Thanks for sharing! Have you heard that bit of information from the owner? What other original features are intact inside the theater and worth preserving? In many instances, suspended ceilings and drywall can be removed to reveal original grandeur, and that would make a huge difference in not only aesthetics and history, but a theater’s investment potential.
NewYorkDave, do you know where the Museum of Sound Recording is located? Please tell me who you were in touch with, and provide their e-mail and phone if you can.
Al of Alliewayfilms has a superb proposal for the theater, and I hope many of you will be getting involved since we’re considering to launch a fundraiser. He can be reached at , and I can be reached at Please do not hesitate to contact Al & keep in touch with him. He’s a great guy, who also has an appreciation for the community and various causes.
However, we must have many plans if we really want to save the Ridgewood Theatre. Perhaps both parties can partner up and share the building, if Al’s plan doesn’t materialize. We must think fast & be as clever as possible! Who’s on board? Hope to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
The “Retail space available” banner doesn’t necessarily mean the entire building is for sale, or will be sold, but we can’t outrule that option: http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2340129010/
Thank you, Smore! I look forward to the photos. If you can take wide-angles as well as close-ups of the facade, that would be great.
I advise as many people as possible to keep in touch with my friend, AL. He has great ideas, and if we really want to see the theater saved, we have to work with him in raising the funds (if Al & I mutually decide to coordinate any type of event or fundraiser). Remember, every little bit helps! Never abandon hope.
On second thought, I think the entire theater is for sale. Property Shark lists the square footage as: “Building SF 20,500; Other SF 20,500; Lot SF 17,746” (http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/nyc/Reports2/showsection.html?propkey=442446) and the title on Craigslist says “$45 / 17000ft² – Prime retail space for lease.” The square footage matches up. See my point?
Thank you very much for the link! I am remaining hopeful that the theater temporarily closed and the # is temporarily disconnected as the phone message states. Based upon the listing on Craigslist, do you feel it’s possible that the 2 upper floors are only available for lease as retail, to yield additional income?
The latest work permit was issued on 2/27/08 & expires on 1/1/09. It states “Installation of telecommunications equipment” (on roof):
You’re welcome! Several generations of my family came from Forest Hills. What were some of your favorite theaters in Middle Village? As a Forest Hills resident, do you go to the Main St Cinemas? I do occasionally, and wish it would be restored properly, as well as maintained. The occasional graffiti on the aluminum-siding facade is an eyesore!
The following is a Daily News article on the Cinemart from March 2006: View link I have been corresponding with the owner in regard to possible restoration plans for the interior (as a start), but nothing materialized due to the owner’s lack of time. In spring 2006, he added Bay Ridge’s Alpine Theater to his holdings, to prevent it from becoming a chain store. I am proud that the Cinemart has been in existence since the 1920s, since neighborhood theaters rank high amongst the “ultimate public institutions.”
I also take pride that the owner is passionate about keeping neighborhood theaters open, but some theatergoers (including myself) weren’t so enthusiastic that the facade’s bricks, brick patterns, and terra cotta which adorned the central window, were concealed with stucco in 2002-2003. That was prior to my involvement in preservation. If I knew, I would have tried to convince the owner to apply for funding to restore the facade in an historically appropriate context. I am still hoping he will have some time to work with me, and remove the generic ceiling panels that conceal the ornate coffered ceiling in the inner lobby, and repaint the coffered ceiling in the outer lobby in its original colors. Grants may be available through one of the NY Landmarks Conservancy’s funding programs, National Register of Historic Places if the State Historic Preservation Office deems the property eligible for placement, or through my own fundraiser. I understand his time constraints though.
Whenever I think of the Cinemart, the long summer walks to the theater with my mother, or both my parents, and a friend, come to mind. After the screening, we would treat ourselves to homemade ice cream in Eddie’s Sweet Shop around the corner, and its distinctive early 20th century ambiance would add to the spirit of an afternoon/evening well-spent!
Since 2006, I am founder & Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, which advocates for potential Individual Landmarks & Historic Districts in Rego Park and Forest Hills. Forest Hills only has 2 official landmarks since the Landmark Preservation Commission’s founding, and Rego Park has none. Both areas do have potential in terms of landmarking, fundraisers for restoration & adaptive reuse, etc. We occasionally expand our advocacy work beyond our immediate area. Our group operates on a voluntary basis & pure passion… no membership fees at this time.
I am primarily interested in greater architectural examples which could become endangered in years to come: Midway Theater, Forest Hills Theater (even though it’s a Duane Reade/Staples since ‘99 with a restored facade), Drake Theater in Rego Park (now a catering hall, but may be sold to developers), the distinctive Art Moderne facade of the '39 Trylon Theater (mosaic & terrazzo floor is sadly concealed since 2005, but can’t be let out of our scope), the Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights, Ridgewood Theater (the oldest extant theater in operation in Queens), the great Terra Cotta facade of the former Bellerose Theater (now a Karate studio minus its marquee), as well as some others.
Thank you very much for the update and the photo. I don’t think it’s necessary to file a complaint at this time. It sure is great having independent neighborhood theaters around! At some point, they really should remove all of the aluminum siding that’s obscuring the Art Moderne facade, but there are other theaters that could use our efforts as preservationists first.
This makes it a whole lot more convincing to see! It needs to be repaired ASAP, and those who see it first-hand need to call 311, on behalf of everyone’s safety. This is a crucial issue.
I am a preservationist and theater buff from the Big Apple, and I am happy that I came across this thread. I consider the removal of the 40s era marquee bittersweet as well. I take pride that the Greek-inspired stained glass has once again been revealed for all to appreciate, but why does the marquee have to be demolished? It can be donated “as is” to the American Sign Museum: http://www.signmuseum.com/
Can someone please convince the owner to donate it (in exchange for a tax write-off) and spare it from demolition?
You hit the nail on the head! Indeed, why can’t a typical condo open elsewhere?? Theaters are the ultimate public institutions, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Everyone should read the details of some of these comments: View link
It’s not too late to add your voice & sign the petition. Let’s hope that ill-advised goal of Liu & the CB for another glitzy tower in place of a restorable gem, never becomes a reality. It would be a huge smack in the face, and ultimately a crying shame for all generations!
Thanks for sharing! Have you heard that bit of information from the owner? What other original features are intact inside the theater and worth preserving? In many instances, suspended ceilings and drywall can be removed to reveal original grandeur, and that would make a huge difference in not only aesthetics and history, but a theater’s investment potential.
P.S. Does anyone have scans or links to the Times NewsWeekly articles on the Ridgewood Theatre over the course of the past year? I’d appreciate it.
NewYorkDave, do you know where the Museum of Sound Recording is located? Please tell me who you were in touch with, and provide their e-mail and phone if you can.
Al of Alliewayfilms has a superb proposal for the theater, and I hope many of you will be getting involved since we’re considering to launch a fundraiser. He can be reached at , and I can be reached at Please do not hesitate to contact Al & keep in touch with him. He’s a great guy, who also has an appreciation for the community and various causes.
However, we must have many plans if we really want to save the Ridgewood Theatre. Perhaps both parties can partner up and share the building, if Al’s plan doesn’t materialize. We must think fast & be as clever as possible! Who’s on board? Hope to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
The “Retail space available” banner doesn’t necessarily mean the entire building is for sale, or will be sold, but we can’t outrule that option: http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2340129010/
Not a good sign, but “temporarily disconnected” is better than disconnected.
That’s an interesting lead. Will they reopen some of the screens?
Thanks Warren! Do you have a direct way of reaching Curator Bob Taylor (preferrably via e-mail)?
I proudly grant credit to Smore () for the following photos:
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2340129010/
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2340129164/
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2339296489/
http://flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/2340129478/
What a sad moment in our history!
Any updates on the Paramount Theatre? Please e-mail me at
Warren, can you please send me scans of the booklet in your spare time? It would be very useful for a good cause. Please e-mail me at
Thank you, Smore! I look forward to the photos. If you can take wide-angles as well as close-ups of the facade, that would be great.
I advise as many people as possible to keep in touch with my friend, AL. He has great ideas, and if we really want to see the theater saved, we have to work with him in raising the funds (if Al & I mutually decide to coordinate any type of event or fundraiser). Remember, every little bit helps! Never abandon hope.
Simply disheartening!!! I am looking forward to the photograph. Thank you all for your help in this matter!
On second thought, I think the entire theater is for sale. Property Shark lists the square footage as: “Building SF 20,500; Other SF 20,500; Lot SF 17,746” (http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/nyc/Reports2/showsection.html?propkey=442446) and the title on Craigslist says “$45 / 17000ft² – Prime retail space for lease.” The square footage matches up. See my point?
Thank you very much for the link! I am remaining hopeful that the theater temporarily closed and the # is temporarily disconnected as the phone message states. Based upon the listing on Craigslist, do you feel it’s possible that the 2 upper floors are only available for lease as retail, to yield additional income?
The latest work permit was issued on 2/27/08 & expires on 1/1/09. It states “Installation of telecommunications equipment” (on roof):
View link
The following contains the latest Dept of Bldgs job descriptions for the Ridgewood Theatre property:
View link
Thoughts appreciated!
Does anyone have the actual link for the property on Craigslist. I can’t seem to locate it. Thanks!
Thank you both! I look forward to your e-mail. – Michael
Please e-mail me at and provide the real estate agent/company’s name and phone number. I hope to find a preservation-friendly buyer.
You’re welcome! Several generations of my family came from Forest Hills. What were some of your favorite theaters in Middle Village? As a Forest Hills resident, do you go to the Main St Cinemas? I do occasionally, and wish it would be restored properly, as well as maintained. The occasional graffiti on the aluminum-siding facade is an eyesore!
The following is a Daily News article on the Cinemart from March 2006: View link I have been corresponding with the owner in regard to possible restoration plans for the interior (as a start), but nothing materialized due to the owner’s lack of time. In spring 2006, he added Bay Ridge’s Alpine Theater to his holdings, to prevent it from becoming a chain store. I am proud that the Cinemart has been in existence since the 1920s, since neighborhood theaters rank high amongst the “ultimate public institutions.”
I also take pride that the owner is passionate about keeping neighborhood theaters open, but some theatergoers (including myself) weren’t so enthusiastic that the facade’s bricks, brick patterns, and terra cotta which adorned the central window, were concealed with stucco in 2002-2003. That was prior to my involvement in preservation. If I knew, I would have tried to convince the owner to apply for funding to restore the facade in an historically appropriate context. I am still hoping he will have some time to work with me, and remove the generic ceiling panels that conceal the ornate coffered ceiling in the inner lobby, and repaint the coffered ceiling in the outer lobby in its original colors. Grants may be available through one of the NY Landmarks Conservancy’s funding programs, National Register of Historic Places if the State Historic Preservation Office deems the property eligible for placement, or through my own fundraiser. I understand his time constraints though.
Whenever I think of the Cinemart, the long summer walks to the theater with my mother, or both my parents, and a friend, come to mind. After the screening, we would treat ourselves to homemade ice cream in Eddie’s Sweet Shop around the corner, and its distinctive early 20th century ambiance would add to the spirit of an afternoon/evening well-spent!
Since 2006, I am founder & Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, which advocates for potential Individual Landmarks & Historic Districts in Rego Park and Forest Hills. Forest Hills only has 2 official landmarks since the Landmark Preservation Commission’s founding, and Rego Park has none. Both areas do have potential in terms of landmarking, fundraisers for restoration & adaptive reuse, etc. We occasionally expand our advocacy work beyond our immediate area. Our group operates on a voluntary basis & pure passion… no membership fees at this time.
I am primarily interested in greater architectural examples which could become endangered in years to come: Midway Theater, Forest Hills Theater (even though it’s a Duane Reade/Staples since ‘99 with a restored facade), Drake Theater in Rego Park (now a catering hall, but may be sold to developers), the distinctive Art Moderne facade of the '39 Trylon Theater (mosaic & terrazzo floor is sadly concealed since 2005, but can’t be let out of our scope), the Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights, Ridgewood Theater (the oldest extant theater in operation in Queens), the great Terra Cotta facade of the former Bellerose Theater (now a Karate studio minus its marquee), as well as some others.
How long have you lived in Forest Hills?
Thank you very much for the update and the photo. I don’t think it’s necessary to file a complaint at this time. It sure is great having independent neighborhood theaters around! At some point, they really should remove all of the aluminum siding that’s obscuring the Art Moderne facade, but there are other theaters that could use our efforts as preservationists first.
This makes it a whole lot more convincing to see! It needs to be repaired ASAP, and those who see it first-hand need to call 311, on behalf of everyone’s safety. This is a crucial issue.
Can you please post some photos of its current condition?
I am a preservationist and theater buff from the Big Apple, and I am happy that I came across this thread. I consider the removal of the 40s era marquee bittersweet as well. I take pride that the Greek-inspired stained glass has once again been revealed for all to appreciate, but why does the marquee have to be demolished? It can be donated “as is” to the American Sign Museum: http://www.signmuseum.com/
Can someone please convince the owner to donate it (in exchange for a tax write-off) and spare it from demolition?
This is a more direct link for the latest article: http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/341686.html
Please keep me posted. Thanks!
You hit the nail on the head! Indeed, why can’t a typical condo open elsewhere?? Theaters are the ultimate public institutions, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Everyone should read the details of some of these comments: View link
It’s not too late to add your voice & sign the petition. Let’s hope that ill-advised goal of Liu & the CB for another glitzy tower in place of a restorable gem, never becomes a reality. It would be a huge smack in the face, and ultimately a crying shame for all generations!