to Ed Solero’s comment, I feel no theaters are beyond salvation without committed theater fans. Even if a theater is almost down to its bare bones, the structure is still present to rebuild the rest. Most blueprints exist in archives, or at least in someone’s attic (although more difficult to track down). The bottom line is will power!
Thank you very much for including the Trylon Theater on the list of most endangered theaters! Your support will be integral, and the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater will be very grateful if it becomes official. Cinema Treasures' project is very commendable, and an asset towards rescuing several theaters which are the cornerstones of our communities, hold countless memories, and bridge the generations.
The Trylon Theater’s case is “unique.” It was built during the 1939 World’s Fair which was held in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The 1939 World’s Fair looked into the future with revolutionary exhibits, while paying tribute to George Washington. The Trylon Theater was referred to as the “Theater of Tomorrow,” and its mission was fulfilled as it helped shape & develop several neighboring communities of Queens. It was erected during one of the most influential periods of American history and that of the world, and its grandeur is reflected in its Art Deco facade. It was also responsible for a social shift, which ushered in new waves of immigrants to make America their home. The theme of both is also that of the motion picture, which is a seldom seen relationship.
The signature 1939 World’s Fair monuments were the Trylon & Perisphere, which were surprisingly designed as temporary structures, and melted down shortly after the Fair ended, to make bombs for WWII. The Trylon monument was memorialized in the Trylon Theater’s ticket booth mosaic tiles & entrance pavilion’s floor, not to mention some interior features. The facade is streamlined with an elliptical marquee that illuminates Queens Blvd. The vertical glass-block projection tower centrally extends throughout the facade, and also illuminates. It was considered to be notable architect Joseph Unger’s rectangular variation of the Perisphere. Joseph Unger designed many homes in surrounding communities, as well as the first synagogue-in-the-round and supermarket. He was a novel individual himself! The Trylon Theater is his major theater project. (He only designed one other which is non-descript, the Main St Cinema.)
In 2005, the Education Center for Russian Jewry (the new tenant) moved ahead with renovation plans that were disheartening for the community, and theater & World’s Fair enthusiasts. They didn’t see it fit to preserve some of the highly distinctive & rare features. The ticket booth was jackhammered, and the mosaic floor featuring chevrons with a terrazzo element of the Trylon monument in 3-D was covered over. The facade remains with an insecure future, based upon their willful mistreatment of one of the LAST structures paying architectural, cultural, and historical significance to one of the most important World’s Fairs! The Trylon Theater case is a test of city politics at its worst, and merits landmarking despite local councilmember’s opposition, and a cultural center that’s insensitive to culture. The theater is a stepping stone for future generations who deserve to be educated and feel inspired; and not stepped on! The Trylon sign (a later addition) was taken down a few weeks back despite the councilmember’s promise in writing. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission claims they cared at one point, but backed out after the councilmember’s opposition, which in turn led to more damage to the theater.
The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater vows to preserve its legacy in writing and most importantly, in the PHYSICAL sense. The Trylon-adorned ticket booth will be rebuilt from the original plans, with hopes of one day reinstalling it in the theater’s entrance pavilion. There’s still hope that the Trylon-adorned mosaic/terrazzo floor will be uncovered. Most recently, Michael Perlman (myself) of the Committee, completed a lengthy feature story/narrative, documenting the history of the Trylon Theater in context of the ‘39 World’s Fair, an interview with historians and theatergoers, an architectural analysis, and an interview with one son of Joseph Unger (Ronald Unger). It was printed in the Theater Historical Society of America’s publication, Marquee, and is now available: http://cinematreasures.org/news/17514_0_1_30_C/
Here is a superb 8 min. clip of footage from the ‘39 World’s Fair, which captures the spirit very well, and relates to the novelty of the Trylon Theater: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6f95JE6CYlI
Please help us in any way you can. Thank you in advance!
adix5689 – Please contact me at as soon as you can, since I’ve got a pressing issue to share with you. One of the most significant theaters is up for sale and highly endangered of being demolished. Since NY may be beyond your horizons, perhaps you know of a saviour. Please HELP! Thank you!
Considering the theaters that are being sacrificed at the sake of progress, I am elated this gem is still with us & is undergoing a restoration. Bless all!
Fernado, I tried sending you e-mails (as well as others) with a sincere proposal telling you how the majority of us felt, and you said you would make sure it would end up in the right hands, but I never heard back since. Why should I apologize, if I feel it was wrong to commit to a restoration in 2003-2004 (with the press), get people’s hopes up, and proceed with just the opposite?
The terra cotta facade and tilework did not have to be concealed with stucco, and other facade elements did not have to be carted away for the trash. My proposals contained ways to fund a proper restoration. How could priceless antiques of an extremely rare & significant Queens heritage site, which required some restoration work, be destroyed further (by stucco)? I am baffled.
Being dedicated towards the future and character of Queens, I am still willing to work with you, and help the church restore faith in the community by eliminating the stucco and revealing the original tilework. I know of agencies/non-profit orgs who can help.
Hi Ed! You have a point by stating that the stucco can be blasted off someday to reveal the remainder of the terra cotta. The cornice and roof balustrades have sadly been covered with stucco as well. I haven’t been inside. The Rock “Community” Church has made a great case for their laziness and greed on behalf of the Elmwood, especially when they committed to restoring it in 2003-2004 with “volunteers.” Sad!
Main St Cinemas was built by Architect Joseph Unger, who also built the Trylon Theater. It was more simplistic than the Trylon. I have a feeling that the original facade is concealed somewhat.
Hi! I know it’s pushing your boundaries, but would you consider purchasing a highly significant theater in NY? I may have an idea. Please provide your e-mail address or e-mail me at
Thank you very much for the clarification on Boymelgreen & for establishing hope for a future restoration. The link you provided is truly superb! If we had a caring architect with a vision & a team of supporters (politicians included), there could be a victory. Any developer who thinks other is lazy, selfish, and unwelcomed in my opinion.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is rarely sympathetic. What happened to all the other years? They usually do not calendar a site for a public hearing if there’s development pressure, and this does not align with the provisions of the Landmarks Law.
SWCphotography, please tell me where you have read about this. I am interested in learning more. I am greatly opposed to Boymelgreen’s project & would rather find a buyer who’s sensitive to its history.
Here is a RIP list that was compiled by New York Magazine & a member of a popular blog. It features the Playpen/Ideal Theatre:
View link
I couldn’t come across any interior shots, but will keep trying. The New Rochelle Theatre was being erected by the Keith-Albee circuit, according to an August 29, 1926 NY Times article available via Proquest. For all who have access, it is as follows:
View link
This article contributes to the theater’s significance for preservation through restoration and adaptive reuse.
The address is 595 Main St. This website contains more information:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/23592.html
Here are some intriguing photos. The terra cotta facade can be stripped of its black paint, that was likely applied by the nightclub:
View link
View link
Let’s pray in solidarity for the best possible outcome for this historic gem!
Loew’s New Rochelle can retrieved as follows:
/theaters/4558/
If I find any more information or photos, I’ll gladly let everyone know.
Hi Dave, Thank you very much for preserving the door-pulls of the Beekman Theater, which was touched by so many. I commend you for reusing it as a centerpiece. Thanks for sharing!
P.S. Photos of the streetscape and a variety of facade and interior shots would also be of assistance to potential investors. Post a link to flickr.
Hi Joe, I find it commendable that you are willing to hold off on selling to any developer who’s looking to make a quick buck. What is the name of the theater and where is it located? It would also help if you can track down a vintage photo of this gem, and acquire estimates on restoring and adaptively reusing it. Please let us know shortly.
Elkin, NC according to the press release. I wish the new owners all the very best in their restoration plans and beyond!!! What a miracle! Are there any photos of this gem?
I wish to add to SteveR’s posting that the imminently endangered Playpen Theatre (693 8th Ave), originally the Beaux Art style Ideal Theatre in 1916, has attracted petition signers with comments of quality:
http://www.petitiononline.com/Playpen/
Quite interesting! Can you please send some photos if you have a chance? You can e-mail me at
I think it would be best to promote at least 15 endangered theaters across the US, so we can take many more members' views into account. Please share your thoughts.
Thank you very much for this useful & inspiring point, TheaterBuff1! I will look into it.
In regard to Ed Solero’s comment, I feel no theaters are beyond salvation without committed theater fans. Even if a theater is almost down to its bare bones, the structure is still present to rebuild the rest. Most blueprints exist in archives, or at least in someone’s attic (although more difficult to track down). The bottom line is will power!
Thank you very much for including the Trylon Theater on the list of most endangered theaters! Your support will be integral, and the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater will be very grateful if it becomes official. Cinema Treasures' project is very commendable, and an asset towards rescuing several theaters which are the cornerstones of our communities, hold countless memories, and bridge the generations.
The Trylon Theater’s case is “unique.” It was built during the 1939 World’s Fair which was held in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The 1939 World’s Fair looked into the future with revolutionary exhibits, while paying tribute to George Washington. The Trylon Theater was referred to as the “Theater of Tomorrow,” and its mission was fulfilled as it helped shape & develop several neighboring communities of Queens. It was erected during one of the most influential periods of American history and that of the world, and its grandeur is reflected in its Art Deco facade. It was also responsible for a social shift, which ushered in new waves of immigrants to make America their home. The theme of both is also that of the motion picture, which is a seldom seen relationship.
The signature 1939 World’s Fair monuments were the Trylon & Perisphere, which were surprisingly designed as temporary structures, and melted down shortly after the Fair ended, to make bombs for WWII. The Trylon monument was memorialized in the Trylon Theater’s ticket booth mosaic tiles & entrance pavilion’s floor, not to mention some interior features. The facade is streamlined with an elliptical marquee that illuminates Queens Blvd. The vertical glass-block projection tower centrally extends throughout the facade, and also illuminates. It was considered to be notable architect Joseph Unger’s rectangular variation of the Perisphere. Joseph Unger designed many homes in surrounding communities, as well as the first synagogue-in-the-round and supermarket. He was a novel individual himself! The Trylon Theater is his major theater project. (He only designed one other which is non-descript, the Main St Cinema.)
In 2005, the Education Center for Russian Jewry (the new tenant) moved ahead with renovation plans that were disheartening for the community, and theater & World’s Fair enthusiasts. They didn’t see it fit to preserve some of the highly distinctive & rare features. The ticket booth was jackhammered, and the mosaic floor featuring chevrons with a terrazzo element of the Trylon monument in 3-D was covered over. The facade remains with an insecure future, based upon their willful mistreatment of one of the LAST structures paying architectural, cultural, and historical significance to one of the most important World’s Fairs! The Trylon Theater case is a test of city politics at its worst, and merits landmarking despite local councilmember’s opposition, and a cultural center that’s insensitive to culture. The theater is a stepping stone for future generations who deserve to be educated and feel inspired; and not stepped on! The Trylon sign (a later addition) was taken down a few weeks back despite the councilmember’s promise in writing. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission claims they cared at one point, but backed out after the councilmember’s opposition, which in turn led to more damage to the theater.
The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater vows to preserve its legacy in writing and most importantly, in the PHYSICAL sense. The Trylon-adorned ticket booth will be rebuilt from the original plans, with hopes of one day reinstalling it in the theater’s entrance pavilion. There’s still hope that the Trylon-adorned mosaic/terrazzo floor will be uncovered. Most recently, Michael Perlman (myself) of the Committee, completed a lengthy feature story/narrative, documenting the history of the Trylon Theater in context of the ‘39 World’s Fair, an interview with historians and theatergoers, an architectural analysis, and an interview with one son of Joseph Unger (Ronald Unger). It was printed in the Theater Historical Society of America’s publication, Marquee, and is now available: http://cinematreasures.org/news/17514_0_1_30_C/
Here is a superb 8 min. clip of footage from the ‘39 World’s Fair, which captures the spirit very well, and relates to the novelty of the Trylon Theater: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6f95JE6CYlI
Please help us in any way you can. Thank you in advance!
adix5689 – Please contact me at as soon as you can, since I’ve got a pressing issue to share with you. One of the most significant theaters is up for sale and highly endangered of being demolished. Since NY may be beyond your horizons, perhaps you know of a saviour. Please HELP! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the photos and your memories, but it’s unbelievable what was done and how they lied to the community.
Considering the theaters that are being sacrificed at the sake of progress, I am elated this gem is still with us & is undergoing a restoration. Bless all!
Fernado, I tried sending you e-mails (as well as others) with a sincere proposal telling you how the majority of us felt, and you said you would make sure it would end up in the right hands, but I never heard back since. Why should I apologize, if I feel it was wrong to commit to a restoration in 2003-2004 (with the press), get people’s hopes up, and proceed with just the opposite?
The terra cotta facade and tilework did not have to be concealed with stucco, and other facade elements did not have to be carted away for the trash. My proposals contained ways to fund a proper restoration. How could priceless antiques of an extremely rare & significant Queens heritage site, which required some restoration work, be destroyed further (by stucco)? I am baffled.
Being dedicated towards the future and character of Queens, I am still willing to work with you, and help the church restore faith in the community by eliminating the stucco and revealing the original tilework. I know of agencies/non-profit orgs who can help.
Thanks!
Thank you very much!
Hi Ed! You have a point by stating that the stucco can be blasted off someday to reveal the remainder of the terra cotta. The cornice and roof balustrades have sadly been covered with stucco as well. I haven’t been inside. The Rock “Community” Church has made a great case for their laziness and greed on behalf of the Elmwood, especially when they committed to restoring it in 2003-2004 with “volunteers.” Sad!
Main St Cinemas was built by Architect Joseph Unger, who also built the Trylon Theater. It was more simplistic than the Trylon. I have a feeling that the original facade is concealed somewhat.
The exterior hasn’t been whitewashed, but completely concealed with stucco which most of us dread.
Hi! I know it’s pushing your boundaries, but would you consider purchasing a highly significant theater in NY? I may have an idea. Please provide your e-mail address or e-mail me at
Thank you very much for the clarification on Boymelgreen & for establishing hope for a future restoration. The link you provided is truly superb! If we had a caring architect with a vision & a team of supporters (politicians included), there could be a victory. Any developer who thinks other is lazy, selfish, and unwelcomed in my opinion.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is rarely sympathetic. What happened to all the other years? They usually do not calendar a site for a public hearing if there’s development pressure, and this does not align with the provisions of the Landmarks Law.
SWCphotography, please tell me where you have read about this. I am interested in learning more. I am greatly opposed to Boymelgreen’s project & would rather find a buyer who’s sensitive to its history.