The only blueprint of the Loew’s Kings that I know to exist is in my possession. It was found in a carton of garbage, in the dumpster, out back behind the theater. That blueprint allowed the guys who did the recent asbestos/lead abatement study to understand the structure.
As to the recent comments by Life’s too short, Warren, Astyanax, etc…I can only say that it’s too bad that nobody is interested in the BRILLIANT suggestion made by Lance!!!!
“Let’s stop all this talking and start taking some action to save the Kings!”
Lance makes perfect sense! Bruce makes perfect sense, but from 1987 until the present, Bruce has tried everything and still nothing. Well, not exactly nothing. I have brought the Loew’s Kings to the attention of Disney, Clear Channel, Ron Delsener Productions, Rambusch (the decorative design firm, who also did the Brooklyn Paramount), Evergreene, SFX—Sillerman, multi millionaire and showman who is a major investor in Bruce Ratner’s new NETS arena, Marty Markowitz- who loves the idea and has always been a big supporter of the project, Joe Franklin – who wants to put his movie merorabilia and vaudeville museum in the lobby, Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), Ben Vereen' who’s mother was a char lady at the Kings, Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler and Streisand who were all ushers at the Kings, Arthur Tracy (The Street Singer) who performed here in vaudevill
and so so so many others. (Not to mention the biggest real estate developers including Ratner, Vornado, Grid Properties, the people who brought you Harlem U.S.A., Millennium Partners who opened the Sony Loews Lincoln Plaza complete with the facade of the Loew’s Kings, David Rockwell who designed that and everything DISNEY. Just think, if I never get this accomplished, I had one hell of a good time, met some fascinating people and my buddy, Dorothy at 90 is STILL the manager of Loew’s Kings!
So why don’t we continue writing little memories and little hopes and forget Lance’s BRILLIANT suggestion of actually doing something?
Dear Warren and Gustav:
Sorry, but the only reference you will find at the Billy Rose Theatre Collection – at the LIbrary for the Performing Arts are the REFERENCE CARDS themselves! Everything else is long gone! Mr Big, the head man said to me, ‘We have no idea what happened to all those blueprints.’
Therefore, if the Chicago Historical Society has blueprints of the Kings, they are indeed – one of a kind!!
And — so it goes. On a happier note, the Brooklyn Paramount may get lucky. There is talk in LIU Long Island University Circles of a possible and that’s in capital letters—movement to restore and reopen the Brooklyn Paramount—as a theatre!
While we’re on the subject of Brooklyn, theatre fans might check out the magnificent Brooklyn Tech Theatre space which olds almost 4,000 seats and is in pristine condition. The Principal wants to see it used for outside productions, when not in use by the school.
The other night, I wandered into the Brooklyn Academy of Music and talked my way up to the dressing room area where they were preparing to shoot a scene from ‘The Producers’. By luck, I met the right people and explained that the architects for BAM were Hertz and Talent, who also did the New Amsterdam. It seems that they were shooting a scene from ‘The Producers’ but would also be shooting at the St. James (Yesterday) so it’s a movie about a play within a play that was based on a movie. Well, that’s the kind of movie we should write about the Loew’s Kings. It will not become a multiplex, but a live theater that might for a special run screen one movie to 1 big audience. No multiplex here!!
To: Robert R.
From: Bruce1
The last time I visited the Loew’s Kings was about 5 months ago. At that time, nothing much had changed. Every so often, something manages to disappear. This time, I noticed a 1929 vintage – intercom no longer hung from the manager’s office wall.
The City of NY had completed their asbestos study and found that that was NOT a problem and they had shored up the terracota facade. Above the stage house, the glass panes have suffered and it still allows the entry of pigeons. A few years ago, I was alarmed after seeing the damage caused by cascading rain water on the box seats. I was able to convince the Bklyn Borough Pres. Office to begin work on that roof within 3 weeks, instead of the planned 6 week wait. So now, it appears to keep the place dry. Of course there is no heat or fresh air, so the theater remains in a constant state of mildew/chill.
Maybe, I’m just in love with the place, but it looks no worse than the New Amsterdam before the Disney people went to work.
To: Warren
Thanks for the information on the early demise of vaudeville at Loew’s Kings, but how sure are you that it’s accurate?
Loew’s Metropolitan continued vaudeville until around 1935
Brooklyn Paramount kept it going until 1936.
Are you familiar with pit vs presentation shows? If not, ‘pit’ meant that they had the orchestra in the pit and ‘presentation’ had the orchestra on stage with acts in front.
To: Jim Rankin
Thanks for the ‘super information’. Having been on the stage and under the stage at the Loew’s Kings many times, I never saw such ‘traps’ but interestingly at the Loew’s 46th Street, still pretty much intact, but alas a furniture store in Brooklyn, there is a ‘normal’ trap door that opens up – ward! Only this one is not on the stage (stage is gone) but is actually in the manager’s office. It was used by the manager to secretly exit the office with the day’s receipts and go down to the basement, out the back door and straight to the bank!!
The ROXY, NY and Brooklyn Paramount’s were designed by Rambusch and Company. A few years ago, the family came with me on a tour of the Kings. They offered to begin a training opportunity program for interns in the art of theatre restoration. As you can well imagine, all the contacts ++ all their enthusiasm, means nothing if we don’t have the money guy!
To: Jim Rankin
Loew’s Kings has two stage lifts, if that’s what you mean by ‘traps’. Here are some accurate dimensions:
Proscenium Height: 32 ft
Proscenium Opening: 60 feet wide
Stage Depth [From rear of orchestra pit] 32 feet
Fly Height: (to grid from state est.) 70 feet
Grand Lobby: (approx) 42' W x 70' D
Inner Lobby (approx) 32' W x 56' D
Main House/ Excludes Stage (approx) 152' W x 144' D
Rear Orchestra Foyer (approx) 136' W x 32' D
Shop Space (approx) shoe store 20' x 50'
Shop Space (approx) 3 store fronts 60 x 50' D
Building a box above the retail frontage can create additional selling space or components of a multiplex with access to the main theater’s mezzanine. The square block footprint has an additional 30,000 sq. feet of retail which is available. The basement areas do include a basket-ball court once used by the ushers, but could be retrofit for two additonal screens or even more retail space (or Jazz Club or Comedy Club) Under the stage are a grouping of rehearsal space, screening rooms and backstage offers almost 30 dressing rooms, wardrobe and chorus facilities.
In effect, you could create at least a 10plex or a combination of theater and retail space without subdividing the auditorium.
To: Gustavelifting
These tours are not for the general public, but only for real estate developers, entrepreneurs and other billionaires.
Bruce1
I don’t have the e-mail address, but the company name is: Leviev Boymelgreen—they may have an office in Manhattan, but you might also try 700 Pacific Street, Brooklyn NY.
One e-mail might not do the trick, but if all the people who read this site were to send an e-mail, maybe it could light the fire.
Has anybody seen this Sunday’s NY Times? Take a look at the Real Estate Section and you’ll find the cover story about a new developer in town! Among his projects is to build atop the old RKO Flushing with an apartment complex. Perhaps he would be interested in building a hotel/rental apartments with a revolving restaurant looking out on all of Brooklyn? If so, why doesn’t he look at the Loew’s Kings?
You’ll also find an article about various developers buying up former bank buildings, built by some of our finest classical architects. They are not being destroyed, but lovingly restored -not as banks but as high end condos, restaurant/catering, the newest Balducci’s and I know this will be hard to believe, but as a Union Square Theatre.
I’ve got a rather novel idea! Why not convert a magnificent movie palace into all of the above? The lobby could be rented out for private parties or for an art exhibition or as ‘The Joe Franklin’ memorabilia museum, [Joe loves the idea!] then building up from the store fronts, this can be additional retail space and then, a smart developer could use the air rights to create a hotel and condos and even a multiplex and capped with a restaurant. Best of all, I have a ruly novel idea, why not use the theater as a live theater?
Perhaps cinematreasure fans could write to Mr. Boymelgreen? He seems to have respect for the classic architecture and seems to find neighborhoods that need a boost. Check the article!!
Dear Shade,
Thanks for your interest. I have no immediate plans to repeat those episodes of ‘That’s Brooklyn,’ but you might catch them on manhattan neighborhood network, channel 56 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm sometime in the near future. [www.mnn.org] I’ll provide details ASAP.
At this point videos are not available, but thanks for your interest.
I thought that some of you would have watched the last two episodes of ‘That’s Brooklyn’ that featured the Loew’s Kings, but unfortunately nobody seems to have watched!
What can I say? Based on your postings on this board, I thought the shows would be of interest.
My organization is trying to Save The Kings, I hope that your interest will continue to grow.
The architects/decorative designers used various styles of architecture in creating the Loew’s Kings and that is what I mean by the term: ‘indoor theme park’. The 2 main design elements borrow liberally from the Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
It was a performance venue in the days of vaudeville, where the orchestra either rose from the pit or was on stage behind the performer. Thus, the terms: ‘pit’ and ‘stage shows’. Under a plan by Save The Kings, it would return to it’s glory days and present LIVE concerts and possibly a try out venue for upcoming Broadway productions.
Hi Gang, I’m just back from Disney World and have some news about the Loew’s Kings as an INDOOR Theme Park!
The owner, NYC Economic Development Corporation, not the Flatbush Redevelopment Corp, will issue their Request for Proposal on the theater in either April or May. In the meantime, Brooklyn Borough President’s Office has been asked to submit their recommendations for how RFP should read. I will be meeting with the BP’s people this week to help draft their response.
Dear Loew’s Kings fans:
Be sure and watch, ‘That’s Brooklyn’ starting next Tuesday at 11 AM and 7 PM www.bcat.tv/bcat — for next 2 weeks, for 2 weeks only & only at REAL TIME.
When you get to the web site, Click ON Channel #3
Loew’s Kings Part I and Part II. These classic episodes were shot inside this old house approximately 11 years ago and you’re sure to enjoy.
In the meantime, I’ll be taking a few days off and then we can arrange our first meeting!
No one could put a theater on rollers, except maybe Bruce Ratner who did just that with the El Tinge (aka EMPIRE) for AMC Theatres on Times Square.
Well, someone once said to me, ‘If the Loew’s Kings was only in a better neighborhood?’ and I suggested, ‘That’s a great idea, I can put it on my back and move it.’ Realistically, Flatbush is ready for it’s close up and let’s take advantage of all the things we’ve got. (Sounds like a song)
Besides, like I’ve said: Bruce Ratner already holds the lease on the 750 car parking lot adjacent to the Loew’s Kings.
Let’s throw a World’s Fair at the Loew’s Kings!!! After all, living in Brooklyn is like living in the Little United Nations. Only in Brooklyn, it works!
Brooklyn is an amusement park, so let’s go along for the ride. The Loew’s Kings is a cathedral of the ornate, it’s an indoor theme park! The architecture borrows from two main design elements: The Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
Progress Report: In the last few days, various ‘old’ high school friends have shown a real interest and want me to meet some influencial people in show business/theater operation. So I will follow up and let you know what happened.
Alan, you’re doing a hell of a job. Just remember you’re not trying to Save The World, You’re Just Trying to Save The Kings! Not the King of Kings, but the Loew’s Kings.
Hi Guys!
A lot of good ideas are coming out of this message board. However, it seems to me that if we expect to accomplish something, we must communicate-the old fashioned way-by phone. So anyone writing to me at and providing a name and phone number, will hear from me!
We must arrange a meeting, PLAN AN AGENDA and DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES.
Dear Warren.
You’re idea about Streisand doing an outdoor concert in a nearby parking lot—has merit! It so happens that there is a 750 car parking lot, right behind the Loew’s Kings and it is adjacent to Sear’s lot. The Borough President could easily arrange for the stage, sound system and lighting.
If I could only think of who has the long term lease on that parking lot? Oh yeah! It’s Bruce Ratner, developer of the Nets Arena Complex at Flatbush & Atlantic. Maybe we could start a massive letter writing campaign to Mr. Ratner? After all, he bought the Jersey NETS, maybe he’d buy one night with Barbra?
Sear’s Flatbush is behind the Loew’s Kings. As you all know, Sears has been taken over by KMART money. Remember the old Bob Vila commercials? Why not suggest to Sears that they rebuilt this OLD HOUSE?? Then it could become the Sear’s Center for the Performing Arts. Couldn’t Sears —– donate paint, Craftsmen Tools, whatever? They’ve been there since 1934, isn’t it about time they gave something back to the community?
Dear Movie Palace:
I have featured the Loew’s Kings, the Loew’s Paradise, the Loew’s Pitkin, the RKO Bushwick and other vaudeville/movie palaces, complete with interior footage on various episodes of my show, but as far as when or which will be repeated, such decisions must still be made.
‘That’s Brooklyn’ can be seen on the following schedule:
BROOKLYN
Tues. 11 AM & 7 PM, Time Warner Ch. 56/Cablevision Ch.69
INTERNET REAL TIME: www.bcat.tv/bcat – See Channel 3
QUEENS
12:30 PM – Time Warner Ch. 34 and 9:30 PM – Ch. 35
MANHATTAN
07:00 PM – Time Warner Ch. 56 AND RCN Ch. 108
Every week, a different episode airs in each borough!
As far as the docomentary, ‘Memoirs Of A Movie Palace’ — if you can find it, this tape is worth watching. It features Harold Rambusch who did the decorative design for the Loew’s Kings, Brooklyn Paramount, The Roxy and some work on the Music Hall. The program also features Dorothy Solomon Panzica, manager of Loew’s Kings 1961-75, a board member of ‘Save The Kings’ and a personal friend!
As far as Neil Diamond and Miss Babs, we don’t expect their money, but their moral support and star power could help to bring the right attention to saving this cathedral of the ornate. Barbara has talked ‘glowingly’ about her days as a King’s usherette, but has not responded to my letter— which was hand delivered by her agent.
The Loew’s Kings has been closed since 1979 and at the present time, the NYC Economic Development Corporation will allow no visitors. They will issue an RFP (Request For Proposal) very shortly. Most recently, they authorized an asbestos-lead abatement study and were most happy to learn that this was not a problem!
As far as working electric, there’s enough for illumination but it could hardly be described as complete. The building has not been heated for years and it is colder inside than outside!! So it doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s still cold inside!
I do a weekly Cable TV show and have done several episodes about and inside the Loew’s Kings. Along with interior footage, I have interviewed restoration specialists, theatrical producers, etc. I am very glad that my enthusiasm is shared by so many of you and hope that our collective effort will eventually get this place restored and reopened as a Center for the performing arts.
As far as the Loew’s Paradise, I have taken an extensive tour and found the theater ready for use and that was a year ago! Unfortunately, the operator spent all that money and then lost his lease. Since then, really nothing has progressed.
The only blueprint of the Loew’s Kings that I know to exist is in my possession. It was found in a carton of garbage, in the dumpster, out back behind the theater. That blueprint allowed the guys who did the recent asbestos/lead abatement study to understand the structure.
As to the recent comments by Life’s too short, Warren, Astyanax, etc…I can only say that it’s too bad that nobody is interested in the BRILLIANT suggestion made by Lance!!!!
“Let’s stop all this talking and start taking some action to save the Kings!”
Lance makes perfect sense! Bruce makes perfect sense, but from 1987 until the present, Bruce has tried everything and still nothing. Well, not exactly nothing. I have brought the Loew’s Kings to the attention of Disney, Clear Channel, Ron Delsener Productions, Rambusch (the decorative design firm, who also did the Brooklyn Paramount), Evergreene, SFX—Sillerman, multi millionaire and showman who is a major investor in Bruce Ratner’s new NETS arena, Marty Markowitz- who loves the idea and has always been a big supporter of the project, Joe Franklin – who wants to put his movie merorabilia and vaudeville museum in the lobby, Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), Ben Vereen' who’s mother was a char lady at the Kings, Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler and Streisand who were all ushers at the Kings, Arthur Tracy (The Street Singer) who performed here in vaudevill
and so so so many others. (Not to mention the biggest real estate developers including Ratner, Vornado, Grid Properties, the people who brought you Harlem U.S.A., Millennium Partners who opened the Sony Loews Lincoln Plaza complete with the facade of the Loew’s Kings, David Rockwell who designed that and everything DISNEY. Just think, if I never get this accomplished, I had one hell of a good time, met some fascinating people and my buddy, Dorothy at 90 is STILL the manager of Loew’s Kings!
So why don’t we continue writing little memories and little hopes and forget Lance’s BRILLIANT suggestion of actually doing something?
Dear Warren and Gustav:
Sorry, but the only reference you will find at the Billy Rose Theatre Collection – at the LIbrary for the Performing Arts are the REFERENCE CARDS themselves! Everything else is long gone! Mr Big, the head man said to me, ‘We have no idea what happened to all those blueprints.’
Therefore, if the Chicago Historical Society has blueprints of the Kings, they are indeed – one of a kind!!
And — so it goes. On a happier note, the Brooklyn Paramount may get lucky. There is talk in LIU Long Island University Circles of a possible and that’s in capital letters—movement to restore and reopen the Brooklyn Paramount—as a theatre!
While we’re on the subject of Brooklyn, theatre fans might check out the magnificent Brooklyn Tech Theatre space which olds almost 4,000 seats and is in pristine condition. The Principal wants to see it used for outside productions, when not in use by the school.
The other night, I wandered into the Brooklyn Academy of Music and talked my way up to the dressing room area where they were preparing to shoot a scene from ‘The Producers’. By luck, I met the right people and explained that the architects for BAM were Hertz and Talent, who also did the New Amsterdam. It seems that they were shooting a scene from ‘The Producers’ but would also be shooting at the St. James (Yesterday) so it’s a movie about a play within a play that was based on a movie. Well, that’s the kind of movie we should write about the Loew’s Kings. It will not become a multiplex, but a live theater that might for a special run screen one movie to 1 big audience. No multiplex here!!
Bruce1
To: Robert R.
From: Bruce1
The last time I visited the Loew’s Kings was about 5 months ago. At that time, nothing much had changed. Every so often, something manages to disappear. This time, I noticed a 1929 vintage – intercom no longer hung from the manager’s office wall.
The City of NY had completed their asbestos study and found that that was NOT a problem and they had shored up the terracota facade. Above the stage house, the glass panes have suffered and it still allows the entry of pigeons. A few years ago, I was alarmed after seeing the damage caused by cascading rain water on the box seats. I was able to convince the Bklyn Borough Pres. Office to begin work on that roof within 3 weeks, instead of the planned 6 week wait. So now, it appears to keep the place dry. Of course there is no heat or fresh air, so the theater remains in a constant state of mildew/chill.
Maybe, I’m just in love with the place, but it looks no worse than the New Amsterdam before the Disney people went to work.
To: Warren
Thanks for the information on the early demise of vaudeville at Loew’s Kings, but how sure are you that it’s accurate?
Loew’s Metropolitan continued vaudeville until around 1935
Brooklyn Paramount kept it going until 1936.
Are you familiar with pit vs presentation shows? If not, ‘pit’ meant that they had the orchestra in the pit and ‘presentation’ had the orchestra on stage with acts in front.
To: Jim Rankin
Thanks for the ‘super information’. Having been on the stage and under the stage at the Loew’s Kings many times, I never saw such ‘traps’ but interestingly at the Loew’s 46th Street, still pretty much intact, but alas a furniture store in Brooklyn, there is a ‘normal’ trap door that opens up – ward! Only this one is not on the stage (stage is gone) but is actually in the manager’s office. It was used by the manager to secretly exit the office with the day’s receipts and go down to the basement, out the back door and straight to the bank!!
The ROXY, NY and Brooklyn Paramount’s were designed by Rambusch and Company. A few years ago, the family came with me on a tour of the Kings. They offered to begin a training opportunity program for interns in the art of theatre restoration. As you can well imagine, all the contacts ++ all their enthusiasm, means nothing if we don’t have the money guy!
Bruce1
To: Jim Rankin
Loew’s Kings has two stage lifts, if that’s what you mean by ‘traps’. Here are some accurate dimensions:
Proscenium Height: 32 ft
Proscenium Opening: 60 feet wide
Stage Depth [From rear of orchestra pit] 32 feet
Fly Height: (to grid from state est.) 70 feet
Grand Lobby: (approx) 42' W x 70' D
Inner Lobby (approx) 32' W x 56' D
Main House/ Excludes Stage (approx) 152' W x 144' D
Rear Orchestra Foyer (approx) 136' W x 32' D
Shop Space (approx) shoe store 20' x 50'
Shop Space (approx) 3 store fronts 60 x 50' D
Building a box above the retail frontage can create additional selling space or components of a multiplex with access to the main theater’s mezzanine. The square block footprint has an additional 30,000 sq. feet of retail which is available. The basement areas do include a basket-ball court once used by the ushers, but could be retrofit for two additonal screens or even more retail space (or Jazz Club or Comedy Club) Under the stage are a grouping of rehearsal space, screening rooms and backstage offers almost 30 dressing rooms, wardrobe and chorus facilities.
In effect, you could create at least a 10plex or a combination of theater and retail space without subdividing the auditorium.
To: Gustavelifting
These tours are not for the general public, but only for real estate developers, entrepreneurs and other billionaires.
Bruce1
I don’t have the e-mail address, but the company name is: Leviev Boymelgreen—they may have an office in Manhattan, but you might also try 700 Pacific Street, Brooklyn NY.
One e-mail might not do the trick, but if all the people who read this site were to send an e-mail, maybe it could light the fire.
Has anybody seen this Sunday’s NY Times? Take a look at the Real Estate Section and you’ll find the cover story about a new developer in town! Among his projects is to build atop the old RKO Flushing with an apartment complex. Perhaps he would be interested in building a hotel/rental apartments with a revolving restaurant looking out on all of Brooklyn? If so, why doesn’t he look at the Loew’s Kings?
You’ll also find an article about various developers buying up former bank buildings, built by some of our finest classical architects. They are not being destroyed, but lovingly restored -not as banks but as high end condos, restaurant/catering, the newest Balducci’s and I know this will be hard to believe, but as a Union Square Theatre.
I’ve got a rather novel idea! Why not convert a magnificent movie palace into all of the above? The lobby could be rented out for private parties or for an art exhibition or as ‘The Joe Franklin’ memorabilia museum, [Joe loves the idea!] then building up from the store fronts, this can be additional retail space and then, a smart developer could use the air rights to create a hotel and condos and even a multiplex and capped with a restaurant. Best of all, I have a ruly novel idea, why not use the theater as a live theater?
Perhaps cinematreasure fans could write to Mr. Boymelgreen? He seems to have respect for the classic architecture and seems to find neighborhoods that need a boost. Check the article!!
Bruce1
Dear Shade,
Thanks for your interest. I have no immediate plans to repeat those episodes of ‘That’s Brooklyn,’ but you might catch them on manhattan neighborhood network, channel 56 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm sometime in the near future. [www.mnn.org] I’ll provide details ASAP.
At this point videos are not available, but thanks for your interest.
I thought that some of you would have watched the last two episodes of ‘That’s Brooklyn’ that featured the Loew’s Kings, but unfortunately nobody seems to have watched!
What can I say? Based on your postings on this board, I thought the shows would be of interest.
My organization is trying to Save The Kings, I hope that your interest will continue to grow.
Bruce1
Did anyone watch ‘That’s Brooklyn’ parts I and II on the Loew’s Kings?
The architects/decorative designers used various styles of architecture in creating the Loew’s Kings and that is what I mean by the term: ‘indoor theme park’. The 2 main design elements borrow liberally from the Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
It was a performance venue in the days of vaudeville, where the orchestra either rose from the pit or was on stage behind the performer. Thus, the terms: ‘pit’ and ‘stage shows’. Under a plan by Save The Kings, it would return to it’s glory days and present LIVE concerts and possibly a try out venue for upcoming Broadway productions.
Hi Gang, I’m just back from Disney World and have some news about the Loew’s Kings as an INDOOR Theme Park!
The owner, NYC Economic Development Corporation, not the Flatbush Redevelopment Corp, will issue their Request for Proposal on the theater in either April or May. In the meantime, Brooklyn Borough President’s Office has been asked to submit their recommendations for how RFP should read. I will be meeting with the BP’s people this week to help draft their response.
Bruce1
Dear Loew’s Kings fans:
Be sure and watch, ‘That’s Brooklyn’ starting next Tuesday at 11 AM and 7 PM
www.bcat.tv/bcat — for next 2 weeks, for 2 weeks only & only at REAL TIME.
When you get to the web site, Click ON Channel #3
Loew’s Kings Part I and Part II. These classic episodes were shot inside this old house approximately 11 years ago and you’re sure to enjoy.
In the meantime, I’ll be taking a few days off and then we can arrange our first meeting!
Regards to all,
Bruce1
No one could put a theater on rollers, except maybe Bruce Ratner who did just that with the El Tinge (aka EMPIRE) for AMC Theatres on Times Square.
Well, someone once said to me, ‘If the Loew’s Kings was only in a better neighborhood?’ and I suggested, ‘That’s a great idea, I can put it on my back and move it.’ Realistically, Flatbush is ready for it’s close up and let’s take advantage of all the things we’ve got. (Sounds like a song)
Besides, like I’ve said: Bruce Ratner already holds the lease on the 750 car parking lot adjacent to the Loew’s Kings.
Let’s throw a World’s Fair at the Loew’s Kings!!! After all, living in Brooklyn is like living in the Little United Nations. Only in Brooklyn, it works!
Brooklyn is an amusement park, so let’s go along for the ride. The Loew’s Kings is a cathedral of the ornate, it’s an indoor theme park! The architecture borrows from two main design elements: The Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
Are you listening Walt Disney???
Regards,
Bruce.
Progress Report: In the last few days, various ‘old’ high school friends have shown a real interest and want me to meet some influencial people in show business/theater operation. So I will follow up and let you know what happened.
Bruce1
Alan, it’s too bad, but I haven’t gotten anybody’s e-mail with their name and phone number and therefore, nobody’s really ready to Save The Kings.
Alan, you’re doing a hell of a job. Just remember you’re not trying to Save The World, You’re Just Trying to Save The Kings! Not the King of Kings, but the Loew’s Kings.
Hi Guys!
A lot of good ideas are coming out of this message board. However, it seems to me that if we expect to accomplish something, we must communicate-the old fashioned way-by phone. So anyone writing to me at and providing a name and phone number, will hear from me!
We must arrange a meeting, PLAN AN AGENDA and DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES.
OK, so here’s my e-mail.
Bruce1
Dear Warren.
You’re idea about Streisand doing an outdoor concert in a nearby parking lot—has merit! It so happens that there is a 750 car parking lot, right behind the Loew’s Kings and it is adjacent to Sear’s lot. The Borough President could easily arrange for the stage, sound system and lighting.
If I could only think of who has the long term lease on that parking lot? Oh yeah! It’s Bruce Ratner, developer of the Nets Arena Complex at Flatbush & Atlantic. Maybe we could start a massive letter writing campaign to Mr. Ratner? After all, he bought the Jersey NETS, maybe he’d buy one night with Barbra?
Sear’s Flatbush is behind the Loew’s Kings. As you all know, Sears has been taken over by KMART money. Remember the old Bob Vila commercials? Why not suggest to Sears that they rebuilt this OLD HOUSE?? Then it could become the Sear’s Center for the Performing Arts. Couldn’t Sears —– donate paint, Craftsmen Tools, whatever? They’ve been there since 1934, isn’t it about time they gave something back to the community?
Dear Ziggy,
Dorothy is alive and well, but out of courtesy, I will ask permission before giving out her #.
Bruce
Dear Movie Palace:
I have featured the Loew’s Kings, the Loew’s Paradise, the Loew’s Pitkin, the RKO Bushwick and other vaudeville/movie palaces, complete with interior footage on various episodes of my show, but as far as when or which will be repeated, such decisions must still be made.
‘That’s Brooklyn’ can be seen on the following schedule:
BROOKLYN
Tues. 11 AM & 7 PM, Time Warner Ch. 56/Cablevision Ch.69
INTERNET REAL TIME: www.bcat.tv/bcat – See Channel 3
QUEENS
12:30 PM – Time Warner Ch. 34 and 9:30 PM – Ch. 35
MANHATTAN
07:00 PM – Time Warner Ch. 56 AND RCN Ch. 108
INTERNET REAL TIME: www.mnn.org
Every week, a different episode airs in each borough!
As far as the docomentary, ‘Memoirs Of A Movie Palace’ — if you can find it, this tape is worth watching. It features Harold Rambusch who did the decorative design for the Loew’s Kings, Brooklyn Paramount, The Roxy and some work on the Music Hall. The program also features Dorothy Solomon Panzica, manager of Loew’s Kings 1961-75, a board member of ‘Save The Kings’ and a personal friend!
As far as Neil Diamond and Miss Babs, we don’t expect their money, but their moral support and star power could help to bring the right attention to saving this cathedral of the ornate. Barbara has talked ‘glowingly’ about her days as a King’s usherette, but has not responded to my letter— which was hand delivered by her agent.
The Loew’s Kings has been closed since 1979 and at the present time, the NYC Economic Development Corporation will allow no visitors. They will issue an RFP (Request For Proposal) very shortly. Most recently, they authorized an asbestos-lead abatement study and were most happy to learn that this was not a problem!
As far as working electric, there’s enough for illumination but it could hardly be described as complete. The building has not been heated for years and it is colder inside than outside!! So it doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s still cold inside!
I do a weekly Cable TV show and have done several episodes about and inside the Loew’s Kings. Along with interior footage, I have interviewed restoration specialists, theatrical producers, etc. I am very glad that my enthusiasm is shared by so many of you and hope that our collective effort will eventually get this place restored and reopened as a Center for the performing arts.
As far as the Loew’s Paradise, I have taken an extensive tour and found the theater ready for use and that was a year ago! Unfortunately, the operator spent all that money and then lost his lease. Since then, really nothing has progressed.