Ridgewood Theatre
55-27 Myrtle Avenue,
Ridgewood,
NY
11385
55-27 Myrtle Avenue,
Ridgewood,
NY
11385
31 people
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They don’t bother me, the questions. I just want people to be at ease about the situation. I don’t want it getting out. And this site is used for research for stories by journalists (Hence the recent daily news article.)
We are NOT against landmarking everything. We want that. That is why we discussed it in the meeting with the community leaders and they are going to get someone down there ASAP. We have no intention on further multiplexing by the way. The upstairs will be used for something else. It can be extended up there. How much I won’t know until an architect looks at it. We may keep (A maybe that is) the old feel to it upstairs. They still have the old pull chain toilet flushers on the top above the bowl (damn way before MY TIME haha)
My childhood memories are all in that theater. Saving it (no matter how) is important to me. I just don’t want to be inhibited by any other force coming in to hurt the project.
I think if I can find a place, or discuss it with some of the leaders, I would like to call a meeting once we know everything is in place to discuss the actual plans of the project. But I have to know everything is in place for us to move further. Because once the project is in the open, it’s open season for someone to screw it up without everything being solidified.
AL
I’m not saying there was anything historic or worth saving in those rooms, as I don’t think they were historically significant to begin with. But it’s the SPACE that may be able to be used for something, if renovated. I didn’t mean to say to have people walking there in the condition they are probably in right now of course! I personally don’t even know how big the area in the second or third floor is, my assumption it is only the size of the Lobby on the first floor anyway. That may or may not be big enough for a small theater auditorium…. it was just a thought.
“I have found a number of theaters across the country that were listed on the Nation Register of Historical Places and they have been demolished. Landmarking the Ridgewood theater is no guarantee for its survival."
– Posted by Lost Memory on Apr 20, 2006 at 9:19am
Getting a theater nominated for placement on the National Register of Historical Places only assists the theater owner with funds with the owner’s consent, but does not prevent it from being demolished. The Nat'l Reg is a useful resource. However, a designation by the Landmarks Preservation Commission does safeguard the theater from being demolished. It is of utmost importance to apply as much pressure as possible on the LPC to landmark the interior & exterior.
The diaz brothers do NOT have the theater listed for sale. I’m not sure why people are under that impression. It isn’t on the market and it wasn’t even a major thought in their heads. WE INITIATED the call about an interest in purchase, so when the thought does cross their minds, the sale isn’t to some roughian, who intends to destroy it. But they did mention an interest in selling if we were interested in buying. (Still doesn’t guarantee they will sell) The fact I am keeping the project idea under wraps is because I don’t need it leaking out to someone and the brothers finding out what’s going on and
A) selling the building before landmark status is established to someone who is going to destroy it and
b) I don’t need someone with the $$$ coming along and swiping our project idea out from under us.
(Me telling you everything I have so far, is more than I wanted to say to begin with.)
People get greedy and will look to just make money. This project is to protect the theater and to bring something viable in the mix, to the community. No big secret or mystery so that I can get the building and ruin it. So be at ease. My intentions are pure. Just protecting my interests as well as the interests of the community and the theater itself……
The theater WILL BE USED AS A THEATER if we can AQUIRE IT…..
The two floors above are totally unusable and practically destroy. They have'nt been used since the 30’s. Floors and walls are warped and falling apart due to water damage from the roof when it was leaking. That will be the major alteration needing to be done. It is UNSAFE to have people walking around up their. WE PLAN TO USE WHAT’S THERE AS FAR AS EVERYTHING ELSE GOES!!! I want to say a few other things but cannot just yet. But believe me, That theater is going to look awesome when we are done with it, if we get the deal to aquire!
AL
The diaz brothers do NOT have the theater listed for sale. I’m not sure why people are under that impression. It isn’t on the market and it wasn’t even a major thought in their heads. WE INITIATED the call about an interest in purchase, so when the thought does cross their minds, the sale isn’t to some roughian, who intends to destroy it. But they did mention an interest in selling if we were interested in buying. (Still doesn’t guarantee they will sell) The fact I am keeping the project idea under wraps is because I don’t need it leaking out to someone and the brothers finding out what’s going on and
A) selling the building before landmark status is established to someone who is going to destroy it and
b) I don’t need someone with the $$$ coming along and swiping our project idea out from under us.
(Me telling you everything I have so far, is more than I wanted to say to begin with.)
People get greedy and will look to just make money. This project is to protect the theater and to bring something viable in the mix, to the community. No big secret or mystery so that I can get the building and ruin it. So be at ease. My intentions are pure. Just protecting my interests as well as the interests of the community and the theater itself……
The theater WILL BE USED AS A THEATER if we can AQUIRE IT…..
AL
Lost, I would not be against further multiplexing of the Ridgewood, if it remained a theater. I don’t think they could further multiplex the actual auditoriums up further, however, perhaps they could somehow add another screen or two in the former stage area (after all, that’s not needed anyway since obviously stage shows aren’t using the thetaer). In addition, perhaps the second floor (where the poolhall or dancehall once was or whatever that was) could be used too. Or further still, the third floor perhaps.
But anyway, the individual auditoriums could be renovated (and probably need it by this point), working with the original features that exist). I don’t see the theater being profitable as a one screen theater again, so I don’t ever see that happening again, but of course, I’m not an expert.
Ironically, Bway, 80th and Cooper was the midpoint of many of my walks between Forest Hills theaters and my Ridgewood home.
Still, there were exceptions, like the Sunday night in December 1985 when I saw TWO movies in a row at the Ridgewood : “Rocky IV” and “Enemy Mine” !
Bway, I know what you mean. When I was single and lived in Ridgewood, I started going to the Elmwood, Trylon, and all the theaters near Queens Blvd. and Continental Avenue, because I wanted to stretch my legs with a good four-mile walk, get out of Ridgewood and see something different. But those who live in Ridgewood and are not so energetic and only want to see a movie may still go to the Ridgewood Theater instead.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the Ridgewood, if and when that Atlas Multiplex Cinema opens.
By chance if we can get hold of some original older pics of the interior that would be excellent. If we are actually able to aquire the theater for our project, I would like get as close as possible to the old fashioned feel of it!
AL
Having the interior landmarked would assure that the interior remains intact, & minimizes the concept of a chain store being the new owner. It would be seen more viable as a theater. I haven’t seen too many intact interiors with chain stores being the tenant. The Meserole is a unique case, although I’m not completely content with it. With that being said, the LPC needs to be pressured as much as possible!!!
Thank you for re-posting KenRoe’s photos, Bway. Since I don’t live near the Ridgewood Theatre, can someone who lives nearby, please post several views of the interior? Shots of the drywall would come in handy as well, showing how it meets the historical features which are visible outright. Thanks!
NativeForHiller…I agree. The interior needs to be landmarked as well as the exterior. the interior of buildings are more at risk than the exterior. For example, the exterior of the Madison theater is completely intact, but take a look inside…nothing left. Thake other theaters like the Oriental, and so many others. Exteriors fine, but what good is that if the interior is destroyed.
And don’t think for a minute that even if the Ridgewood get’s it’s interior landmarked that that will still mean it will be a theater. Take the Meserole Theater in Greenpoint. Exterior intact, interior intact (and visable), Eckert sign on the marquee. Walk around the auditorium to buy your drug store needs, pay the cashier in the old lobby. It’s the best of any alternative that could have been done to the Meserole, it’s completely intact….but it’s not a theater anymore…..
Another Cinema Treasures member, Jim Rankin, recommended Conrad Schmitt Studios who has worked on restoring numerous historic theaters. Their website is www.conradschmitt.com Their work is breathtaking! We should start making some considerations as early as possible, & continue to back up the plans with community officials. We’re doing great so far! :–)
Peter, here’s the photos Ken posted of the interior to rehash. It’s only the lobby, we need more interior photos, both current and historical:
http://flickr.com/photos/53257210@N00/115980840/
http://flickr.com/photos/53257210@N00/115981091/
http://flickr.com/photos/53257210@N00/116481293/
Peter, I don’t agree that the Atlas won’t affect the Ridgewood. I lived withing two or three blocks of the Ridgewood, and I started going to the Forest Hills Theaters when I was old enoughh to “leave the neighborhood on my own”. And Glendale is a lot easier to get to than Forest Hills and beyond.
The point you made is very true concerning the possibility of the Ridgewood Theatre becoming a “CVS with a nice landmarked entrance.” Landmarking an exterior is great, but it’s the interior of the theater that puts the icing on the cake & makes it complete. Wherever applicable, the interior should be restored. The staff of the Landmarks Preservation Commission should smarten up, & the interior should be landmarked too. In general, I’m sick & tired of hearing their blunt, vague statements, i.e. “It doesn’t meet the commission’s criteria,” with no further explanation. Getting through to the LPC is like pulling teeth! There is MUCH hope for the interior!!!
Good point, Bway, about the interior of the Madison vs. the interior of the Ridgewood, namely, that the Madison burned, and was gutted.
As for posting images of the Ridgewood’s interior, how about starting with the fine photos that Ken Roe of the UK has taken, a link to which is, I think, somewhere on this page ?
ALthe Filmguy, I don’t think the proposed Atlas Terminals Multiplex at 80th and Cooper in Glendale stands to put the Ridgewood out of business, because so many people are within walking distance of the Ridgewood. If the Ridgewood was in a reasonably safe and decent condition, and was showing current films of popular interest and appeal, why would anyone within walking distance of the Ridgewood Theater go to 80th and Cooper in Glendale instead, to see a movie ?
Warren, in the case of the Liberty Dept Store, while their sign covers over the Gothic windows, etc, all the ornamentation remains behind the sign (the sign is overlayed, and pushed out from the building, to allow for the old concrete ornamentation around the windows, which are now covered by the Liberty sign.
As for the interior of the Madison, it is completely gutted inside. Nothing remains of the old Madison. The beautiful white marble lobby staircase, with it’s ornate railing still remains in the store, however, has been completely stripped, and has rubber linoleum on it, and a “hospital” style railing. The lobby has been stripped, and it’s now one big store. You can still see the curve of the old huge balcony, but of course there is a fake ceiling in the building. It is safe to say that less of the Madison remains than the Ridgewood, regarless of the Ridgewood being mulitplexed. Sure, the Ridgewood has fake walls all through it, but all the outer walls and ceiling, lobby, and everything is intact, and has been painted and somewhat maintained over the years. The Madison burned and was gutted, and just about nothing remains of all the ornamentation. Next time in Ridgewood, you should really take a visit into the Liberty Dept Store, AKA Madison Theater, you’ll see what I mean. It really is an interesting walk through the store….
The problem is that is is NOT just the outside of the theater that needs to be saved. While that is great, the INSIDE needs to be saved too. From what I remember, while of course there are fake walls all though the theater, original architecture remains, such as the ceiling (of course with fake walls breaking it up), and the outisde walls are there). The lobby survives, and I am sure other aspects survive. It’s not just the outside that needs to be perserved (while that is great, just look at the Madison Theater), it’s outside is perserved too, but just see what good that does when you enter the “Liberty Department Store”.
The following links contain lots of helpful advice for owners/non-profits who hope to restore their theaters (e.g. grants, tax credit, technical assistance, etc).
The NY State Historic Preservation Office: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo/
Preservation League of NY State: www.preservenys.org/funding.htm
NY Landmarks Conservancy: www.nylandmarks.org/
Nat'l Reg of Historic Places: www.cr.nps.gov/nr/
We all know as a fact that the exterior of the Ridgewood Theatre is primarily intact. The interior might have many original architectural elements concealed beneath sheetrock or paneling.
Take the Elmwood Theatre for example. The interior was altered beyond recognition, & now the occupant (Rock Community Church) hired some of the top architects & contractors to restore this 1928 gem: /theaters/1942/ The link contains contact info for the Rock Community Church, if anyone wishes to speak with them for tips. They’re restoring the multiplexed auditorium to one auditorium & revealing the ‘28 medieval castle-like decor. That definitely sheds some light!!!
Can someone please post various shots of the interior of the Ridgewood Theatre? Thanks! – Michael
That new multiplex is what stands to put the ridgewood out of business. Weather or not the brothers upgraded or whatever. That is why we introduced our idea. One way or the other this theater needs to be saved! The most that will be statused 100% is the exterior. It cannot be torn down or altered. Inside there is not MUCH to the original architecture so not sure how it will work. But God help us all if a damn CVS opens or a rite aide or something. I’m gonna scream!!!!!
AL
Yes, RobertR, as I have commented previously, I think the Ridgewood is the only cinema within a four or five mile radius of itself.
I’m just wondering about how landmark status works? There is not too much left that has not been severly altered so I’m just curious how this process works? This is really great news, the Diaz brothers have not put a dime into the place since they multi-plexed it. They barely make repairs or clean the place. The only reason the Ridgewood and Jackson survived is because there was no other theatres nearby. I think the Ridgewood can survive, it just needs to be upgraded. There are no theatres in Brooklyn hardly and I am sure they draw from that area a lot.
Hey!!
no no it’s not the BUYER trying to get it established as a landmark. It’s the community leaders. I had a meeting yesterday and they are going to help get this project started. They are into it. They are gonna get someone to look into the theater to be declared a possible landmark. but on the HUSH, They are going to try to get a commitment for the sale from the owner and I just need to push through my paperwork for not for profit then get a 501 © (3)
The 501 © is what I need help filing for. And it’s a matter of getting the funding together to make it all happen. When it comes down to it, it will be good to know the community RESIDENTS are backing the project, as well. Aside from my team, I can use all the help I can get. So feel free to e-mail me outside of the site.
AL
Hi ALtheFilmguy. Don’t be surprised that Gary and Ted mentioned something about plans for the theater. I mentioned what was said by them in my 4-16-06 post, and they said nothing really. Any information about any plans has come from you!
No one on this site would ever do anything to deny the Ridgewood Theatre a future.
The Ridgewood community has a long, wonderful history, and people involved in the community are really committed to its prosperity and well-being.
People on this site have a special interest in the Ridgewood Theatre. My concern is that landmark status be considered for this theater, so that it might be preserved always as a theater. You state that the prospective buyer plans on “making some calls to get the Ridgewood evaluated for landmark status.” Make sure your calls include the Ridgewood Historical Society and the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation. The people involved in these organizations have the expertise and the experience to connect you to the path you need to take to get the Landmarking status achieved.
Good luck. Everyone wants to see the Ridgewood Theatre thrive!
My pleasure!!! Thanks! – Michael