Does anyone have any photos of the Bellerose before it was altered? I can remember the marque with the blue neon block “BELLEROSE” on the sides. I think at some point a neon band went along the top and down the sides of the marque also. I remember the day a dump truck pulled under the marque and demolition workers with sledge hammers laid waste to it allowing the pieces to fall off into their truck. (A neon transformer had dangled dangerously from a wire over the sidewalk for weeks before the marque was finally taken down.) Directions given to motorists looking for the Cross Island Parkway or Braddock Ave. would never quite be the same.
I stopped in this theater two nights ago while working in the neighborhood. (FDNY EMS Paramedic Lietenant) The security person let me tour the building unescorted once I convinced him I wasn’t doing a fire inspection and was only there to admire the architecture. A flea market was operating in the lobby with the beautiful terrazo floors still intact. I was confused when I entered the main seating area because the ceiling appeared very low. This area had been leveled off with a platform floor for the bingo parlour operation. Nervous old biddies fearing I was there to enforce fire code snuffed out their cigarettes as I passed. Once in the main area of the bingo parlour and out from under the balcony I could appreciate the true majesty of this theater. I used my flashlight to guide my way up to the balcony. From the balcony this is truly an incredible theater, even with seats missing, carpeting worn through to the concrete, and layers of dust on its chandeliers. If I had my digital camera I would have taken some images. It reminds me of the Queens Theater in Queens Village wich is also well preserved as a Gospel Church.
The karate supply store either hasn’t opened or is strictly a wholesale operation. The owner recently completed a re-pointing project on the terra-cotta front and side of the building. The original terrazo lobby floor is now covered with hardwood planking. Some kind of brick warehouse has been built into the stage area of the building with an overhead door on 246 St. The concession stand in the Bellerose was small, located unter the staircase that led to the projection room (1st landing) and finally to the upstairs lounge/restrooms (no balcony unlike the neighboring Queens & Floral theaters) A water fountain next to the concession stand had an interesting aquatic-deco theme over it (vitrolite?) While the the theater walls had canvas' of painted wildlife scenes (mostly deer I believe) The last movie to play there that I recall was the original “Back to the Future” at $1.50 .
e-bay listing info from 01/23/03: Historic Penn Theatre in Butler Pennsylvania. Sale includes building, land, and contents in as is condition. Includes two auditoriums with 650+ rocking chair seats and cupholders, Large stage area with spiral staircase to dressing rooms. Partial basement (25'x36')that could be converted. Large lobby with restrooms and concession stand. Balcony (45'x67') converted to second 150 seat screening room in 1960’s – includes offices,two restrooms, projection room, janitors closet and storage. Two income producing storefronts included. Theatre remodeled in 1997. All projection and concession equipment updated with platters, surround sound, subwoofers, led readers, Xenon lamphouses, ect. City Water and Sewer. 2002 Taxes $3619.00 Theatre available for viewing by calling Clint 386-736-6830
According to local news sources the real estate firm of “First Home Brokerage”, which has offices next to the Trylon,will demolish it shortly in a planned expansion.
The script neon marque signs now adorn the interior of the Greenport Long Island Theater’s auditorium: http://www.greenporttheater.com/
Greg,
Sorry to answer on this forum. My email address is “”.
Thanks,
Marty
Does anyone have any photos of the Bellerose before it was altered? I can remember the marque with the blue neon block “BELLEROSE” on the sides. I think at some point a neon band went along the top and down the sides of the marque also. I remember the day a dump truck pulled under the marque and demolition workers with sledge hammers laid waste to it allowing the pieces to fall off into their truck. (A neon transformer had dangled dangerously from a wire over the sidewalk for weeks before the marque was finally taken down.) Directions given to motorists looking for the Cross Island Parkway or Braddock Ave. would never quite be the same.
I stopped in this theater two nights ago while working in the neighborhood. (FDNY EMS Paramedic Lietenant) The security person let me tour the building unescorted once I convinced him I wasn’t doing a fire inspection and was only there to admire the architecture. A flea market was operating in the lobby with the beautiful terrazo floors still intact. I was confused when I entered the main seating area because the ceiling appeared very low. This area had been leveled off with a platform floor for the bingo parlour operation. Nervous old biddies fearing I was there to enforce fire code snuffed out their cigarettes as I passed. Once in the main area of the bingo parlour and out from under the balcony I could appreciate the true majesty of this theater. I used my flashlight to guide my way up to the balcony. From the balcony this is truly an incredible theater, even with seats missing, carpeting worn through to the concrete, and layers of dust on its chandeliers. If I had my digital camera I would have taken some images. It reminds me of the Queens Theater in Queens Village wich is also well preserved as a Gospel Church.
The karate supply store either hasn’t opened or is strictly a wholesale operation. The owner recently completed a re-pointing project on the terra-cotta front and side of the building. The original terrazo lobby floor is now covered with hardwood planking. Some kind of brick warehouse has been built into the stage area of the building with an overhead door on 246 St. The concession stand in the Bellerose was small, located unter the staircase that led to the projection room (1st landing) and finally to the upstairs lounge/restrooms (no balcony unlike the neighboring Queens & Floral theaters) A water fountain next to the concession stand had an interesting aquatic-deco theme over it (vitrolite?) While the the theater walls had canvas' of painted wildlife scenes (mostly deer I believe) The last movie to play there that I recall was the original “Back to the Future” at $1.50 .
As of 01/30/03 this theater and its adjoining stores have been gutted.. possibly to clear the way for more retail store space.
e-bay listing info from 01/23/03: Historic Penn Theatre in Butler Pennsylvania. Sale includes building, land, and contents in as is condition. Includes two auditoriums with 650+ rocking chair seats and cupholders, Large stage area with spiral staircase to dressing rooms. Partial basement (25'x36')that could be converted. Large lobby with restrooms and concession stand. Balcony (45'x67') converted to second 150 seat screening room in 1960’s – includes offices,two restrooms, projection room, janitors closet and storage. Two income producing storefronts included. Theatre remodeled in 1997. All projection and concession equipment updated with platters, surround sound, subwoofers, led readers, Xenon lamphouses, ect. City Water and Sewer. 2002 Taxes $3619.00 Theatre available for viewing by calling Clint 386-736-6830
According to local news sources the real estate firm of “First Home Brokerage”, which has offices next to the Trylon,will demolish it shortly in a planned expansion.