It’s certainly worth restoring this gem. It is mostly intact & the city is willing to take on a long and costly project. By all means, let them do something special for us, once & for all! They have waited long enough.
Even though I’m not a fan of its current use, I must say that this is one of the most appealing (and probably the only) theaters on this stretch of 8th Ave. The pink, green, & gold color scheme is great! It is a rare survivor that deserves landmarking. Any thoughts?
For anyone who wants to tour the interior and take photos, it does not pay to enter the premises illegally. The site could possess environmental hazards & what-not. I suggest you inquire with the property owner, Boymelgreen, as well as the local councilmember, and arrange an appointment. Boymelgreen’s contact info is in a previous posting.
I passed by on Friday and saw the intact detail on the very top being stuccoed over. More exterior elements are being concealed, and it’s just getting worse. Sorry to share this bad news. has anyone tried contacting the Rock Church? Please let me know.
I would like to see landmark status for the Cinemart, but the exterior has been altered extensively, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission will not take action in designating it. The Trylon Theater’s exterior had few alterations, and the LPC declined (in violation of the Landmarks Law). The Ridgewood Theatre is the highest candidate. It is generally best NOT to involve the owners in such preservation efforts. It’s the LPC’s role to reach out & speak with the owners once a property is being considered, prior to calendaring it for a public hearing. Calendaring grants temporary legal protection of the property. Perhaps the Cinemart retains original facade elements beneath the newer facade. However, after spending lots of money to renovate, I doubt the owner will reverse the alterations. Historic properties, however, most often yield greater property values. The Forest Hills Theatre’s exterior would be a great landmarking candidate, as well as the Midway in Forest Hills, & Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights. The Elmwood was until now. I am working on a bunch of Request For Evaluations to send to the LPC for consideration. Any other theater that comes to mind? Please share your thoughts. Thanks!
As per interior restoration plans at the Cinemart, my correspondences with the owner have been put on hold. The owner is devoting most of his time to his recent acquisition, the Alpine Theatre in Brooklyn. He stepped in the last minute to prevent that theater from becoming a chain store. That theater is being restored & renovated to accomodate screens & performance spaces (art house). For the Cinemart, we hope to pick up from where we left off later this year or next.
I’m not too sure of the technical aspects entirely, but I know that religious institutions have taken advantage of programs put out by the NY State Historic Preservation Office (State/Nat'l Register). Grants from the Sacred Funds Program have been provided to various religious institutions who wish to restore their buildings.
When I called up the construction company (that walked off the job), they said the Rock Church wanted a more modern design for the facade & then agreed that it looked better before. The top portion might stay, but the terra cotta work, lintels, and tiles are being modernized with stucco. I assume it’s less costly rather than repairing what was there. However, I am baffled as to why they wouldn’t take advantage of tax credits & state matching grants for rehabilitating the facade properly.
Warren, your assessment is optimistic. Did you call up the Rock Church & find out? They might reveal more info to you, since they know you better. I recall that you visited a couple of times a few months back. Please let us know what happens. Thanks!
Scroll down ¼ & see current photos & a description documenting the desecration of the Elmwood Theatre’s facade. They promised to restore the facade in 2003. This development is an appalling, particularly coming from a religious institution. They might call themsleves Rock Church of “Faith Ministries,” but I have no faith in them! They turned their back on the community & now they deserve the same!!!! The previous contractor walked off the job since they never paid him for his work. He agrees that it looked better before, and felt bad they made him do it. The Rock Church is a pack of lies & filled with controversy! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
Thank you very much for posting my raffle ticket online! I appreciate the detail. I hope you’re having a great “Thanksgiving weekend!” If I come across anything additional, I’ll be sure to post.
If anyone has photos of the Ridgewood Theatre’s opening day, I recommend that they post them online & e-mail them to They would be a major asset. Thank you!
Hi Everyone! I have been extremely busy, but haven’t forgotten about my Ridgewood Theatre fans & my mission. Photo documentation and research will be complete in the next couple of weeks or so. Stay tuned!
Welcome to Cinema Treasures, “Amazing Grace.” The Elmwood Theatre’s exterior is no way near to being restored. It’s being completely concealed with lackluster stucco. 2002, 2003, & early 2006 news stories gave residents & enthusiasts a FALSE SENSE OF HOPE. Why conceal beautiful terra cotta, lintels, & tilework that had superb craftsmanship? The proof is as follows:
Hi Luis! Thank you very much for sharing a detailed personal account. It definitely sounded like a magnificent event! Loew’s Kings Theatre is a treasure waiting to be unveiled!!!!!!
The Jamaica Library’s files might be limited on this theater. They recommended contacting the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, which I did. I will keep you informed.
Sorry I haven’t posted for a while. In regard to landmarking, I plan on conducting research at the LI Division of the Jamaica (Central) Library. They have lengthy archives. I will incorporate my findings into a report that will run ¾ – 1 full page. I will attach that to the Request For Evaluation (RFE) form to send to the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Does anyone wish to join me at the library? Please let me know via e-mail at
I would also appreciate it if someone can take various shots of the Ridgewood Theatre’s exterior, as well as some interior shots of potential landmark-worthy spaces. When photographing the exterior, I recommend taking wide angles of the facade, close-ups of facade features, the entire streetscape, and side views to establish the theater’s relationship to the street according to passersby. These photos must accompany the RFE form to send to the Landmarks Commission.
Please e-mail me (Michael) and carbon copy AL at Thank you!
I am not from Staten Island, so I am probably not the best source. However, I conducted a general search on the Department of Buildings website, and came across a possibility. The building is owned by Cheah Chung, and will most likely become Bay Street Asian Bistro. He can be reached at (718) 556 – 0480. I recommend clicking on the Job/ Filings link as well as the Permits in Processed/Issued links, when accessing:
Thank you very much, Ed!!! I will try contacting the center again, while referencing the lofty 2002/2003 facade ambitions in both papers. If you haven’t already done so, please don’t forget to contact the center to inquire, so I won’t be the only one. Thanks! I am debating over whether to send out a press release. I want to have substantial and accurate information first.
Great coverage in the NY Post!!! Thanks for posting the link! It’s about time politicians are determined to restore and adaptively reuse this “wonder theater.” A big thank you to all those who fought. I think the later marquee could be reused someplace else. I’d rather see the original curved marquee located or recreated, and once again adorning the theater’s unique facade. That would be a true restoration. What do you think?
I praise efforts to save this theater & Loew’s Paradise (now landmarked), but indeed… where were those ruthless politicians when we needed them for the RKO Keith’s?? :( I look forward to tracking the progress of the restoration of the Loew’s Kings!!! :)
It says the RC is excited about moving into the historical building. The classic Elmwood sign will stay, & a “surprise” will be added to the front. Hmm…
According to a March 28, 2002 Queens Chronicle article, Pastor Lydia Winthrow said “most of the two-story building’s external structure will remain intact.” This also makes me wonder. Please access the following:
I took photos while passing the Elmwood on a bus, & will share it with everyone shortly. I will try calling the Elmwood’s Rock Church once again, & see what they have to say concerning the historic facade elements presently chiseled off. I advise fellow members to do the same, so I’m not the only one calling in.
According to a 9/14/06 CraigsList posting, the Rock Church is seeking interns, and needs sound & video lighting for what they refer to as “a beautifully renovated historic theater.” While our wishes for the restored auditorium may have been granted, it baffles me as to how they can refer to it as “beautiful” & “historic,” and fail to restore the exterior as well (from what I’m observing). Please follow: View link
I think the classic Elmwood sign will stay, but then again, there’s no telling what may happen without landmark status. It might be a good idea for the sign to get designated. Thanks, “ShortyC!” I’ll consider it based on a few more calls.
I recall the tilework on the Sunnyside elevated removed in the late 1990’s, & cleaned and reinstalled. Does anyone think that the Elmwood would remove the terra cotta lintels and tilework above & in between the windows, clean/repair them, and reinstall it at the site? I rarely see restoration conducted in that manner. It would be a miracle (but since I see stucco being applied to the now unadorned facade, I doubt it).
It’s certainly worth restoring this gem. It is mostly intact & the city is willing to take on a long and costly project. By all means, let them do something special for us, once & for all! They have waited long enough.
Even though I’m not a fan of its current use, I must say that this is one of the most appealing (and probably the only) theaters on this stretch of 8th Ave. The pink, green, & gold color scheme is great! It is a rare survivor that deserves landmarking. Any thoughts?
Thank you very much!!!
For anyone who wants to tour the interior and take photos, it does not pay to enter the premises illegally. The site could possess environmental hazards & what-not. I suggest you inquire with the property owner, Boymelgreen, as well as the local councilmember, and arrange an appointment. Boymelgreen’s contact info is in a previous posting.
I passed by on Friday and saw the intact detail on the very top being stuccoed over. More exterior elements are being concealed, and it’s just getting worse. Sorry to share this bad news. has anyone tried contacting the Rock Church? Please let me know.
I would like to see landmark status for the Cinemart, but the exterior has been altered extensively, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission will not take action in designating it. The Trylon Theater’s exterior had few alterations, and the LPC declined (in violation of the Landmarks Law). The Ridgewood Theatre is the highest candidate. It is generally best NOT to involve the owners in such preservation efforts. It’s the LPC’s role to reach out & speak with the owners once a property is being considered, prior to calendaring it for a public hearing. Calendaring grants temporary legal protection of the property. Perhaps the Cinemart retains original facade elements beneath the newer facade. However, after spending lots of money to renovate, I doubt the owner will reverse the alterations. Historic properties, however, most often yield greater property values. The Forest Hills Theatre’s exterior would be a great landmarking candidate, as well as the Midway in Forest Hills, & Fair Theatre in Jackson Heights. The Elmwood was until now. I am working on a bunch of Request For Evaluations to send to the LPC for consideration. Any other theater that comes to mind? Please share your thoughts. Thanks!
I think you are correct. The second oldest continuously operated independent theater in the borough is the Cinemart.
As per interior restoration plans at the Cinemart, my correspondences with the owner have been put on hold. The owner is devoting most of his time to his recent acquisition, the Alpine Theatre in Brooklyn. He stepped in the last minute to prevent that theater from becoming a chain store. That theater is being restored & renovated to accomodate screens & performance spaces (art house). For the Cinemart, we hope to pick up from where we left off later this year or next.
I’m not too sure of the technical aspects entirely, but I know that religious institutions have taken advantage of programs put out by the NY State Historic Preservation Office (State/Nat'l Register). Grants from the Sacred Funds Program have been provided to various religious institutions who wish to restore their buildings.
When I called up the construction company (that walked off the job), they said the Rock Church wanted a more modern design for the facade & then agreed that it looked better before. The top portion might stay, but the terra cotta work, lintels, and tiles are being modernized with stucco. I assume it’s less costly rather than repairing what was there. However, I am baffled as to why they wouldn’t take advantage of tax credits & state matching grants for rehabilitating the facade properly.
Warren, your assessment is optimistic. Did you call up the Rock Church & find out? They might reveal more info to you, since they know you better. I recall that you visited a couple of times a few months back. Please let us know what happens. Thanks!
Here are some photos from the recent Forgotten NY tour of Elmhurst:
http://www.forgotten-ny.com/tour27/27.html
Scroll down ¼ & see current photos & a description documenting the desecration of the Elmwood Theatre’s facade. They promised to restore the facade in 2003. This development is an appalling, particularly coming from a religious institution. They might call themsleves Rock Church of “Faith Ministries,” but I have no faith in them! They turned their back on the community & now they deserve the same!!!! The previous contractor walked off the job since they never paid him for his work. He agrees that it looked better before, and felt bad they made him do it. The Rock Church is a pack of lies & filled with controversy! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
Thank you very much for posting my raffle ticket online! I appreciate the detail. I hope you’re having a great “Thanksgiving weekend!” If I come across anything additional, I’ll be sure to post.
If anyone has photos of the Ridgewood Theatre’s opening day, I recommend that they post them online & e-mail them to They would be a major asset. Thank you!
Hi Everyone! I have been extremely busy, but haven’t forgotten about my Ridgewood Theatre fans & my mission. Photo documentation and research will be complete in the next couple of weeks or so. Stay tuned!
Welcome to Cinema Treasures, “Amazing Grace.” The Elmwood Theatre’s exterior is no way near to being restored. It’s being completely concealed with lackluster stucco. 2002, 2003, & early 2006 news stories gave residents & enthusiasts a FALSE SENSE OF HOPE. Why conceal beautiful terra cotta, lintels, & tilework that had superb craftsmanship? The proof is as follows:
View link
The following 2 photos illustrate my observations to a tee:
View link
View link
This is not a restoration but a devastation. Why should the Rock Church lie to the community? :( Please verify this. The community wants answers.
Hi Luis! Thank you very much for sharing a detailed personal account. It definitely sounded like a magnificent event! Loew’s Kings Theatre is a treasure waiting to be unveiled!!!!!!
The Jamaica Library’s files might be limited on this theater. They recommended contacting the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, which I did. I will keep you informed.
P.S. When we conduct research or visit locations, I do not wish to act alone. We accomplish a whole lot more as a unified force.
Sorry I haven’t posted for a while. In regard to landmarking, I plan on conducting research at the LI Division of the Jamaica (Central) Library. They have lengthy archives. I will incorporate my findings into a report that will run ¾ – 1 full page. I will attach that to the Request For Evaluation (RFE) form to send to the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Does anyone wish to join me at the library? Please let me know via e-mail at
I would also appreciate it if someone can take various shots of the Ridgewood Theatre’s exterior, as well as some interior shots of potential landmark-worthy spaces. When photographing the exterior, I recommend taking wide angles of the facade, close-ups of facade features, the entire streetscape, and side views to establish the theater’s relationship to the street according to passersby. These photos must accompany the RFE form to send to the Landmarks Commission.
Please e-mail me (Michael) and carbon copy AL at Thank you!
I am not from Staten Island, so I am probably not the best source. However, I conducted a general search on the Department of Buildings website, and came across a possibility. The building is owned by Cheah Chung, and will most likely become Bay Street Asian Bistro. He can be reached at (718) 556 – 0480. I recommend clicking on the Job/ Filings link as well as the Permits in Processed/Issued links, when accessing:
View link
Shame on that unsympathetic owner for not restoring & adaptively reusing the theater in a way that respects its significance!!!
Thank you very much, Ed!!! I will try contacting the center again, while referencing the lofty 2002/2003 facade ambitions in both papers. If you haven’t already done so, please don’t forget to contact the center to inquire, so I won’t be the only one. Thanks! I am debating over whether to send out a press release. I want to have substantial and accurate information first.
Great coverage in the NY Post!!! Thanks for posting the link! It’s about time politicians are determined to restore and adaptively reuse this “wonder theater.” A big thank you to all those who fought. I think the later marquee could be reused someplace else. I’d rather see the original curved marquee located or recreated, and once again adorning the theater’s unique facade. That would be a true restoration. What do you think?
I praise efforts to save this theater & Loew’s Paradise (now landmarked), but indeed… where were those ruthless politicians when we needed them for the RKO Keith’s?? :( I look forward to tracking the progress of the restoration of the Loew’s Kings!!! :)
A July 17, 2003 article in the Queens Chronicle:
View link
It says the RC is excited about moving into the historical building. The classic Elmwood sign will stay, & a “surprise” will be added to the front. Hmm…
According to a March 28, 2002 Queens Chronicle article, Pastor Lydia Winthrow said “most of the two-story building’s external structure will remain intact.” This also makes me wonder. Please access the following:
View link
…And here’s a large photo that I found on flickr, showing early signs of the exterior work underway (without any detail removed):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gooseotter/187390782/
I took photos while passing the Elmwood on a bus, & will share it with everyone shortly. I will try calling the Elmwood’s Rock Church once again, & see what they have to say concerning the historic facade elements presently chiseled off. I advise fellow members to do the same, so I’m not the only one calling in.
According to a 9/14/06 CraigsList posting, the Rock Church is seeking interns, and needs sound & video lighting for what they refer to as “a beautifully renovated historic theater.” While our wishes for the restored auditorium may have been granted, it baffles me as to how they can refer to it as “beautiful” & “historic,” and fail to restore the exterior as well (from what I’m observing). Please follow: View link
I think the classic Elmwood sign will stay, but then again, there’s no telling what may happen without landmark status. It might be a good idea for the sign to get designated. Thanks, “ShortyC!” I’ll consider it based on a few more calls.
I recall the tilework on the Sunnyside elevated removed in the late 1990’s, & cleaned and reinstalled. Does anyone think that the Elmwood would remove the terra cotta lintels and tilework above & in between the windows, clean/repair them, and reinstall it at the site? I rarely see restoration conducted in that manner. It would be a miracle (but since I see stucco being applied to the now unadorned facade, I doubt it).