RKO Broad Theatre
950 S. Broad Street,
Trenton,
NJ
08611
950 S. Broad Street,
Trenton,
NJ
08611
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: RKO, Walter Reade Theatres
Functions: Gymnasium
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: S. Broad Street Theatre, Broad Street Theatre
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The RKO Broad Theatre was a neighborhood showplace located on South Broad Street in South Trenton. It had a small balcony which has since been enclosed and made into offices. The theatre opened in the early-1920’s and was the largest neighborhood theatre in the city.
It closed in 1960 and was purchased by the Catholic Youth Organization. Sophia Loren in “Heller in Pink Tights” was the last film to run here.
The auditorium was renovated into a gymnasium and the stage/screen area into locker rooms. Boxing and basketball are featured here.
The RKO Broad Theatre advertisement painted on the outside of the building remained until 2001. The marquee exists; however, CYO replaced RKO.
The building is completely intact.
Contributed by
frank richardson
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
The RKO Broad Theatre is located at 950 S. Broad Street.
Still listed as part of RKO in the 1961 Film Daily Yearbook.
This theatre was listed in the 1923 and 1925 Trenton City Directories as the S. Broad Street Theatre. By 1936 it was called the Broad Street Theatre.
By the way, the CYO opened on 6/13/1964. See the attached history link:
http://www.cyomercer.org/history_CYO.html
The attraction boards have been taken off the north side of the marquee. Don’t know if it’s for repair or what.
Times of Trenton story says they are restoring the marquee; a conscious decision was made to restore it rather than replace it to preserve the historical integrity of the building (what we like to hear). Story here.
The marquee restoration looks like it’s finished, complete with what appears to be red and blue neon piping (hard to be sure driving by in daylight). A very nice job.
For years on the north-facing part of the building, one could see the faded RKO BROAD ad painted onto the bricks. This was the city’s third largest movie house in seating capacity. The Lincoln and Capitol (seating capacity changed after several renovations) in downtown were larger. This theater had a small balcony which has been remodeled into offices.