Patsy, if you go to the local history section of the library, or look up back issues of the newspaper, you may be able to find photos. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to submit the photo because the “add a photo” feature has been offling for months, with no signs of returning.
I hate to sound like Pollyanna you guys, and I know that all the objections brought up are reasonable ones. I’m not concerned about getting dirty, I even enjoy it if I have something to show for it. I’m familiar with the need for politicians to aggrandize themselves at the expense of the public which they “serve”, and also their complete willingness to stab anyone in the back. I know the Jersey had a huge advantage in two ways: 1)no hole in the roof 2)near a major transportation hub. But let’s not compare to the Jersey. Let’s take the Kings for what it is, a wreck, but still a salvageable one (though perhaps not much longer). The city may be willing to sell to a non-profit because, even if it’s not on the tax rolls, it would eventually become an asset to the neighborhood. A quick aside to Bob Furmanek and CConolly….would you two be interested in corresponding via email? You sound like an interesting couple of people to know.
Well, let me say I admire you Jim Rankin, and I consider you a friend I haven’t yet met, (by the way, thank you for the lengthy email. I will answer you, but I don’t have a computer of my own, so as soon as I can spend the time at the neighbor’s, I’ll send you a reply worthy of the message you sent me) but you also said it wasn’t possible for the Paradise to reopen, or at least that it would be extremely unlikely, to the point of not happening, yet, at last report, it is happening. So, we’re all aware of how difficult it will be, thanks. Now, let’s get some constructive suggestions going. I’m single, and my career is such that I can pretty much move where I want, so my offer to move to Brooklyn (if it comes to that ) is a serious one.
As another comment, let’s remember how the Friends of the Loew’s accomplished so much. They couldn’t afford the contractor’s estimate to get the stage and orchestra lifts working again, so they did it themselves. It was the same with the restoration of the marquee, and even the restoration of the organ. The thing to do is not concern ourselves with naysayers, but look to people who have accomplished something and emulate them. If we fail, it shouldn’t be for lack of trying. I realize that the Kings is in worse shape than the Jersey ever was, but that doesn’t make it impossible. So, if someone out there is organizing, please contact me.
I went to the movies here a couple of times when I lived in New Orleans. I remember that the interior (though triplexed) was intact enough to be impressive. The entrance foyer was thoroughly redone in a tacky 60’s re-do. The main lobby was mostly original. It had new light fixtures, and an even coating of beige paint, but you could make out what it should have looked like. Fortunately the movie I saw was playing in the theatre that had been formed from the balcony, so I had a great view of the proscenium, organ grills, and the dome overhead. There was also a small gallery (closed, at that time( at the top of the auditorium, which was a holdover from segregation days.
I honestly don’t know if you’re right or wrong Warren, but you did say almost the same thing about the Paradise too. Anyway, can someone out there tell me how to join this committee that has been mentioned previously?
First of all, is there actually a committee dedicated to saving this place? If there is, how do I join? I already shared some memories of this place, and of Dorothy Panzica (God bless her) the wonderful manager of this theatre (back in the 70’s) who caught me prowling around the building as a teenager and wound up giving me a grand tour, backstage and all. I’m not from Brooklyn, and live no where near it, but I’m willing to do what I can to help. I remember while I was working in Florida for a few weeks in 1999, an elderly woman walked into the clinic. While conversing with her, she mentioned she was from Brooklyn. I asked her if she was ever in the Loew’s Kings. She not only had been there, but her mother took her to the opening day performance! She still had the program from the theatre’s first day of operation, and brought it into the clinic to show me! Well, somebody contact me through this site and let me know what, if anything I can do to help save Loew’s Kings.
Thank you Jim and Warren. Somehow I knew that one or both of you would fill me in. I figured that it was meant for exiting patrons, but wasn’t sure. As you said Jim, most exit passages, and almost all the ones I’ve seen, are placed beneath mezzanine level promenades, and separated from incoming crowds by gates or velvet ropes. Thank you Warren for your personal memories of the place.
In anwer to Bway’s question about organs. I don’t know about the Valencia’s, but I believe that the 175th St. still has its organ in place.
I have a question about the Valencia’s lobby. What is the large ornate barricade type wall that encloses about one third of the lobby floor on the right hand side? You see it in every photograph, and I’m not sure what it’s for. Some sort of traffic control maybe? If anyone knows, please tell me. I’ll look here for the answer.
As “Warren”, and “Jim Rankin” mentioned last May 24th, the Paramount originally had a promenade around the dome in the auditorium. I remember my great aunt in New Jersey telling me about the beautiful theatres in Manhattan, and how she would catch a show at the Roxy or the Paramount after a day of shopping. She especially remarked on the beauty of the Paramount, and told me that there was a room above the auditorium where you could look down into the theatre. Years later, long after me dear aunt’s death, I read about this promenade and thought of my aunt and her memories of this place. I sure miss her, and I wish I’d had the sense to press her for more details.
I lived in the neighborhood of this theatre for about 2 years. First of all, I loved living in Buffalo (no kidding)! I would move back in a heartbeat. I especially enjoyed the Hertel Avenue area because (back in the 90’s anyway) it seemed like the perfect city neighborhood. Not too rich, not too poor, great old houses, pharmacy’s, bars, grocery stores and anything else you might want, all in walking distance from my front door. One of the highlights was the North Park Theatre. A great old theatre showing movies worth seeing, and I could stroll home or to a restaurant after the flick! As an added plus, my Canadian friends could not get over how friendly Buffalonians are, so you Go Buffalo! As far as I’m concerned, YOU ROCK!
If anyone’s interested, there is a print of “Memoirs of a Movie Palace”, a pictorial history, on film, of the Loew’s Kings, currently up on ebay. It is auction number 6338606957.
I visited this theatre on November 6 to see the screening of “Gone With the Wind”, and was, frankly, disappointed at the more than usually insensitive renovation. The architects responsible have managed to renovate about 90% of the original romance out of the Lensic. The lobby is fairly original, but of course the lighting levels are (as usual)too high. The atmospheric auditorium has had all vestiges of tile roofs and plants removed, and the atmospheric dome has been replaced by a flat ceiling from which are suspended various light bridges, catwalks, and ducts. I realize that architects usually have to bend to their client’s wishes, but couldn’t some sensitive and well informed architect instruct the client on better ways to increase lighting levels than sticking light bridges up where they are so ugly and obtrusive? The good news is that the Lensic is standing, and maybe someday, someone who appreciated buildings like this can perform a renovation which will return the glamour and romance that have been lost.
I’m grateful for all the ones left standing too, including the Alabama. I just think it’s odd that it’s described as “classic southern style” (see my comment from 9/14), and that people think there’s none more spectacular. The Alabama is, after all, an average movie theatre for a mid-size city in the 1920’s. So, don’t get me wrong. The Alabama is a great theatre, but no greater than its peers, and not as great as some others.
I don’t like to burst anyone’s bubble, and the Alabama IS a gorgeous and spectacular theatre, but there are, in fact, plenty that are more spectacular. The Loew’s in Syracuse and Columbus, the Paradise in the Bronx, the Fox in Detroit and St. Louis, the Uptown and Oriental in Chicago. Just to name a few.
I agree that Gordon and Kaelber (a firm that designed many buildings in Rochester at this period in time) are the architects. If you look up the “American Architect and Architectural Review” for it’s 1922 article about the Eastman they give G&K as the architects. This listing needs to be changed to reflect that fact. It’s interesting to note that the “R.E. Hall” came from that fount of disinformation, David Naylor’s book. I have remarked in a few places on this site where Mr. Naylor has been completely off base. I am personally aquainted with the man that put this listing up, and I know he did not credit R.E. Hall. Who does this, and how do we get them to correct it?
I have driven past this theatre many times (having grown up in Union Hill), and couldn’t believe such a gem of a theatre existed so close to home. I remember the old fashioned, pre-neon, marquee, and the art deco fixtures on the interior (probably from some slight modernization done in the early 30’s). I couldn’t believe my eyes when I went home for a visit back in the 80’s and saw nothing at this site but a gaping vacant lot. What a disappointment.
I realize that this is only my opinion, and there may be plenty who disagree with me. BUT, in my opinion (with no disrepect meant to the Jersey, the Kings, the various Fox theatres, and all those other magnificent theatres out there that we love)Loew’s Paradise is, architecturally speaking, the best movie palace remaining in the United States. I can’t wait until my summer vacation so I can see it, restored, in person.
The architects at the theatre’s web site are identified as the Boller Brothers, and not Craig Hoopes and Associates. Regarding Nick Seibel’s comment re: Santa Fe, he’s right. I’m a recent transplant to New Mexico and went to Santa Fe as a tourist. The locals all warned me what a superficial place it was and MAN, ARE THEY RIGHT!! It’s rare to come across a place so full of itself, and yet so shallow!
I agree with you Jim. Given the (apparently) wonderful job done in other parts of the theatre, I’m not going to fault the man for putting the concession stand where it is. I’m overjoyed that someone has taken the Paradise under their wing. I would be even more overjoyed if the concession stand had been put into one of the vacant storefronts with a new entranced formed from inside the theatre (other theatre renovations have done similar things). As it is, I’m glad the future of the Paradise is looking good, and (as I said) I’m sure not going to quibble over the location of a snack food stand.
Patsy, if you go to the local history section of the library, or look up back issues of the newspaper, you may be able to find photos. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to submit the photo because the “add a photo” feature has been offling for months, with no signs of returning.
I remember seeing the statue when driving through Westfield. What a beautiful little town! I was on my way to Chatauqua from Buffalo.
Bob F. I would love to email you. I do we exchange email addresses without giving them out to the entire CT site?
I hate to sound like Pollyanna you guys, and I know that all the objections brought up are reasonable ones. I’m not concerned about getting dirty, I even enjoy it if I have something to show for it. I’m familiar with the need for politicians to aggrandize themselves at the expense of the public which they “serve”, and also their complete willingness to stab anyone in the back. I know the Jersey had a huge advantage in two ways: 1)no hole in the roof 2)near a major transportation hub. But let’s not compare to the Jersey. Let’s take the Kings for what it is, a wreck, but still a salvageable one (though perhaps not much longer). The city may be willing to sell to a non-profit because, even if it’s not on the tax rolls, it would eventually become an asset to the neighborhood. A quick aside to Bob Furmanek and CConolly….would you two be interested in corresponding via email? You sound like an interesting couple of people to know.
Well, let me say I admire you Jim Rankin, and I consider you a friend I haven’t yet met, (by the way, thank you for the lengthy email. I will answer you, but I don’t have a computer of my own, so as soon as I can spend the time at the neighbor’s, I’ll send you a reply worthy of the message you sent me) but you also said it wasn’t possible for the Paradise to reopen, or at least that it would be extremely unlikely, to the point of not happening, yet, at last report, it is happening. So, we’re all aware of how difficult it will be, thanks. Now, let’s get some constructive suggestions going. I’m single, and my career is such that I can pretty much move where I want, so my offer to move to Brooklyn (if it comes to that ) is a serious one.
I’ll even consider moving to Brooklyn if necessary
As another comment, let’s remember how the Friends of the Loew’s accomplished so much. They couldn’t afford the contractor’s estimate to get the stage and orchestra lifts working again, so they did it themselves. It was the same with the restoration of the marquee, and even the restoration of the organ. The thing to do is not concern ourselves with naysayers, but look to people who have accomplished something and emulate them. If we fail, it shouldn’t be for lack of trying. I realize that the Kings is in worse shape than the Jersey ever was, but that doesn’t make it impossible. So, if someone out there is organizing, please contact me.
I went to the movies here a couple of times when I lived in New Orleans. I remember that the interior (though triplexed) was intact enough to be impressive. The entrance foyer was thoroughly redone in a tacky 60’s re-do. The main lobby was mostly original. It had new light fixtures, and an even coating of beige paint, but you could make out what it should have looked like. Fortunately the movie I saw was playing in the theatre that had been formed from the balcony, so I had a great view of the proscenium, organ grills, and the dome overhead. There was also a small gallery (closed, at that time( at the top of the auditorium, which was a holdover from segregation days.
I honestly don’t know if you’re right or wrong Warren, but you did say almost the same thing about the Paradise too. Anyway, can someone out there tell me how to join this committee that has been mentioned previously?
First of all, is there actually a committee dedicated to saving this place? If there is, how do I join? I already shared some memories of this place, and of Dorothy Panzica (God bless her) the wonderful manager of this theatre (back in the 70’s) who caught me prowling around the building as a teenager and wound up giving me a grand tour, backstage and all. I’m not from Brooklyn, and live no where near it, but I’m willing to do what I can to help. I remember while I was working in Florida for a few weeks in 1999, an elderly woman walked into the clinic. While conversing with her, she mentioned she was from Brooklyn. I asked her if she was ever in the Loew’s Kings. She not only had been there, but her mother took her to the opening day performance! She still had the program from the theatre’s first day of operation, and brought it into the clinic to show me! Well, somebody contact me through this site and let me know what, if anything I can do to help save Loew’s Kings.
So Warren, was this your own personal theatre?
Thank you Jim and Warren. Somehow I knew that one or both of you would fill me in. I figured that it was meant for exiting patrons, but wasn’t sure. As you said Jim, most exit passages, and almost all the ones I’ve seen, are placed beneath mezzanine level promenades, and separated from incoming crowds by gates or velvet ropes. Thank you Warren for your personal memories of the place.
In anwer to Bway’s question about organs. I don’t know about the Valencia’s, but I believe that the 175th St. still has its organ in place.
I have a question about the Valencia’s lobby. What is the large ornate barricade type wall that encloses about one third of the lobby floor on the right hand side? You see it in every photograph, and I’m not sure what it’s for. Some sort of traffic control maybe? If anyone knows, please tell me. I’ll look here for the answer.
As “Warren”, and “Jim Rankin” mentioned last May 24th, the Paramount originally had a promenade around the dome in the auditorium. I remember my great aunt in New Jersey telling me about the beautiful theatres in Manhattan, and how she would catch a show at the Roxy or the Paramount after a day of shopping. She especially remarked on the beauty of the Paramount, and told me that there was a room above the auditorium where you could look down into the theatre. Years later, long after me dear aunt’s death, I read about this promenade and thought of my aunt and her memories of this place. I sure miss her, and I wish I’d had the sense to press her for more details.
I lived in the neighborhood of this theatre for about 2 years. First of all, I loved living in Buffalo (no kidding)! I would move back in a heartbeat. I especially enjoyed the Hertel Avenue area because (back in the 90’s anyway) it seemed like the perfect city neighborhood. Not too rich, not too poor, great old houses, pharmacy’s, bars, grocery stores and anything else you might want, all in walking distance from my front door. One of the highlights was the North Park Theatre. A great old theatre showing movies worth seeing, and I could stroll home or to a restaurant after the flick! As an added plus, my Canadian friends could not get over how friendly Buffalonians are, so you Go Buffalo! As far as I’m concerned, YOU ROCK!
If anyone’s interested, there is a print of “Memoirs of a Movie Palace”, a pictorial history, on film, of the Loew’s Kings, currently up on ebay. It is auction number 6338606957.
I visited this theatre on November 6 to see the screening of “Gone With the Wind”, and was, frankly, disappointed at the more than usually insensitive renovation. The architects responsible have managed to renovate about 90% of the original romance out of the Lensic. The lobby is fairly original, but of course the lighting levels are (as usual)too high. The atmospheric auditorium has had all vestiges of tile roofs and plants removed, and the atmospheric dome has been replaced by a flat ceiling from which are suspended various light bridges, catwalks, and ducts. I realize that architects usually have to bend to their client’s wishes, but couldn’t some sensitive and well informed architect instruct the client on better ways to increase lighting levels than sticking light bridges up where they are so ugly and obtrusive? The good news is that the Lensic is standing, and maybe someday, someone who appreciated buildings like this can perform a renovation which will return the glamour and romance that have been lost.
I’m grateful for all the ones left standing too, including the Alabama. I just think it’s odd that it’s described as “classic southern style” (see my comment from 9/14), and that people think there’s none more spectacular. The Alabama is, after all, an average movie theatre for a mid-size city in the 1920’s. So, don’t get me wrong. The Alabama is a great theatre, but no greater than its peers, and not as great as some others.
I don’t like to burst anyone’s bubble, and the Alabama IS a gorgeous and spectacular theatre, but there are, in fact, plenty that are more spectacular. The Loew’s in Syracuse and Columbus, the Paradise in the Bronx, the Fox in Detroit and St. Louis, the Uptown and Oriental in Chicago. Just to name a few.
I’m an out of towner, but I want to see this theatre preserved! Is there anything I can do to help?
I agree that Gordon and Kaelber (a firm that designed many buildings in Rochester at this period in time) are the architects. If you look up the “American Architect and Architectural Review” for it’s 1922 article about the Eastman they give G&K as the architects. This listing needs to be changed to reflect that fact. It’s interesting to note that the “R.E. Hall” came from that fount of disinformation, David Naylor’s book. I have remarked in a few places on this site where Mr. Naylor has been completely off base. I am personally aquainted with the man that put this listing up, and I know he did not credit R.E. Hall. Who does this, and how do we get them to correct it?
I have driven past this theatre many times (having grown up in Union Hill), and couldn’t believe such a gem of a theatre existed so close to home. I remember the old fashioned, pre-neon, marquee, and the art deco fixtures on the interior (probably from some slight modernization done in the early 30’s). I couldn’t believe my eyes when I went home for a visit back in the 80’s and saw nothing at this site but a gaping vacant lot. What a disappointment.
I realize that this is only my opinion, and there may be plenty who disagree with me. BUT, in my opinion (with no disrepect meant to the Jersey, the Kings, the various Fox theatres, and all those other magnificent theatres out there that we love)Loew’s Paradise is, architecturally speaking, the best movie palace remaining in the United States. I can’t wait until my summer vacation so I can see it, restored, in person.
The architects at the theatre’s web site are identified as the Boller Brothers, and not Craig Hoopes and Associates. Regarding Nick Seibel’s comment re: Santa Fe, he’s right. I’m a recent transplant to New Mexico and went to Santa Fe as a tourist. The locals all warned me what a superficial place it was and MAN, ARE THEY RIGHT!! It’s rare to come across a place so full of itself, and yet so shallow!
I agree with you Jim. Given the (apparently) wonderful job done in other parts of the theatre, I’m not going to fault the man for putting the concession stand where it is. I’m overjoyed that someone has taken the Paradise under their wing. I would be even more overjoyed if the concession stand had been put into one of the vacant storefronts with a new entranced formed from inside the theatre (other theatre renovations have done similar things). As it is, I’m glad the future of the Paradise is looking good, and (as I said) I’m sure not going to quibble over the location of a snack food stand.