Please help me with this favor. Does anyone have a photo of the Trylon Theater’s exterior, that was taken prior to the tale end of 1999 (the theater’s closing)? I am looking for a photo that shows NO missing tiles on the central portion of the marquee. The photo can even be as far back as the 1970’s. Please e-mail Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement & your support, M Horner! I found some photos of the theater in its glory days. It can be accessed as follows: View link
We are the community, & we want the RKO Keith’s Theatre RESTORED in its entirety!!!!! Everyone, please spread the word, & sign our petition.
I don’t believe that it’s too late. I proceed my preservation efforts with optimism. You’re doing a superb job, Tom! And Jeffrey, a very well composed letter to the editor indeed! I urge all to sign the RKO Keith petition.
As many Cinema Treasures members as possible should write letters to our locally “elected” politicians and Community Board 7 regarding the proposed Boymelgreen heritage trasher. Let your voice be heard!!! Also, voice your opinion and write letters to the editor of various newspapers. Every bit helps! Did anyone think of starting an online/offline petition? Why doesn’t Mr. Boymelgreen AT LEAST build above the cherished RKO Keith? A lobby is a head without brains! Please share your thoughts. Thank you!
I meant “The” in my first sentence above. I am sorry that I do not have any current or semi-current photos of the RKO Keith. Perhaps the Theater Historical Society could be of help. Good luck!
This Preservation League of NY has an extremely useful legislative action center. This might be integral in assisting anyone willing to salvage architectural elements/molds of plaster, or acquire permission to go inside & take photos. Please follow this link:
The most recent article documenting the Trylon Theater preservation effort was published on 12/29/05, & reported by Zach Patberg of the Forest Hills Ledger. It’s entitled “Work Stops on Trylon Renovation…Bad Permit Stops Trylon Work.”
The renovation of the historic Trylon Theater has hit a snag after the city ordered the developer to stop work due to a faulty permit.
The property, at 98-81 Queens Blvd., also received a violation on Dec. 16 for doing work while the stop work order was still active, city Department of Buildings spokeswoman Ilyse Fink said.
The delay brought a glimmer of hope, or at least a hint of satisfaction, to a group of preservationists who have long protested the revamping of the Forest Hills theater, a relic of the 1939 World’s Fair that is slated to be converted to a Jewish community center.
Construction began last summer and the crew has so far gutted the interior, removed the mosaic tiles that lined the ticket booth and boarded up the windows. The preservation group, Committee to Save the Trylon, has been pushing for a reversal of this construction as well as a restoration of the Art Deco building’s marquee and glass block projection tower, which have been crumbling since the theater closed in 1999.
“To respect the Trylon’s significance and grandeur…a complete rebuilding of all destroyed architectural features is of utmost importance,” said Michael Perlman, the committee’s chairman.
Perlman, who led a rally in front of the theater in October, said he has recently asked the State Historic Preservation office to assess whether the Trylon was eligible for listing on the National Registrar for Historic Places. If so, the theater’s new owner and soon-to-be tenant, the Educational Center for Russian Jewry, would be required to limit renovation to state standards that preserve the building’s historical integrity and in return receive federal tax credit and other possible funding grants for the property.
Virginia Bartos, a Queens representative with the Preservation Office’s National Registrar and Survey Unit, said she was still waiting to hear from the Jewish center before conducting the assessment.
Messages left with the center went unreturned.
The stop work order, issued in April, was in response to a construction permit filed under the wrong owner, Fink said. An amended application was submitted and the stop work order taken away, but the property’s owner, 99th Street Realty, still cannot resume construction until it files for a new permit and hires new contractors, Fink said.
Robert Forester, of 99th Street Realty, would not comment on the stop worker order or the subsequent violation, saying the project was in the hands of the Jewish center.
According to Perlman, the city’s Landmark Preservation Commission has deemed the Trylon worthy of being landmarked – which would seriously restrict what work can be done on the building , but it would first need approval from Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills). Calls made to the commission went unreturned.
Katz, who gave $200,000 to the center for renovation, has been reluctant to give her blessing to the landmarking, saying it would slow down construction. Yet a spokesman, James McClelland, said that landmarking starts with the landmarks commission and the councilwoman would follow its lead.
Hi!
Does anyone have a phone number or e-mail address for the Rock Community Church, which is housed in the Elmwood Theatre? Please post or e-mail Thanking you in advance!
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
I’ve attended several local preservation gatherings & other events, where Borough Pres. Helen Marshall strolls in during the middle, poses for the media (or for the record), and then leaves as quickly as she came, like a pop-up. This proves that it’s only about politics. She would save a lot of time if she “posed behind the glass curtain,” as you stated in a corresponding posting.
My ultimate point is that besides a few board members and politicians, leave land use and landmarking issues up to the people. They are the majority. They numerously trace their footsteps. And for the newcomers, a lesson in history wouldn’t hurt. WE THE PEOPLE!!! Flushing certainly needs more congestion and over-development to eradicate our priceless history! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
My friend, Michael Manchiso, I love your “People who pretend to care about landmarks” analogy. Perhaps THEY will be Chuck’s idea of a landmark in generations to come. Nothing reminiscent about a glass curtain!
Hi Ed! To answer your question, landmarking would automatically apply to the exterior of the Elmwood, unless the interior was emphasized in a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form.
Hi Jeffrey (& other Cinema Treasures fans)! Thank you very much for a great contribution. What a treasure! It is remarkable as to how little the facade has changed over the past 3 decades. Recently, the new owners removed aluminum siding to reveal the original facade on the first story. After I finish pursuing my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater preservation effort, I will try to assist the owners of the Elmwood in the restoration of the exterior & nomination for the Nat'l Register of Historical Places, which may assist them with grants & tax credits. The NY Landmarks Conservancy has some worthwhile programs as well. At some point, I hope to convince the LPC to designate this unique gem!!! My fellow members should encourage the same.
Letters to the editor of the Queens Tribune concerning the Trylon (Week of 11/17):
1 No Hate Movement
To The Editor:
In response to Jeff Feinman’s article, entitled “Bukharians Plan To Preserve Trylon,†that was published on the week of Nov. 3-9, the committee would like to voice their opinion.
It is very shocking, frustrating, and wrongful of Education Center for Russian Jewry director, Nahum Kaziev, to accuse The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater of a “hate movement.†On Oct. 23rd, NYC residents, historical societies, and community groups, gathered in solidarity for a lawful and peaceful expression of their concerns. Our points were as follows:
The Trylon is a rare surviving Art Deco treasure that is worthy of preservation and official landmark status, and should be restored. This refers to the presently intact facade and glass block projection tower (which once illuminated Queens Boulevard), and calls for a restoration of all facade elements, including the marquee and mosaic-tiled entrance pavilion;
That the proposed use for the property is commendable, and through creative planning, the Trylon can accommodate it without the sacrifice of its architectural beauty;
The Education Center for Russian Jewry is a much-needed center for the growing Bukharian community, but they should be willing to work with us, hand in hand, and listen to our concerns;
That the broad coalition of support for saving the Trylon should be recognized and not ignored;
That New York’s Art Deco architecture and art, once disparaged, is truly a major part of our 20th century heritage and deserves to be treated with respect.
How does encouraging landmarking, preservation, restoration, and adaptive re-use, come anywhere near discrimination?
Addressing Mr. Kaziev, the reason “no backlash ensued when treasured theaters such as the Elmwood and Valencia were converted into churches,†was because the new owners preserved and restored their facades.
The title of the article is also very misleading. The Education Center for Russian Jewry plans to preserve very few elements of the theater (stage, balcony, and air-conditioning system). How does saving the 5-year old air-conditioning system bear any significance towards preserving an architectural, cultural, and historical gem?
As much as we are in favor of having some interior aspects preserved and/or donated to a local museum for safekeeping, we are ultimately in favor of having the exterior preserved and landmarked, since it represents a major part of our 20th century heritage. It pays homage to the 1939 World’s Fair, and is responsible for the transition which led to a new wave of immigrants to set foot in America. Why can’t the Trylon be an educational resource for the Russian Jewry, and a prime example of how we can assimilate our cultures and values?
Our request for a meeting with the project team has been completely blocked, making it impossible for any dialogue between the Education Center for Russian Jewry and the community. If we can’t work hand-in-hand with this public facility now, does this foreshadow their bond with the community once it opens?
-Michael Perlman,
Committee To Save The Trylon Theater
2 Trylon Theater
To The Editor:
Irony appears in different ways: The Trylon Theater in Forest Hills, a legacy of the 1939 World’s Fair and an architectural treasure, has been the focus of citizens concerned about the preservation of the theater as part of Queens history as well as architectural history.
Enter irony: The Bukharan Jewish Community is currently dismantling the Trylon for a youth center. Bukharan spokesman Nokhim Kozio referred to the preservation efforts of the Trylon as a “hate movement.â€
To justify destruction of a significant historical structure along racist lines is offensive, misguided and shocking.
The following article has relevance towards saving our treasures, including the Trylon Theater & several other theaters. It’s entitled “CM Perkins Seeks To Amend Landmarks Law.” City-wide preservation advocates met on Mon, Nov 15th to testify in City Hall, & discuss their point of view on Perkins' proposed Landmarks Hearing Bill. Most were in favor of the new legislation. A Queens Ledger article can be accessed as follows:
The following is my reaction to the bill & the hearing:
It is true that the LPC might have as half as many commissioners in 2005, and they may lack adequate funding to grant every landmark worthy structure a hearing. Rather than the city allocating an excessive amount of funds towards demolition, why can’t preservation-oriented funds exceed that rate, to safeguard priceless structures? A landmark is in the eyes of the majority, and it is of utmost importance for the LPC to hold fair hearings on worthy buildings, determined by the bulk of citywide preservationists' consent. In addition, buildings on the Nat'l Register should be granted a hearing. True Democracy ensures that the people would have a say in government. It is inexcusable and unforgivable for the LPC to ignore the public. At this point, too much power lies in the LPC, which terminates in the demolition of our buildings & BELOVED THEATERS!!! If this “denial of a hearing” trend continues, slowly but surely, a rather large percentage of our heritage will be eradicated, like chalk from a blackboard. The Trylon Theater in Forest Hills, paints a picture of the ‘39 World’s Fair and 66 years of sentiments. The Trylon Theater clearly qualifies under all conditions (architecturally, historically, culturally), and the majority’s consent, as an official landmark.
Check out some superb coverage of the Sun, Oct 23rd “Rally To Save The Trylon Theater!” The article is entitled “Residents Rally To Save A Controversial Movie House: Last Art Deco Theater In Queens.” It is featured in the Times NewsWeekly (Week of Oct. 27th), written by Robert Pozarycki, & can be accessed as follows. This is the UPDATED link:
Hi! I have tried contacting many celebrities, informing them about the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater’s endeavors. However, most of the time, I only reach a secretary, who doesn’t relay the message. Can you please give me some other tips? Do you know of anyone who might have some connections? Thank you!
Interesting story, Ed! Thank you for sharing it!!! It will be great to find out what they unearth while attempting to restore the Elmwood to its original Queensboro design. I will try to assist them in the near future, after my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater’s endeavors. The Elmwood is a local landmark, but technically speaking, every building is especially endangered in Queens, without official landmark status. My committee will encourage it to be designated!!!
Check out some superb coverage of the Sun, Oct 23rd “Rally To Save The Trylon Theater!” The article is entitled “Residents Rally To Save A Controversial Movie House: Last Art Deco Theater In Queens.” It is featured in the Times NewsWeekly (Week of Oct. 27th), written by Robert Pozarycki, & can be accessed as follows:
The article says 15 people attended, but those were actually the participants who posed for the photo. At least 50 people participated throughout the hour. Rather than having a second rally, we hope to negotiate at a sit-down meeting. If no compromise is reached, we are committed to take further action. We will continue to encourage landmarking for this rare surviving cultural icon!!!
Why should a significant part of our 20th century heritage be eliminated, eradicated, & exterminated with the jackhammer, & be tossed in the wastebasket??? The LPC needs to act more independently, since a politician’s approval for a hearing is not an official law, and the politicians should stop using an area with so much history, as their “ECONOMIC WASTELAND!”
An article entitled “Preservationists March To Save The Trylon Theater” with subtitle “Protestors blast Katz!” came out in the FH Ledger: View link
(For copyright issues, I can’t post the article here. You have to register to view it. It’s free.) Photos aren’t visible online.
The following is in the Queens Chronicle: View link
Other articles that came out were in the Qns Courier (Page 8) & the FH Times/Qns Ledger/Examiner/Leader Observer, and the Times NewsWeekly.
CONTACTS UPDATE: SAVE THE ‘39 TRYLON THEATER!!! – HOW YOU CAN HELP DESIGNATE IT A LANDMARK
You can help by sending certified letters &/or e-mails to BOTH:
Councilwoman Melinda Katz
104-01 Metropolitan Ave
Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375-6735
.ny.us
~AND~
Mr. Robert Tierney, Chairman
c/o NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre St, 9th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10007
.gov
Key points that should be addressed: Trylon Theater historical significance Personal insight (including Melinda Katz’s views on landmarking. There’s also a still active stop work order) The fact in which you’re not opposed to the Education Center’s occupancy, but the Trylon’s historical integrity MUST be respected (20th century heritage building). Halt further demolition, restore what was lost during the dismantling of entrance pavilion, etc, and ensure preservation of this truly rare icon, by designating the Trylon Theater a LANDMARK!
For additional background info:
The Art Deco/Moderne 1939 Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, N.Y.) is currently under heavy alteration, as it is being converted into an Education Center for the Russian Jewry. It
is one of the last standing structures which has a strong architectural, cultural, & historical significance to the 1939 World’s Fair, with its “Trylon & Perisphere” monuments. The Landmarks Preservation Commission was in favor of designating the Trylon Theater a landmark, but when Councilwoman Melinda Katz opposed, the Landmarks Preservation Commission was reluctant to designate it. Now, in a 10/6 Newsday article, Melinda Katz said she is “powerless when it comes to landmarking decisions.” Also, in a 9/29 Queens Chronicle article, Katz said that “any issues regarding the Trylon’s landmarking, should be taken up with the LPC, which is
where the process begins.” Another dilemma is a construction violation & a stop work order as of April 11, 2005. Even though the stop work order is still active, demolition men ignored the order, &
on July 26, 2005, they gutted the interior and the entrance pavilion. It featured hand-painted cloth murals, an inlaid mosaic floor & ticket booth with the Trylon monument memorialized. As of now, October 2005, the only fairly intact features are: the marquee, the Art Deco facade, & the glass block projection tower, which once illuminated Queens Blvd.
RALLY COVERAGE: We landed a great article on October 24th in “Preservation (Online),” published by the National Trust For Historic Preservation. The story is by Meghan Hogan, & it’s entitled “Supporters of Queens Theater (Trylon) Hold Rally”: (Put in Trylon in general search if the page moves or the current link becomes inactive)
Reporter Nicholas Hirshon of the Daily News also composed a wonderful article on October 25th, entitled “Battle To Save A Legend: Protest Seeks Landmark Status For Trylon Theater.” It can be accessed as follows:
It made the front page of the Queens section, but the photo isn’t visible online. The photo shows participants marching with signs stating the following:
-Trylon Trashed: Restore What Was Lost!
-66 Years Standing Proud!
-Now Playing: “Gone With The Jackhammer” at the Trylon Theater!!!
-Now Playing: “Nightmare on Queens Boulevard!"
-A Queens Landmark To Be Cherished…NOT demolished!
-Last standing ‘39 World’s Fair Art Deco treasure!
-LPC: Grant the Trylon a fair hearing (This is a democracy!)
-Councilwoman Katz: Meet with your constituents now!!!
…& many more!!!!!!!
The Oct 23rd RALLY TO SAVE THE 1939 TRYLON THEATER had a succesful turnout. It featured community residents (including the Rego Park Group), good semaritans from neighboring boroughs, as well as historical societies, & media coverage.
Speeches were delivered by the following: Michael, Mr. Trylon/founder of “The Committee To Save The Trylon,” & my co-founder, Sonia. Also, Glen Leiner, Executive Director of the Art Deco Society of N.Y., & Mitchell Grubler, Executive Director of the Queens Historical Society. The Theater Historical Society of America also supported our effort, as well as the Four Boroughs Preservation Alliance, the Historic Districts Council, & Nancy Cataldi, President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I would also like to thank David Oats & his wife, World’s Fair historians. Media coverage: NY Post, Daily News, Times NewsWeekly, Queens Chronicle, Queens Ledger/FH Times/Queens Examiner. Check it out this week!
WE ALL ACHIEVED A GREAT EFFORT TOWARDS PRESERVATION. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. We will continue, since the Trylon (& other significant structures which paint a picture of the history of Queens & NYC) deserves some JUSTICE! As I stated earlier, the LPC (Chairman Robert Tierney) not granting a fair & adequate hearing, & Councilwoman Melinda Katz ignoring the requests of her community/constituents, violates our Democratic rights. WE MUST WORK IN UNISON TO PRESERVE OUR 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE. WE MUST ALL REMEMBER: VICTORY IS DETERMINATION!!!
WRITE LETTERS TO LPC CHAIRMAN TIERNEY, COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ, & MAYOR BLOOMBERG ASAP to support landmarking of this highly endangered, rare iconic gem of a theater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Oct 23rd RALLY TO SAVE THE 1939 TRYLON THEATER had a succesful turnout. It featured community residents (including the Rego Park Group), good semaritans from neighboring boroughs, as well as historical societies, & media coverage.
Speeches were delivered by the following: Michael, Mr. Trylon/founder of “The Committee To Save The Trylon,” & my co-founder, Sonia. Also, Glen Leiner, Executive Director of the Art Deco Society of N.Y., & Mitchell Grubler, Executive Director of the Queens Historical Society. The Theater Historical Society of America also supported our effort, as well as the Four Boroughs Preservation Alliance, the Historic Districts Council, & Nancy Cataldi, President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I would also like to thank David Oats & his wife, World’s Fair historians. Media coverage: NY Post, Daily News, Times NewsWeekly, Queens Chronicle, Queens Ledger/FH Times/Queens Examiner. Check it out this week!
WE ALL ACHIEVED A GREAT EFFORT TOWARDS PRESERVATION. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. We will continue, since the Trylon (& other significant structures which paint a picture of the history of Queens & NYC) deserves some JUSTICE! As I stated earlier, the LPC (Chairman Robert Tierney) not granting a fair & adequate hearing, & Councilwoman Melinda Katz ignoring the requests of her community/constituents, violates our Democratic rights. WE MUST WORK IN UNISON TO PRESERVE OUR 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE. WE MUST ALL REMEMBER: VICTORY IS DETERMINATION!!!
WRITE LETTERS TO LPC CHAIRMAN TIERNEY, COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ, & MAYOR BLOOMBERG ASAP to support landmarking of this highly endangered, rare iconic gem of a theater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please help me with this favor. Does anyone have a photo of the Trylon Theater’s exterior, that was taken prior to the tale end of 1999 (the theater’s closing)? I am looking for a photo that shows NO missing tiles on the central portion of the marquee. The photo can even be as far back as the 1970’s. Please e-mail Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement & your support, M Horner! I found some photos of the theater in its glory days. It can be accessed as follows: View link
We are the community, & we want the RKO Keith’s Theatre RESTORED in its entirety!!!!! Everyone, please spread the word, & sign our petition.
I don’t believe that it’s too late. I proceed my preservation efforts with optimism. You’re doing a superb job, Tom! And Jeffrey, a very well composed letter to the editor indeed! I urge all to sign the RKO Keith petition.
As many Cinema Treasures members as possible should write letters to our locally “elected” politicians and Community Board 7 regarding the proposed Boymelgreen heritage trasher. Let your voice be heard!!! Also, voice your opinion and write letters to the editor of various newspapers. Every bit helps! Did anyone think of starting an online/offline petition? Why doesn’t Mr. Boymelgreen AT LEAST build above the cherished RKO Keith? A lobby is a head without brains! Please share your thoughts. Thank you!
I meant “The” in my first sentence above. I am sorry that I do not have any current or semi-current photos of the RKO Keith. Perhaps the Theater Historical Society could be of help. Good luck!
To KenRaniere & fellow members:
This Preservation League of NY has an extremely useful legislative action center. This might be integral in assisting anyone willing to salvage architectural elements/molds of plaster, or acquire permission to go inside & take photos. Please follow this link:
http://capwiz.com/plnys/home/
The most recent article documenting the Trylon Theater preservation effort was published on 12/29/05, & reported by Zach Patberg of the Forest Hills Ledger. It’s entitled “Work Stops on Trylon Renovation…Bad Permit Stops Trylon Work.”
View link
The renovation of the historic Trylon Theater has hit a snag after the city ordered the developer to stop work due to a faulty permit.
The property, at 98-81 Queens Blvd., also received a violation on Dec. 16 for doing work while the stop work order was still active, city Department of Buildings spokeswoman Ilyse Fink said.
The delay brought a glimmer of hope, or at least a hint of satisfaction, to a group of preservationists who have long protested the revamping of the Forest Hills theater, a relic of the 1939 World’s Fair that is slated to be converted to a Jewish community center.
Construction began last summer and the crew has so far gutted the interior, removed the mosaic tiles that lined the ticket booth and boarded up the windows. The preservation group, Committee to Save the Trylon, has been pushing for a reversal of this construction as well as a restoration of the Art Deco building’s marquee and glass block projection tower, which have been crumbling since the theater closed in 1999.
“To respect the Trylon’s significance and grandeur…a complete rebuilding of all destroyed architectural features is of utmost importance,” said Michael Perlman, the committee’s chairman.
Perlman, who led a rally in front of the theater in October, said he has recently asked the State Historic Preservation office to assess whether the Trylon was eligible for listing on the National Registrar for Historic Places. If so, the theater’s new owner and soon-to-be tenant, the Educational Center for Russian Jewry, would be required to limit renovation to state standards that preserve the building’s historical integrity and in return receive federal tax credit and other possible funding grants for the property.
Virginia Bartos, a Queens representative with the Preservation Office’s National Registrar and Survey Unit, said she was still waiting to hear from the Jewish center before conducting the assessment.
Messages left with the center went unreturned.
The stop work order, issued in April, was in response to a construction permit filed under the wrong owner, Fink said. An amended application was submitted and the stop work order taken away, but the property’s owner, 99th Street Realty, still cannot resume construction until it files for a new permit and hires new contractors, Fink said.
Robert Forester, of 99th Street Realty, would not comment on the stop worker order or the subsequent violation, saying the project was in the hands of the Jewish center.
According to Perlman, the city’s Landmark Preservation Commission has deemed the Trylon worthy of being landmarked – which would seriously restrict what work can be done on the building , but it would first need approval from Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills). Calls made to the commission went unreturned.
Katz, who gave $200,000 to the center for renovation, has been reluctant to give her blessing to the landmarking, saying it would slow down construction. Yet a spokesman, James McClelland, said that landmarking starts with the landmarks commission and the councilwoman would follow its lead.
THE NEW RENDERING IS NOWHERE NEAR A REVIVAL. SHAME ON ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE BELOVED RKO KEITH’S THEATRE’S DEMISE. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!
Hi Jeffrey! Thank you very much for your help!!!
Hi!
Does anyone have a phone number or e-mail address for the Rock Community Church, which is housed in the Elmwood Theatre? Please post or e-mail Thanking you in advance!
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
I’ve attended several local preservation gatherings & other events, where Borough Pres. Helen Marshall strolls in during the middle, poses for the media (or for the record), and then leaves as quickly as she came, like a pop-up. This proves that it’s only about politics. She would save a lot of time if she “posed behind the glass curtain,” as you stated in a corresponding posting.
My ultimate point is that besides a few board members and politicians, leave land use and landmarking issues up to the people. They are the majority. They numerously trace their footsteps. And for the newcomers, a lesson in history wouldn’t hurt. WE THE PEOPLE!!! Flushing certainly needs more congestion and over-development to eradicate our priceless history! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sadly, everything revolves around money and politics. This is a horrendous shame!!! They have so much $$$, why couldn’t they have restored/rebuilt the facade in its entirety, & incorporated that into the project? I admire the interior space, but what good is it without the facade? IT’S A HEAD WITH AN EXTRACTED BRAIN!!!!!!!
It is purely ironic as to how society of today supposed to be soooo technologically advanced, but in the meantime, they can’t build with much attention to intricate detail & precision. Today the motto for most buildings is “I’ll throw up a bunch of bricks, glass, steel, and what-not, & build my CONCRETE JUNGLE even higher than the Joneses!”
My friend, Michael Manchiso, I love your “People who pretend to care about landmarks” analogy. Perhaps THEY will be Chuck’s idea of a landmark in generations to come. Nothing reminiscent about a glass curtain!
Hi Ed! To answer your question, landmarking would automatically apply to the exterior of the Elmwood, unless the interior was emphasized in a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form.
Enjoying my trip down memory lane!!!
Hi Jeffrey (& other Cinema Treasures fans)! Thank you very much for a great contribution. What a treasure! It is remarkable as to how little the facade has changed over the past 3 decades. Recently, the new owners removed aluminum siding to reveal the original facade on the first story. After I finish pursuing my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater preservation effort, I will try to assist the owners of the Elmwood in the restoration of the exterior & nomination for the Nat'l Register of Historical Places, which may assist them with grants & tax credits. The NY Landmarks Conservancy has some worthwhile programs as well. At some point, I hope to convince the LPC to designate this unique gem!!! My fellow members should encourage the same.
Letters to the editor of the Queens Tribune concerning the Trylon (Week of 11/17):
1 No Hate Movement
To The Editor:
In response to Jeff Feinman’s article, entitled “Bukharians Plan To Preserve Trylon,†that was published on the week of Nov. 3-9, the committee would like to voice their opinion.
It is very shocking, frustrating, and wrongful of Education Center for Russian Jewry director, Nahum Kaziev, to accuse The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater of a “hate movement.†On Oct. 23rd, NYC residents, historical societies, and community groups, gathered in solidarity for a lawful and peaceful expression of their concerns. Our points were as follows:
The Trylon is a rare surviving Art Deco treasure that is worthy of preservation and official landmark status, and should be restored. This refers to the presently intact facade and glass block projection tower (which once illuminated Queens Boulevard), and calls for a restoration of all facade elements, including the marquee and mosaic-tiled entrance pavilion;
That the proposed use for the property is commendable, and through creative planning, the Trylon can accommodate it without the sacrifice of its architectural beauty;
The Education Center for Russian Jewry is a much-needed center for the growing Bukharian community, but they should be willing to work with us, hand in hand, and listen to our concerns;
That the broad coalition of support for saving the Trylon should be recognized and not ignored;
That New York’s Art Deco architecture and art, once disparaged, is truly a major part of our 20th century heritage and deserves to be treated with respect.
How does encouraging landmarking, preservation, restoration, and adaptive re-use, come anywhere near discrimination?
Addressing Mr. Kaziev, the reason “no backlash ensued when treasured theaters such as the Elmwood and Valencia were converted into churches,†was because the new owners preserved and restored their facades.
The title of the article is also very misleading. The Education Center for Russian Jewry plans to preserve very few elements of the theater (stage, balcony, and air-conditioning system). How does saving the 5-year old air-conditioning system bear any significance towards preserving an architectural, cultural, and historical gem?
As much as we are in favor of having some interior aspects preserved and/or donated to a local museum for safekeeping, we are ultimately in favor of having the exterior preserved and landmarked, since it represents a major part of our 20th century heritage. It pays homage to the 1939 World’s Fair, and is responsible for the transition which led to a new wave of immigrants to set foot in America. Why can’t the Trylon be an educational resource for the Russian Jewry, and a prime example of how we can assimilate our cultures and values?
Our request for a meeting with the project team has been completely blocked, making it impossible for any dialogue between the Education Center for Russian Jewry and the community. If we can’t work hand-in-hand with this public facility now, does this foreshadow their bond with the community once it opens?
-Michael Perlman,
Committee To Save The Trylon Theater
2 Trylon Theater
To The Editor:
Irony appears in different ways: The Trylon Theater in Forest Hills, a legacy of the 1939 World’s Fair and an architectural treasure, has been the focus of citizens concerned about the preservation of the theater as part of Queens history as well as architectural history.
Enter irony: The Bukharan Jewish Community is currently dismantling the Trylon for a youth center. Bukharan spokesman Nokhim Kozio referred to the preservation efforts of the Trylon as a “hate movement.â€
To justify destruction of a significant historical structure along racist lines is offensive, misguided and shocking.
-Sona Kludjian,
Forest Hills
The following article has relevance towards saving our treasures, including the Trylon Theater & several other theaters. It’s entitled “CM Perkins Seeks To Amend Landmarks Law.” City-wide preservation advocates met on Mon, Nov 15th to testify in City Hall, & discuss their point of view on Perkins' proposed Landmarks Hearing Bill. Most were in favor of the new legislation. A Queens Ledger article can be accessed as follows:
View link
The following is my reaction to the bill & the hearing:
It is true that the LPC might have as half as many commissioners in 2005, and they may lack adequate funding to grant every landmark worthy structure a hearing. Rather than the city allocating an excessive amount of funds towards demolition, why can’t preservation-oriented funds exceed that rate, to safeguard priceless structures? A landmark is in the eyes of the majority, and it is of utmost importance for the LPC to hold fair hearings on worthy buildings, determined by the bulk of citywide preservationists' consent. In addition, buildings on the Nat'l Register should be granted a hearing. True Democracy ensures that the people would have a say in government. It is inexcusable and unforgivable for the LPC to ignore the public. At this point, too much power lies in the LPC, which terminates in the demolition of our buildings & BELOVED THEATERS!!! If this “denial of a hearing” trend continues, slowly but surely, a rather large percentage of our heritage will be eradicated, like chalk from a blackboard. The Trylon Theater in Forest Hills, paints a picture of the ‘39 World’s Fair and 66 years of sentiments. The Trylon Theater clearly qualifies under all conditions (architecturally, historically, culturally), and the majority’s consent, as an official landmark.
Check out some superb coverage of the Sun, Oct 23rd “Rally To Save The Trylon Theater!” The article is entitled “Residents Rally To Save A Controversial Movie House: Last Art Deco Theater In Queens.” It is featured in the Times NewsWeekly (Week of Oct. 27th), written by Robert Pozarycki, & can be accessed as follows. This is the UPDATED link:
View link
Hi! I have tried contacting many celebrities, informing them about the Committee To Save The Trylon Theater’s endeavors. However, most of the time, I only reach a secretary, who doesn’t relay the message. Can you please give me some other tips? Do you know of anyone who might have some connections? Thank you!
Interesting story, Ed! Thank you for sharing it!!! It will be great to find out what they unearth while attempting to restore the Elmwood to its original Queensboro design. I will try to assist them in the near future, after my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater’s endeavors. The Elmwood is a local landmark, but technically speaking, every building is especially endangered in Queens, without official landmark status. My committee will encourage it to be designated!!!
Check out some superb coverage of the Sun, Oct 23rd “Rally To Save The Trylon Theater!” The article is entitled “Residents Rally To Save A Controversial Movie House: Last Art Deco Theater In Queens.” It is featured in the Times NewsWeekly (Week of Oct. 27th), written by Robert Pozarycki, & can be accessed as follows:
View link
The article says 15 people attended, but those were actually the participants who posed for the photo. At least 50 people participated throughout the hour. Rather than having a second rally, we hope to negotiate at a sit-down meeting. If no compromise is reached, we are committed to take further action. We will continue to encourage landmarking for this rare surviving cultural icon!!!
Why should a significant part of our 20th century heritage be eliminated, eradicated, & exterminated with the jackhammer, & be tossed in the wastebasket??? The LPC needs to act more independently, since a politician’s approval for a hearing is not an official law, and the politicians should stop using an area with so much history, as their “ECONOMIC WASTELAND!”
An easier link to access the Trylon rally article in the Preservation (online) NTHP publication:
View link
An article entitled “Preservationists March To Save The Trylon Theater” with subtitle “Protestors blast Katz!” came out in the FH Ledger: View link
(For copyright issues, I can’t post the article here. You have to register to view it. It’s free.) Photos aren’t visible online.
The following is in the Queens Chronicle: View link
Other articles that came out were in the Qns Courier (Page 8) & the FH Times/Qns Ledger/Examiner/Leader Observer, and the Times NewsWeekly.
CONTACTS UPDATE: SAVE THE ‘39 TRYLON THEATER!!! – HOW YOU CAN HELP DESIGNATE IT A LANDMARK
You can help by sending certified letters &/or e-mails to BOTH:
Councilwoman Melinda Katz
104-01 Metropolitan Ave
Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375-6735
.ny.us
~AND~
Mr. Robert Tierney, Chairman
c/o NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre St, 9th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10007
.gov
Key points that should be addressed:
Trylon Theater historical significance
Personal insight (including Melinda Katz’s views on landmarking. There’s also a still active stop work order)
The fact in which you’re not opposed to the Education Center’s occupancy, but the Trylon’s historical integrity MUST be respected (20th century heritage building).
Halt further demolition, restore what was lost during the dismantling of entrance pavilion, etc, and ensure preservation of this truly rare icon, by designating the Trylon Theater a LANDMARK!
For additional background info:
The Art Deco/Moderne 1939 Trylon Theater (98-81 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, N.Y.) is currently under heavy alteration, as it is being converted into an Education Center for the Russian Jewry. It
is one of the last standing structures which has a strong architectural, cultural, & historical significance to the 1939 World’s Fair, with its “Trylon & Perisphere” monuments. The Landmarks Preservation Commission was in favor of designating the Trylon Theater a landmark, but when Councilwoman Melinda Katz opposed, the Landmarks Preservation Commission was reluctant to designate it. Now, in a 10/6 Newsday article, Melinda Katz said she is “powerless when it comes to landmarking decisions.” Also, in a 9/29 Queens Chronicle article, Katz said that “any issues regarding the Trylon’s landmarking, should be taken up with the LPC, which is
where the process begins.” Another dilemma is a construction violation & a stop work order as of April 11, 2005. Even though the stop work order is still active, demolition men ignored the order, &
on July 26, 2005, they gutted the interior and the entrance pavilion. It featured hand-painted cloth murals, an inlaid mosaic floor & ticket booth with the Trylon monument memorialized. As of now, October 2005, the only fairly intact features are: the marquee, the Art Deco facade, & the glass block projection tower, which once illuminated Queens Blvd.
RALLY COVERAGE: We landed a great article on October 24th in “Preservation (Online),” published by the National Trust For Historic Preservation. The story is by Meghan Hogan, & it’s entitled “Supporters of Queens Theater (Trylon) Hold Rally”: (Put in Trylon in general search if the page moves or the current link becomes inactive)
View link
Reporter Nicholas Hirshon of the Daily News also composed a wonderful article on October 25th, entitled “Battle To Save A Legend: Protest Seeks Landmark Status For Trylon Theater.” It can be accessed as follows:
View link
It made the front page of the Queens section, but the photo isn’t visible online. The photo shows participants marching with signs stating the following:
-Trylon Trashed: Restore What Was Lost!
-66 Years Standing Proud!
-Now Playing: “Gone With The Jackhammer” at the Trylon Theater!!!
-Now Playing: “Nightmare on Queens Boulevard!"
-A Queens Landmark To Be Cherished…NOT demolished!
-Last standing ‘39 World’s Fair Art Deco treasure!
-LPC: Grant the Trylon a fair hearing (This is a democracy!)
-Councilwoman Katz: Meet with your constituents now!!!
…& many more!!!!!!!
The Oct 23rd RALLY TO SAVE THE 1939 TRYLON THEATER had a succesful turnout. It featured community residents (including the Rego Park Group), good semaritans from neighboring boroughs, as well as historical societies, & media coverage.
Speeches were delivered by the following: Michael, Mr. Trylon/founder of “The Committee To Save The Trylon,” & my co-founder, Sonia. Also, Glen Leiner, Executive Director of the Art Deco Society of N.Y., & Mitchell Grubler, Executive Director of the Queens Historical Society. The Theater Historical Society of America also supported our effort, as well as the Four Boroughs Preservation Alliance, the Historic Districts Council, & Nancy Cataldi, President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I would also like to thank David Oats & his wife, World’s Fair historians. Media coverage: NY Post, Daily News, Times NewsWeekly, Queens Chronicle, Queens Ledger/FH Times/Queens Examiner. Check it out this week!
WE ALL ACHIEVED A GREAT EFFORT TOWARDS PRESERVATION. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. We will continue, since the Trylon (& other significant structures which paint a picture of the history of Queens & NYC) deserves some JUSTICE! As I stated earlier, the LPC (Chairman Robert Tierney) not granting a fair & adequate hearing, & Councilwoman Melinda Katz ignoring the requests of her community/constituents, violates our Democratic rights. WE MUST WORK IN UNISON TO PRESERVE OUR 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE. WE MUST ALL REMEMBER: VICTORY IS DETERMINATION!!!
WRITE LETTERS TO LPC CHAIRMAN TIERNEY, COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ, & MAYOR BLOOMBERG ASAP to support landmarking of this highly endangered, rare iconic gem of a theater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Oct 23rd RALLY TO SAVE THE 1939 TRYLON THEATER had a succesful turnout. It featured community residents (including the Rego Park Group), good semaritans from neighboring boroughs, as well as historical societies, & media coverage.
Speeches were delivered by the following: Michael, Mr. Trylon/founder of “The Committee To Save The Trylon,” & my co-founder, Sonia. Also, Glen Leiner, Executive Director of the Art Deco Society of N.Y., & Mitchell Grubler, Executive Director of the Queens Historical Society. The Theater Historical Society of America also supported our effort, as well as the Four Boroughs Preservation Alliance, the Historic Districts Council, & Nancy Cataldi, President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I would also like to thank David Oats & his wife, World’s Fair historians. Media coverage: NY Post, Daily News, Times NewsWeekly, Queens Chronicle, Queens Ledger/FH Times/Queens Examiner. Check it out this week!
WE ALL ACHIEVED A GREAT EFFORT TOWARDS PRESERVATION. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. We will continue, since the Trylon (& other significant structures which paint a picture of the history of Queens & NYC) deserves some JUSTICE! As I stated earlier, the LPC (Chairman Robert Tierney) not granting a fair & adequate hearing, & Councilwoman Melinda Katz ignoring the requests of her community/constituents, violates our Democratic rights. WE MUST WORK IN UNISON TO PRESERVE OUR 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE. WE MUST ALL REMEMBER: VICTORY IS DETERMINATION!!!
WRITE LETTERS TO LPC CHAIRMAN TIERNEY, COUNCILWOMAN MELINDA KATZ, & MAYOR BLOOMBERG ASAP to support landmarking of this highly endangered, rare iconic gem of a theater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!