I just added a new photo in the photo section for this theater. The marquee names the the theater “Loew’s 116th” and the photo has to be from 1957 or 1958. It is summer and the pictures playing there … well the titles speak for themselves but they date this photo. “Hit and Run” dates from 1957 and starred Vince Edwards (aka Dr. Ben Casey). Also in the picture was Julie Mitchum, Robert’s sister. She introduced her younger brother to acting by getting him onstage at the Long Beach Playhouse. “Delinquents” is also from 1957. This picture, budgeted at $65,000 grossed over $1,000,000. Shot on location in Kansas City, Mo. (I wonder if the Loew’s Midland appears somewhere in this picture), it was directed by Robert Altman.
DaveM, The Cort Theater which is a Broadway House is a Lamb theater as is the Loew’s Canal, the RKO Hamilton, The Regent and the Victoria. The Cort is in great shape. The Hamilton is not quite a wreck but is in not great shape but there does not appear to be too much water damage, However, I photographed it in 2006 and it was photographed recently and there has been some more vandalism, graffiti mostly. The Regent is a church and is in decent shape. The Victoria is on it’s way to be landmarked hopefully as is the old Loew’s Canal. These theaters are intact and salvageable. You are right though, it is very disheartening.
I love the new picture. I grew up nearby and I remember the stores were occupied up til the end. So this must be close to the end. There was a Barton’s Candy store and a liquor store that I clearly remember in addition to “Chess City” and the “Eat Shoppe” on the corner of 96th street. Years ago I met the son of the owner of that liquor store. He is a few years older than me and told me tales of his explorations of these beautiful theaters.
The fact that an agency like the FAA (no offense to them but they are not known for historic preservation) basically stalled the possible destructive reuse of the Keith’s astounds me. LPC should have realized what we, the City of New York, were about to lose. It was something that should have been done years ago. Perhaps it is a ruin, perhaps it is un-salvageable, I do not know. However, is not the Roman Forum a ruin? Should it have been covered up and re-purposed into a condo? Instead, the Italian Government uncovered it as a reminder of what was once upon a time.
We have too many “used to be’s” in this town. This is where the Roxy Theatre used to be, this is were Lindy’s used to be, this is where the Vanderbilt mansion used to be. This is where Pennsylvania Station used to be. As a New York City tour guide I am constantly pointing out the “used to be’s” and I always praise the efforts of LPC over the years. However, there will come a point when New York will lose too much, more of our historic structures will disappear and we will lose what separates this city from the rest of this country – it’s character. “We will be judged not by what we have built, but by what we have destroyed.
As per Flame’s comment of 8/3/2009 the Nemo became a Daitch Shopwell. A similar fate of the old Stoddard Theater on 90th and Broadway (also a Lamb house)which too became a Daitch. The Nemo Daitch became a D'agostino’s and then the structure was eventually torn down. The Nemo was entirely gutted. A demolition worker allowed me to peek in after I convinced him the structure had been a theater at one point. The new building on the site was completed in 2004.
The mural above the proscenium appeared to be Christopher Columbus discovering “America”. There seemed to be that theme running through this house. A panel in the ceiling depicted Columbus taking his case to the King and Queen of Spain.
Thank you for posting the picture of the Keith’s auditorium. I had believed for to long that the auditorium was gone. I agree with Ed Solero, the Keith’s had a typical owner from hell. They obviously did as much damage they the could before the structure was given Landmark status. This tactic has been perpetuated for decades; Harry Macklowe tried this with Hudson Theatre, the Sutton Theatre facade was stripped by developers of a high rise, the Dakota Stables was ruined in the same way before demolition, just to avoid consideration by LPC. What is worse, city agencies do not talk to each other. The DOB will issue permits even though a building is being considered for protection.
Thank you KenRoe. And thank you Kevin for posting. The last shot is incredibly tragic. That graffiti was not there on the boxes when I was there. However, the fact that there is not even more “artwork” makes me think that whatever entry way used by the “artists” (I am being invredibly nice) has been sealed. Frustrating though, that this sort of thing happened and that the perpetuators do not realize what it is they are defacing.
I thought there was nothing left of the interior of the Claremont. This is very exciting news. I grew up in a building designed by the architect of the Claremont.
I tried to cut and paste the address above but it took me to a Wikipedia page. I would love to see your recent pictures.
I was fortunate enough to have spent a good deal of time in the Hamilton back in 2006. It sounds to me like the space is in the same condition now as I saw it back then. I am glad that you saw beauty that this space still possesses, even in it’s current condition. I remember feeling like I had just smoked 2 packs of cigarettes when I finally did leave.
I have noticed over the years, looking at blueprints of other theaters of the same vintage, that corners were cut to save money in areas that were not open to the theatergoer. No risers on stairs to save money or steeper staircases to save save space for example. The projection booth was not original to the theater and was added later, hence the awkward access ladders.
I hope that you took pictures of your adventure and that the property manager remembered how to turn on the lights (he did not remember how to in 2006).
Thank you all for your answers! I too am aware that it is not just NYC historical legend that the design of the side lift mechanism was used (and still is used) on aircraft carriers. I just always believed it was our very own local Otis Elevator Company of Yonkers New York. The Roxy (which had a larger pit) was lifted on a worm gear so why did RCMH choose to use pneumatic pistons for it’s stage lifts and something different for it’s orchestra pit.
Patsy, you should try to go back and take that tour. It is incredible. I did the tour during the last years of the movie and stage show combination. After being under the stage (which was unreal – the pistons holing up the stage were enormous) we went up to the stage during the movie. I remember a thick black curtain that separated the speakers behind the screen from the rest of the stage. There was no flash photography allowed due as it could have upset the camel walking around the stage awaiting the next performance of the christmas show.
I read somewhere that this theatre was either designed by Thomas Lamb or was an existing structure renovated into a theatre designed by Thomas Lamb.
The Stoddard, or Standard Theatre, was on 90th and Broadway. It too became a “Garden Market”. My grandmother lived accross Broadway and I clearly remember the marquee. I heard that the Stoddard lacked air conditioning and would close during the summer.
I know two different people who rehearsed two different shows in the former Japanese Gardens. The first show was rehearsed around 1960. The second show was either Bubblin' Brown Sugar or Eubie. The latter show could have been in there after Riverside was demolished.
That is indeed sunlight streaming through the open exit doors, I know because I took that picture. When I was fortuanate enough to visit the theatre the property manager, who knew nothing about the property, could not figure out how to turn the lights on so he opened the fire doors on the south side of the auditorium.
The collection of original pictures, that I took, can be found in the many links I put up above or in a better link that Ed Solero generously put up for us (and made viewing the original pictures that I took easier to view). If there is any problem I will gladly repost the pictures that I took as I wanted to share them with other CT members.
I am sorry that some of the pictures are dark but as I said there was no light in the theatre when I took the pictures. I posted them believeing that this is how I saw it and it was a “better than not having them at all†situation
I just added a new photo in the photo section for this theater. The marquee names the the theater “Loew’s 116th” and the photo has to be from 1957 or 1958. It is summer and the pictures playing there … well the titles speak for themselves but they date this photo. “Hit and Run” dates from 1957 and starred Vince Edwards (aka Dr. Ben Casey). Also in the picture was Julie Mitchum, Robert’s sister. She introduced her younger brother to acting by getting him onstage at the Long Beach Playhouse. “Delinquents” is also from 1957. This picture, budgeted at $65,000 grossed over $1,000,000. Shot on location in Kansas City, Mo. (I wonder if the Loew’s Midland appears somewhere in this picture), it was directed by Robert Altman.
DaveM, The Cort Theater which is a Broadway House is a Lamb theater as is the Loew’s Canal, the RKO Hamilton, The Regent and the Victoria. The Cort is in great shape. The Hamilton is not quite a wreck but is in not great shape but there does not appear to be too much water damage, However, I photographed it in 2006 and it was photographed recently and there has been some more vandalism, graffiti mostly. The Regent is a church and is in decent shape. The Victoria is on it’s way to be landmarked hopefully as is the old Loew’s Canal. These theaters are intact and salvageable. You are right though, it is very disheartening.
I love the new picture. I grew up nearby and I remember the stores were occupied up til the end. So this must be close to the end. There was a Barton’s Candy store and a liquor store that I clearly remember in addition to “Chess City” and the “Eat Shoppe” on the corner of 96th street. Years ago I met the son of the owner of that liquor store. He is a few years older than me and told me tales of his explorations of these beautiful theaters.
The fact that an agency like the FAA (no offense to them but they are not known for historic preservation) basically stalled the possible destructive reuse of the Keith’s astounds me. LPC should have realized what we, the City of New York, were about to lose. It was something that should have been done years ago. Perhaps it is a ruin, perhaps it is un-salvageable, I do not know. However, is not the Roman Forum a ruin? Should it have been covered up and re-purposed into a condo? Instead, the Italian Government uncovered it as a reminder of what was once upon a time. We have too many “used to be’s” in this town. This is where the Roxy Theatre used to be, this is were Lindy’s used to be, this is where the Vanderbilt mansion used to be. This is where Pennsylvania Station used to be. As a New York City tour guide I am constantly pointing out the “used to be’s” and I always praise the efforts of LPC over the years. However, there will come a point when New York will lose too much, more of our historic structures will disappear and we will lose what separates this city from the rest of this country – it’s character. “We will be judged not by what we have built, but by what we have destroyed.
The panel just to the left was altered when an air conditioning vent was added. These panels where around the dome.
As per Flame’s comment of 8/3/2009 the Nemo became a Daitch Shopwell. A similar fate of the old Stoddard Theater on 90th and Broadway (also a Lamb house)which too became a Daitch. The Nemo Daitch became a D'agostino’s and then the structure was eventually torn down. The Nemo was entirely gutted. A demolition worker allowed me to peek in after I convinced him the structure had been a theater at one point. The new building on the site was completed in 2004.
The Nemo stood at the south east corner of 110th and Broadway. The Rite Aid is across Broadway on the south west corner.
The developer of this new building destroyed the exterior prior to demolition to ward off any possibility of landmarking by LPC.
The mural above the proscenium appeared to be Christopher Columbus discovering “America”. There seemed to be that theme running through this house. A panel in the ceiling depicted Columbus taking his case to the King and Queen of Spain.
Absolutely.
Thank you for posting the picture of the Keith’s auditorium. I had believed for to long that the auditorium was gone. I agree with Ed Solero, the Keith’s had a typical owner from hell. They obviously did as much damage they the could before the structure was given Landmark status. This tactic has been perpetuated for decades; Harry Macklowe tried this with Hudson Theatre, the Sutton Theatre facade was stripped by developers of a high rise, the Dakota Stables was ruined in the same way before demolition, just to avoid consideration by LPC. What is worse, city agencies do not talk to each other. The DOB will issue permits even though a building is being considered for protection.
Thank you KenRoe. And thank you Kevin for posting. The last shot is incredibly tragic. That graffiti was not there on the boxes when I was there. However, the fact that there is not even more “artwork” makes me think that whatever entry way used by the “artists” (I am being invredibly nice) has been sealed. Frustrating though, that this sort of thing happened and that the perpetuators do not realize what it is they are defacing.
I thought there was nothing left of the interior of the Claremont. This is very exciting news. I grew up in a building designed by the architect of the Claremont.
I tried to cut and paste the address above but it took me to a Wikipedia page. I would love to see your recent pictures.
I forgot to ask, were was this new graffiti? Was it the theater? There was some up in the dressing rooms but that is all I remember.
Dear Mr. Bradon,
I was fortunate enough to have spent a good deal of time in the Hamilton back in 2006. It sounds to me like the space is in the same condition now as I saw it back then. I am glad that you saw beauty that this space still possesses, even in it’s current condition. I remember feeling like I had just smoked 2 packs of cigarettes when I finally did leave.
I have noticed over the years, looking at blueprints of other theaters of the same vintage, that corners were cut to save money in areas that were not open to the theatergoer. No risers on stairs to save money or steeper staircases to save save space for example. The projection booth was not original to the theater and was added later, hence the awkward access ladders.
I hope that you took pictures of your adventure and that the property manager remembered how to turn on the lights (he did not remember how to in 2006).
This Theater was originally called The Riverview. It became the Carlton Theater then the Carlton Terrace Ballroom.
Does anyone know what happened to the mural above the proscenium?
Thank You so much for posting this. As you can see from the above postings, I am more than obsessed with The Riverside and The Riviera.
Thank you all for your answers! I too am aware that it is not just NYC historical legend that the design of the side lift mechanism was used (and still is used) on aircraft carriers. I just always believed it was our very own local Otis Elevator Company of Yonkers New York. The Roxy (which had a larger pit) was lifted on a worm gear so why did RCMH choose to use pneumatic pistons for it’s stage lifts and something different for it’s orchestra pit.
Patsy, you should try to go back and take that tour. It is incredible. I did the tour during the last years of the movie and stage show combination. After being under the stage (which was unreal – the pistons holing up the stage were enormous) we went up to the stage during the movie. I remember a thick black curtain that separated the speakers behind the screen from the rest of the stage. There was no flash photography allowed due as it could have upset the camel walking around the stage awaiting the next performance of the christmas show.
Check out “The Seven Ups” with Roy Scheider (I think that is how you spell his name). Great car chase, French Connection /Bullit good.
You are correct sir as I have gone frame by frame with the DVD.
The location of this theatre is now occupied by The Fredrick Douglas Houses of the NYCHA.
I read somewhere that this theatre was either designed by Thomas Lamb or was an existing structure renovated into a theatre designed by Thomas Lamb.
The Stoddard, or Standard Theatre, was on 90th and Broadway. It too became a “Garden Market”. My grandmother lived accross Broadway and I clearly remember the marquee. I heard that the Stoddard lacked air conditioning and would close during the summer.
I know two different people who rehearsed two different shows in the former Japanese Gardens. The first show was rehearsed around 1960. The second show was either Bubblin' Brown Sugar or Eubie. The latter show could have been in there after Riverside was demolished.
Dear Life’s Too Short,
That is indeed sunlight streaming through the open exit doors, I know because I took that picture. When I was fortuanate enough to visit the theatre the property manager, who knew nothing about the property, could not figure out how to turn the lights on so he opened the fire doors on the south side of the auditorium.
The collection of original pictures, that I took, can be found in the many links I put up above or in a better link that Ed Solero generously put up for us (and made viewing the original pictures that I took easier to view). If there is any problem I will gladly repost the pictures that I took as I wanted to share them with other CT members.
I am sorry that some of the pictures are dark but as I said there was no light in the theatre when I took the pictures. I posted them believeing that this is how I saw it and it was a “better than not having them at all†situation
Gary Dennis
Movie Place NYC