Although the bulk of the shopping center was torn down, particularly the area which housed Sachs 34th Street (laterly Gimbels) I believe that the portion which housed the Bar Harbor, the left most side at Merrick Road was just renovated. The line of the building which subsequently housed an eatery looks exactly the same as it did previously.
While at a convention a number of years ago a cocktail party, with dancing, was scheduled in the spaceous lobby. We were also treated to a concert on the magnificent organ.
Church still hasn’t opened. According to the church site they were planning on having 2,500 seats in the new building; that means they’re including the huge balcony. Yet they removed the fire escapes from the exterior. Different requirements for churches. Faith?
Now that’s impressive. Unfortunately, most movie goers never really saw the auditorium. In the day all the Century theatres had continuous performances from 1 PM. The lights never were up. I was in the Queens twice, once up, once down and the only thing that really registered was the enormity of the balcony, which must have seated as many, or more, than the orchestra.
Deliberately made a point of driving by. Same derelict building surrounded by a chain link fence. Even the banner proclaiming “Blight to light” is looking blighted.
Yeh, we know there’s a new roof, the interior was gutted and now they’re going to change the facade. And what do you suppose they’ll name this, literally, new space?
Thanks for putting this up wgmewes. I could swear it was there previously and disappeared. The folks at CT said not so. Many years ago on a visit to Toronto I saw For the Boys on the opening day.
Inasmuch as the theatre address is Jamaica the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill reference seems to have come from nowhere. It’s not as tho' “Jamaica” doesn’t appear.
Sometimes the label seemed inappropriate. I remember reading a posting about one theatre that was known as “The Itch” in less than six months of it’s opening.
And, remember, it was triplexed at some point. Who knows what the interior looks like. There is also a question as to whether it was ever airconditioned. There is no real parking lot at the theatre but quite a lot on Main Street and the side streets. There is also the parking lot at the Old Town Hall, across the street which is often available in the evening.
I was speaking to a representative of the Historical Society. The problem with reinventing the Islip is a sewage problem under the building, of unknown origin. Among the negatives we have the smell. Also, the cost of remediation is purported to be in the millions which is in excess of the value of the property. The likihood of bucks being available to do the remediation and get the theatre up to snuff is unlikely. There have been a lot of people in the community ready to volunteer for or at the theatre but no dollars.
Scruffy, you mention the Market Square Rainbow Cinemas above. It’s not on CT. Maybe you could add it. On one of my trips to Toronto I was actually in it.
Although the bulk of the shopping center was torn down, particularly the area which housed Sachs 34th Street (laterly Gimbels) I believe that the portion which housed the Bar Harbor, the left most side at Merrick Road was just renovated. The line of the building which subsequently housed an eatery looks exactly the same as it did previously.
Moviegoer click on about in the heading and follow the prompts to notify the folks at CT about an update.
Well I put the correct address in but the Google map hasn’t been updated. Is that something that takes time?
The theatre was an auto parts store for awhile. Now it’s Famous Footwear.
While at a convention a number of years ago a cocktail party, with dancing, was scheduled in the spaceous lobby. We were also treated to a concert on the magnificent organ.
Church still hasn’t opened. According to the church site they were planning on having 2,500 seats in the new building; that means they’re including the huge balcony. Yet they removed the fire escapes from the exterior. Different requirements for churches. Faith?
Wow, the opening description of the theatre just blew me away.
Wonder if the organ was still around when it was converted to a skating rink. That would have been cool to have the heritage as part of the modern.
Just look on CT for a new Albemarle interior photo
It certainly won’t look the same but it still could be really good. Check out the Albemarle in Brooklyn after it’s modification.
So they had a Wurlitzer. What I find odd about the drug store is that they left the set back at the entrance. They’re losing a lot of retail space.
wonder what it will look like after the church finishes their modifications.
Now that’s impressive. Unfortunately, most movie goers never really saw the auditorium. In the day all the Century theatres had continuous performances from 1 PM. The lights never were up. I was in the Queens twice, once up, once down and the only thing that really registered was the enormity of the balcony, which must have seated as many, or more, than the orchestra.
They’re still in the demolition phase so the October date which was originally given is unlikely.
Deliberately made a point of driving by. Same derelict building surrounded by a chain link fence. Even the banner proclaiming “Blight to light” is looking blighted.
Yeh, we know there’s a new roof, the interior was gutted and now they’re going to change the facade. And what do you suppose they’ll name this, literally, new space?
How odd they should name it 5,6,7 and 8 when there was no existing theatre in operation and, even when it was, it was a single screen.
Thanks for putting this up wgmewes. I could swear it was there previously and disappeared. The folks at CT said not so. Many years ago on a visit to Toronto I saw For the Boys on the opening day.
Maybe you should contact the folks at CT and ask them. I have had a lively exchange with them on a number of issues over the past several days.
Inasmuch as the theatre address is Jamaica the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill reference seems to have come from nowhere. It’s not as tho' “Jamaica” doesn’t appear.
Sometimes the label seemed inappropriate. I remember reading a posting about one theatre that was known as “The Itch” in less than six months of it’s opening.
And, remember, it was triplexed at some point. Who knows what the interior looks like. There is also a question as to whether it was ever airconditioned. There is no real parking lot at the theatre but quite a lot on Main Street and the side streets. There is also the parking lot at the Old Town Hall, across the street which is often available in the evening.
I was speaking to a representative of the Historical Society. The problem with reinventing the Islip is a sewage problem under the building, of unknown origin. Among the negatives we have the smell. Also, the cost of remediation is purported to be in the millions which is in excess of the value of the property. The likihood of bucks being available to do the remediation and get the theatre up to snuff is unlikely. There have been a lot of people in the community ready to volunteer for or at the theatre but no dollars.
Yes, I thought there was an entry for it. I’ll contact the folks at CT and see if they can find it. If one was lost ……
Scruffy, you mention the Market Square Rainbow Cinemas above. It’s not on CT. Maybe you could add it. On one of my trips to Toronto I was actually in it.