You talk about ‘seed money’ to prevent any further damage to the Loew’s Kings. As you may know, the former Borough President, Howard Golden spent the money for a new roof and pointing of the bricks. Also, EDC (Economic Development Corporatin) shored up the terracotta facade with steel bracing and removed the vertical marquee which was in danger of falling.
As far as the current Brooklyn Borough President, he is not only determined but enthusiastic about saving the Loew’s Kings and seeing it reopened as a Center for the Performing Arts.
After a long absence, I am back on CinemaTreasures! Unfortunately, I lost my password and no matter how many attempts I made to reach CT, they never got back to me.
Anyway, there seems to be some doubt here on CT as to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s true intentions toward restoring and reopening the Loew’s Kings. I have talked
to Markowitz and he has assured me that he is indeed serious. He wants to see the theater
used as a Center for the Performing Arts and not become a multiplex, catering hall or some
kind of TV Production Studio facility.
As far as the theater owner, NYC Economic Development Corporation. They have received
bids and are reviewing their applications.
In fact, today, I was contacted today by the NY Daily News. They are researching a possible new article on the Kings and are very interested in any response to the RFEI (Request for Expression Of Interest). The News was told by EDC that the city plans to conduct a cost analysis and marketing study. This must be considered progress—-it’s slow—-but progress!
Dear Paul,
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is very well aware of the Loew’s Kings. He is anxious for the NYC Economic Development Corp to issue their long delayed RFP Request For Proposal. He has been anxious to restore the Kings ever since it closed in 1979.
The Kings is located in Flatbush and that’s where Markowitz began his career as a tenant advocate. Since then, beginning in 1979, I have worked closely with him in generating interest and providing ideas for its restoration. Marty Marakwotiz is is definitely a friend of the Kings.
The newest target is to have the Kings RFP be issued sometimes in October-November.
The Loew’s Kings is ‘The Heart of Brooklyn’ and if you listen hard, you can still hear it beating! As we already know, NYC owns the Crown Jewel Of Brooklyn and there seems to be some delay in issuing a Request For Proposal. Hopefully, we can find a developer who sees the potential of the third largest performance venue in the entire city. Hopefully, some greedy real estate developer will not see it as a ‘shopping mall’. Just remember, it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Who would you nominate as that fat lady?
The Brooklyn Borough President has not scheduled any press conference regarding the Loew’s Kings. I made the suggestion and, at this time, no decision has been made.
As has already been pointed out, we shouldn’t expect the city to pay for the restoration. However, it is quite realistic to assume that they will offer a package of incentives to the developer. As far as Mr Rankin’s suggestion, as usual, it’s a good one. At this point, I’m unsure of my plans, but certainly, it would be a worthwhile convention!
Bob Furmanek also make a good point. Unless you are the either the developer or the theater operator, you may lose control. From the very start, I wasn’t looking for the glory or the responsibility of running the Loew’s Kings. What I hoped is to influence theater operators and or developers to restore this magnificent theatre.
As far as a meeting, so far, theaterat and gustav and myself are willing to meet. No date has been set and in the meantime, I hope a few others will want to join us.
The Latest News:
No date has been scheduled for the issuing of the RFP (Request For Proposal) by the New York City Economic Development Corp, (owners of the Loew’s Kings) They were supposed to issue their BIG RFP in April or May, the Brooklyn Borough President has prepared a written statement of purpose, suggesting various theatrical uses for the facility and hopefully, EDC will make their announcement soon!
Lostmemory—The properties are right behind Bedford Avenue on Erasmus Street, but there is no address listed. A sign on the fence just lists the name of the developer! I will try to get a street-address.
Hip Hip Horay for Gustavelifting!!! He has made some good points (and is no longer trying to push for a Multi-Theatre Comeback!!)
For all those fans of Magic Johnson, (the same guy that wanted to multiplex the Loew’s Kings, one of the Loew’s ‘WONDER THEATRES’ and destroy the lobby with sheet rocked drop ceilings, formica and masonite, has now turned on the Williamsburgh Savings Bank (the tallest building in Brooklyn) and swears he’ll maintain all the —-architectural integrity of the building. In effect, the only detail still there is in the lobby and bank areas and that’s where he plans to put his ‘high end retail’. I wonder, how he plans to install the retail shops without destroying the integrity of one of the marble and mosaic ‘WONDER BANKS’
On the positive side, he represents still another developer who has seen the possibilities of major change for Brooklyn. As Theaterat points out, Brooklyn may not be Jersey City, but it is seeing an unparalled development burst throughout it’s neighborhoods … and not just the waterfront! So, I still predict that ‘Developers can be decent human beings…as long as they can make a buck!’
At this point, there are NO plans to tare down either the Loew’s Kings or the Brooklyn Paramount. However, anything is possible!
Jim’s logic regarding ‘office space’ at the Paramount, being a benefit, certainly makes sense. At Loew’s Kings, there are adjacent store fronts and construction could create office, retail or even HOTEL space above the theater.
For Gustav to think that 3 store fronts with MAYBE a total of 5,000 square feet would be enough to create a meaningful block of office space—-makes as much sense as picketing! If Gustav wants to picket, it’s a free country…although, I have no interest in such folly.
As far as Warren’s assertion regarding public transportation, that’s true! However, it never stopped patrons from attending this palace in the past. Besides, the combined parking lots of Sears and the Ratner controlled lot( behind the Kings) can certainly handle the driving crowd. Not to mention the buses that go up and down Flatbush Avenue.
The Brooklyn Paramount is probably not in danger of being torn down, where as the Loew’s Kings may face the wrecking ball. Therefore, my efforts remain with the Loew’s Kings.
Yesterday’s papers carried the story of the United Nations seeking a temporary (5 year minimum) home in Downtown Brooklyn. This brought to mind the need to house 2,700 employees that are now scattered around Manhattan and of course room/rooms suitable for the General Assembly.
So, I suggested that the U.N. consider the Brooklyn Paramount as home to the General Assembly. The adjoining buildings are of course owned by the same developer who plans to build the Nets Arena and the office/housing/shopping complex nearby. So, the U.N. could wind up occupying some of THAT new space. Who knows? Maybe Long Island Univerity has thought of reopening the Paramount as a theater, but if not, I would rather see it as the temporary home for the General Assembly than if it were cut up into classrooms.
However, when we stop to consider the accelerated pace of real estate development throughout Brooklyn (Yesterday, the NY City Council unanimously approved rezoning and development of the Williamsburg Waterfront), plus interest in the redevelopment of Coney Island is gaining strength, while the cruise ship industry makes ready to build piers on the Red Hook Waterfront and progress toward Brooklyn Bridge Park, etc. It’s obvious real estate billionaires are profoundly interested in the revitalization of Brooklyn!!
Hopefully, they’re thinking, as we’re thinking about the revitalization of the Loew’s Kings as THE KINGS COUNTY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Dear Lostmemory,
If you check the message board for the Loew’s Kings, you might want to join our efforts to Save The Kings. Obviously, you know how to check NYC real estate records as to lot and block number .. and with your co-operation, we could discover WHO is buying up all the property AROUND the Loew’s Kings.
My research has shown which property has been recently bought, but I need your help in finding who did the buying! Having this information will help our group in seeking the cooperation of a developer willing to restore the Loew’s Kings as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts.
Bruce1 –
That may be, but all the blueprints were missing when the search was made under ‘new’ construction and were later found under an earlier date, referencing the original construction.
As far as a meeting, I will need names and phone numbers to arrange for a convenient time. They can be sent to
For those that missed it, the City Section of the Sunday NY Times featured an article with photograph of the St. George. Incredibly, the cost of restoration was one million dollars. Unfortunately, we’ll not be able to restore the Loew’s Kings without an extra $34 mm (give or take a few)
Dear Jim,
If landmarking will do little more than protect the ORIGINAL exterior, big deal! My problem is that I have done so much homework and learned so much about what the developers are doing in the area of the Kings that this had allowed me to speculate what a developer might do?? Everyone who hears my logic, thinks I’m on the right track. However, what if I’m wrong? What if these developers are so greedy that they want the whole square block and don’t care about an aging movie palace?
I have the right contacts, but perhaps they are not telling me what they’re really thinking? Perhaps they have nefarious intentions? I just don’t know, but what I do know is that the Brooklyn Water – front is red hot. Developers are developing every square inch. I also know that Inner-Brooklyn has been getting a major face lift and the Kings could be next! The surrounding neighborhood has been on the comeback for a number of years and the timing seems to be right, but then again, I’m not in the billionaires inner circle and I don’t know what they are actually planning!
Just the same, one thing for sure, EDC is definitely making their preparations and preparing to put Loew’s Kings back on the auction block-RFP and that will happen very soon!
Loew’s Kings could become:
1-The Kings County Center for the Performing Arts
2-The Sears Flatbush Center for the Performing Arts
3-The Trump Theater for the Performing Arts and Hair Club For Men Center
4-The Streisand Center
5-The Lords of Flatbush Center – starring Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler (They were both ushers at the Loew’s Kings)
6-The Ben Vereen Center – Ben’s mother was a ‘char’ woman at the Kings
7-Who know??? The Flatbush Outlet Mall and Discount Shlock Center
Gustav—nobody from the Raymond ever got in touch. Please try them again!
Theaterat—“Theate-Rat”?? Is that how you got your ‘handle’? Well, fear not there are no rats in the Loew’s Kings! There’s nothing there to eat. However, some years ago, I do recall hearing a rustling sound and that’s when we threw a projector reel. At the time, homeless people were hiding out, so who knows it might have been them. These guys did manage to steal some sconces and the brass banister and even a large swath of carpet from the mezzanine. (Probably was used to carpet their little shack just behind the theater.) All of the above happened DURING EDC’s watch!!!
I’ve been thinking about trying to get the theater landmarked, but can’t decide if that’s a good idea or not. If we attempt to do this, could that totally discourage any developer?
Saps: I spent a lot of time with the architect hired by the last owners of the Loew’s Metropolitan as they prepared to correct the sight lines for the multiplex. While doing her research, she could not find the ‘original blueprints’ filed by Thomas Lamb. By the way, Lamb signed his name bigger than any signer of the Constitution.
She literally haunted the Municipal Archives till they discovered the blueprints under ‘revisions’. The Loew’s Met was originally built around 1914, but at that time it was positively a department store!
The landmarking process can take time and may even discourage real estate developers from getting involved and answering the Request For Proposal. However, having that MEETING, getting things out in the open and making plans that can and should be done.
Theatrefan is right, I am a great guy!
So let’s get this show on the road! As I recently reported, the Brooklyn Borough President liked the idea of setting up a press conference to talk up the potential of revitalizing the Loew’s Kings.
Now, as far as the potentially bad news…Clear Channel Entertainment has been a loser for the Clear Channel Corporation and they will not be expanding their theater operations. Hopefully, other major operators can be found. Again, I suggested getting in touch with the people who run the Atlanta FOX, St. Louis FOX, Detroit FOX, Chicago Theater, etc. Perhaps they would want another house?
To: Brucec
From: Bruce1
re: The Loew’s Kings
You talk about ‘seed money’ to prevent any further damage to the Loew’s Kings. As you may know, the former Borough President, Howard Golden spent the money for a new roof and pointing of the bricks. Also, EDC (Economic Development Corporatin) shored up the terracotta facade with steel bracing and removed the vertical marquee which was in danger of falling.
As far as the current Brooklyn Borough President, he is not only determined but enthusiastic about saving the Loew’s Kings and seeing it reopened as a Center for the Performing Arts.
After a long absence, I am back on CinemaTreasures! Unfortunately, I lost my password and no matter how many attempts I made to reach CT, they never got back to me.
Anyway, there seems to be some doubt here on CT as to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s true intentions toward restoring and reopening the Loew’s Kings. I have talked
to Markowitz and he has assured me that he is indeed serious. He wants to see the theater
used as a Center for the Performing Arts and not become a multiplex, catering hall or some
kind of TV Production Studio facility.
As far as the theater owner, NYC Economic Development Corporation. They have received
bids and are reviewing their applications.
In fact, today, I was contacted today by the NY Daily News. They are researching a possible new article on the Kings and are very interested in any response to the RFEI (Request for Expression Of Interest). The News was told by EDC that the city plans to conduct a cost analysis and marketing study. This must be considered progress—-it’s slow—-but progress!
Dear Paul,
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is very well aware of the Loew’s Kings. He is anxious for the NYC Economic Development Corp to issue their long delayed RFP Request For Proposal. He has been anxious to restore the Kings ever since it closed in 1979.
The Kings is located in Flatbush and that’s where Markowitz began his career as a tenant advocate. Since then, beginning in 1979, I have worked closely with him in generating interest and providing ideas for its restoration. Marty Marakwotiz is is definitely a friend of the Kings.
The newest target is to have the Kings RFP be issued sometimes in October-November.
The Loew’s Kings is ‘The Heart of Brooklyn’ and if you listen hard, you can still hear it beating! As we already know, NYC owns the Crown Jewel Of Brooklyn and there seems to be some delay in issuing a Request For Proposal. Hopefully, we can find a developer who sees the potential of the third largest performance venue in the entire city. Hopefully, some greedy real estate developer will not see it as a ‘shopping mall’. Just remember, it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Who would you nominate as that fat lady?
TO: RobertR
I would love to see the NY Times ad that billed the show as ‘Clay Cole & Murray the K’s Holiday Show’ please send it to
Bruce1
Soon, I must firm up other plans first.
The Brooklyn Borough President has not scheduled any press conference regarding the Loew’s Kings. I made the suggestion and, at this time, no decision has been made.
As has already been pointed out, we shouldn’t expect the city to pay for the restoration. However, it is quite realistic to assume that they will offer a package of incentives to the developer. As far as Mr Rankin’s suggestion, as usual, it’s a good one. At this point, I’m unsure of my plans, but certainly, it would be a worthwhile convention!
Bob Furmanek also make a good point. Unless you are the either the developer or the theater operator, you may lose control. From the very start, I wasn’t looking for the glory or the responsibility of running the Loew’s Kings. What I hoped is to influence theater operators and or developers to restore this magnificent theatre.
As far as a meeting, so far, theaterat and gustav and myself are willing to meet. No date has been set and in the meantime, I hope a few others will want to join us.
The Latest News:
No date has been scheduled for the issuing of the RFP (Request For Proposal) by the New York City Economic Development Corp, (owners of the Loew’s Kings) They were supposed to issue their BIG RFP in April or May, the Brooklyn Borough President has prepared a written statement of purpose, suggesting various theatrical uses for the facility and hopefully, EDC will make their announcement soon!
OK
Lostmemory—The properties are right behind Bedford Avenue on Erasmus Street, but there is no address listed. A sign on the fence just lists the name of the developer! I will try to get a street-address.
Let’s meet in front of the Loew’s Kings, no picketing, just let’s meet!
Hip Hip Horay for Gustavelifting!!! He has made some good points (and is no longer trying to push for a Multi-Theatre Comeback!!)
For all those fans of Magic Johnson, (the same guy that wanted to multiplex the Loew’s Kings, one of the Loew’s ‘WONDER THEATRES’ and destroy the lobby with sheet rocked drop ceilings, formica and masonite, has now turned on the Williamsburgh Savings Bank (the tallest building in Brooklyn) and swears he’ll maintain all the —-architectural integrity of the building. In effect, the only detail still there is in the lobby and bank areas and that’s where he plans to put his ‘high end retail’. I wonder, how he plans to install the retail shops without destroying the integrity of one of the marble and mosaic ‘WONDER BANKS’
On the positive side, he represents still another developer who has seen the possibilities of major change for Brooklyn. As Theaterat points out, Brooklyn may not be Jersey City, but it is seeing an unparalled development burst throughout it’s neighborhoods … and not just the waterfront! So, I still predict that ‘Developers can be decent human beings…as long as they can make a buck!’
Maybe CConnolly is right! The Loew’s Kings is not convenient to the Path and so, without further ado, let’s forget our ‘massive do nothing’ campaign.
At this point, there are NO plans to tare down either the Loew’s Kings or the Brooklyn Paramount. However, anything is possible!
Jim’s logic regarding ‘office space’ at the Paramount, being a benefit, certainly makes sense. At Loew’s Kings, there are adjacent store fronts and construction could create office, retail or even HOTEL space above the theater.
For Gustav to think that 3 store fronts with MAYBE a total of 5,000 square feet would be enough to create a meaningful block of office space—-makes as much sense as picketing! If Gustav wants to picket, it’s a free country…although, I have no interest in such folly.
As far as Warren’s assertion regarding public transportation, that’s true! However, it never stopped patrons from attending this palace in the past. Besides, the combined parking lots of Sears and the Ratner controlled lot( behind the Kings) can certainly handle the driving crowd. Not to mention the buses that go up and down Flatbush Avenue.
The Brooklyn Paramount is probably not in danger of being torn down, where as the Loew’s Kings may face the wrecking ball. Therefore, my efforts remain with the Loew’s Kings.
Yesterday’s papers carried the story of the United Nations seeking a temporary (5 year minimum) home in Downtown Brooklyn. This brought to mind the need to house 2,700 employees that are now scattered around Manhattan and of course room/rooms suitable for the General Assembly.
So, I suggested that the U.N. consider the Brooklyn Paramount as home to the General Assembly. The adjoining buildings are of course owned by the same developer who plans to build the Nets Arena and the office/housing/shopping complex nearby. So, the U.N. could wind up occupying some of THAT new space. Who knows? Maybe Long Island Univerity has thought of reopening the Paramount as a theater, but if not, I would rather see it as the temporary home for the General Assembly than if it were cut up into classrooms.
However, when we stop to consider the accelerated pace of real estate development throughout Brooklyn (Yesterday, the NY City Council unanimously approved rezoning and development of the Williamsburg Waterfront), plus interest in the redevelopment of Coney Island is gaining strength, while the cruise ship industry makes ready to build piers on the Red Hook Waterfront and progress toward Brooklyn Bridge Park, etc. It’s obvious real estate billionaires are profoundly interested in the revitalization of Brooklyn!!
Hopefully, they’re thinking, as we’re thinking about the revitalization of the Loew’s Kings as THE KINGS COUNTY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Dear Lostmemory,
If you check the message board for the Loew’s Kings, you might want to join our efforts to Save The Kings. Obviously, you know how to check NYC real estate records as to lot and block number .. and with your co-operation, we could discover WHO is buying up all the property AROUND the Loew’s Kings.
My research has shown which property has been recently bought, but I need your help in finding who did the buying! Having this information will help our group in seeking the cooperation of a developer willing to restore the Loew’s Kings as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts.
Bruce1 –
That may be, but all the blueprints were missing when the search was made under ‘new’ construction and were later found under an earlier date, referencing the original construction.
As far as a meeting, I will need names and phone numbers to arrange for a convenient time. They can be sent to
For those that missed it, the City Section of the Sunday NY Times featured an article with photograph of the St. George. Incredibly, the cost of restoration was one million dollars. Unfortunately, we’ll not be able to restore the Loew’s Kings without an extra $34 mm (give or take a few)
Dear Jim,
If landmarking will do little more than protect the ORIGINAL exterior, big deal! My problem is that I have done so much homework and learned so much about what the developers are doing in the area of the Kings that this had allowed me to speculate what a developer might do?? Everyone who hears my logic, thinks I’m on the right track. However, what if I’m wrong? What if these developers are so greedy that they want the whole square block and don’t care about an aging movie palace?
I have the right contacts, but perhaps they are not telling me what they’re really thinking? Perhaps they have nefarious intentions? I just don’t know, but what I do know is that the Brooklyn Water – front is red hot. Developers are developing every square inch. I also know that Inner-Brooklyn has been getting a major face lift and the Kings could be next! The surrounding neighborhood has been on the comeback for a number of years and the timing seems to be right, but then again, I’m not in the billionaires inner circle and I don’t know what they are actually planning!
Just the same, one thing for sure, EDC is definitely making their preparations and preparing to put Loew’s Kings back on the auction block-RFP and that will happen very soon!
Loew’s Kings could become:
1-The Kings County Center for the Performing Arts
2-The Sears Flatbush Center for the Performing Arts
3-The Trump Theater for the Performing Arts and Hair Club For Men Center
4-The Streisand Center
5-The Lords of Flatbush Center – starring Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler (They were both ushers at the Loew’s Kings)
6-The Ben Vereen Center – Ben’s mother was a ‘char’ woman at the Kings
7-Who know??? The Flatbush Outlet Mall and Discount Shlock Center
Gustav—nobody from the Raymond ever got in touch. Please try them again!
Theaterat—“Theate-Rat”?? Is that how you got your ‘handle’? Well, fear not there are no rats in the Loew’s Kings! There’s nothing there to eat. However, some years ago, I do recall hearing a rustling sound and that’s when we threw a projector reel. At the time, homeless people were hiding out, so who knows it might have been them. These guys did manage to steal some sconces and the brass banister and even a large swath of carpet from the mezzanine. (Probably was used to carpet their little shack just behind the theater.) All of the above happened DURING EDC’s watch!!!
I’ve been thinking about trying to get the theater landmarked, but can’t decide if that’s a good idea or not. If we attempt to do this, could that totally discourage any developer?
Saps: I spent a lot of time with the architect hired by the last owners of the Loew’s Metropolitan as they prepared to correct the sight lines for the multiplex. While doing her research, she could not find the ‘original blueprints’ filed by Thomas Lamb. By the way, Lamb signed his name bigger than any signer of the Constitution.
She literally haunted the Municipal Archives till they discovered the blueprints under ‘revisions’. The Loew’s Met was originally built around 1914, but at that time it was positively a department store!
Yes, Gustav. Why don’t you contact them? They have already carted off a projector and some seats from the Loew’s Kings!
The landmarking process can take time and may even discourage real estate developers from getting involved and answering the Request For Proposal. However, having that MEETING, getting things out in the open and making plans that can and should be done.
Theatrefan is right, I am a great guy!
So let’s get this show on the road! As I recently reported, the Brooklyn Borough President liked the idea of setting up a press conference to talk up the potential of revitalizing the Loew’s Kings.
Now, as far as the potentially bad news…Clear Channel Entertainment has been a loser for the Clear Channel Corporation and they will not be expanding their theater operations. Hopefully, other major operators can be found. Again, I suggested getting in touch with the people who run the Atlanta FOX, St. Louis FOX, Detroit FOX, Chicago Theater, etc. Perhaps they would want another house?
(Let’s have a meeting!)