Please do not dare equate Radio City without movies with ground zero. It is highly insensitive and a riduculous comparison.
We still have one of the world’s greatest theaters ever erected and whether or not it shows movies the incredible architecture remains and is a joy to behold and experience. A joy that future generations will enjoy, no doubt.
For me, and I am sure for many others, what makes a movie palace a true palace is that the theater itself was a destination due to its architecture. That the theater contributed to the the overall theatergoing experience and that if the movie was a bomb, we would get pleasure just looking at the stars streaming across the ceiling or the gargoyles and tapestries on the side walls. Even without movies, these buildings are treasures and always will be.
Go down to ground zero, it is a virtually empty pit. You’ve done a disservice to Radio City and all theaters that have been saved from destruction but no longer show films.
There’s no mention of a “restoration” of the theater; only expansion and makeover. Warren has posted above that it is highly unlikely that any of the original ornamentation exists which is a shame, but I am curious if the makeover would try to harken back to it’s illustrious past or if it would just be a modern box.
Turnbull…..yes, it was on this site that it was stated that the ceiling had collapsed and that there was little of the interior to save. The only remaining hope was that the exterior would be preserved as part of it’s reuse into residential housing. Nothing has been posted on this site about that project since so I was wondering if it was ever done. Has the exterior been preserved?
While congress (not Palin)killed that bridge to nowhere, Palin had no problem taking all of the money and applying it elsewhere. Total hypocrisy, but this is cinema treasures so I won’t go any further with that.
As I’ve mentioned above, Alaska, while having some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty, seems to have a great dearth of architecturally significant buildings. They should do everything they can to preserve what little they have and this theater should be saved.
I have to repeat that the organization that is most appropriate to lead the effort to save this historic theater is The Richmond Hill Historical Society. As I stated earlier, sent an e-mail to the webmaster and also posted the e-mail on thier site in the hopes of getting the attention of someone at the organization to respond. Alas, nothing as yet.
I’d like to thank mp775 for the info regarding the Portage. It indeed sounds like a very similar situation to the Keiths. It does give me some hope, but………….
Absolutely Jackeboy! I do acknowledge your feelings. However, I did say that, for me, it was the architecture of the theater that made it a treasure. A beautiful theater was just as important, if not more so, than the movie itself. These theaters were a part of the experience of going to see a film and making it memorable. Marcus Loew famously said, “I don’t sell tickets to movies, I sell tickets to theaters!” No one would use that quote when referring to The Continental or the vast majority of the multiplex and post war theaters on this site. There are some very significant exceptions like The Ziegfeld in Manhattan.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t take away that people have wonderful memories and expereiences in a plain box theater. It doesn’t mean, however, that they need to be preserved. The Trylon should have been saved, The RKO Keiths Flushing should have been saved, The Forest Hills should have been saved. All were true Treasures. the Continental……not so much.
Ummm……This is the Continental Theater on Austin St?
This theater is hardly a cinema treasure. At least not how I remember it. It was a plainish box without much to distinguish it from any other box. I went back in the 70’s and 80’s so maybe it had already lost its “charm” by then.
That being said, a theater doesn’t necessarily deserve to be saved simply because it shows movies. For me (and I’m only speaking for myself) it is the architecture of a theater that makes it a true cinema treasure. A place where the theater itself greatly added to the pleasure of seeing a film. The Continental was not that kind of theater. The Forest Hills theater was (before it was torn down and then made into a drug store. The Midway was one of those theaters (before it was gutted and multiplexed). The Trylon is a treasure. This Austin (Kew Gardens Cinemas) is still a treasure even though it was multiplexed – though in a sensitive way.
The Continental doesn’t fall into this category. It’s a run of the mill theater; nothing more. In looking at the individual posts of the theater not one person says “Oh, this is a beautiful theater!” Not a one.
Thanks for the grammatical correction! I actally minored in English so I usually don’t get that wrong. If I had majored, I’m sure I’d never get it wrong. Anyway, point taken.
In the meantime, when (if) I get a response from the historical society I will post it on this page.
Thank you Lost Memory! I went to their web site and sent the following e-mail to their webmaster in the hope that it would reach the appropriate people at the Society. Thanks again for prodding me to act!
I am curious as to whether anyone at the historical association is doing anything to save the RKO Keith’s Theater which (in my opinion) is the most important historical building still standing in Richmond Hill and has the potential of being a beautifully restored movie palace as it once was. The theater was recently sold and there is a lot of concern that the new owner might have plans that involve gutting the theater for retail or other use. This would be a travesty for Richmond Hill and the city as a whole. The beautiful marquee has already been marred by the new owner and we think it is the first step in the destruction of this diamond in the rough.
There is a website called Cinema Treasures (cinematreasures.org) which maintains a page dedicated to the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill. Please reference the postings to see what the concerns are.
If there is any organization that should spearhead a campaign to save the RKO Keith’s it is the Richmond Hill Historical Society.
Though I now live in Manhattan, I grew up in South Ozone Park and lived for many years in Kew Gardens, just 3 blocks from this historic structure. I’ve seen the Triangle Hofbrau disappear, the Republican Club gutted, The Simonson Funeral Home destroyed, Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor Gone! Please help save the one structure remaining in Richmond Hill that can truly become spectacular once again; The movie palace that carries it’s neighborhood’s name proudly in its title: The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill!
Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter!
The Apollo theater has just recieved another $1MM donation from one of its board members to be applied towards the completion of its renovation in time for its 75th Anniversary.
Too bad the Loew’s Kings doesn’t have this kind of support.
Why isn’t the Richmond Hill Historical Association (I think that’s what they’re called) mounting a big campaign to save this theater? If any organization should take the lead it is this one.
Panzer65, thank you so much for those photos. The Corinthian Columns are beautiful and you are absolutely correct. If any theater could be described as a diamond in the rough it is this one.
CWalczak, I apologize for the comment about Cleveland. I did hesitate before adding it to the list because I do know that Cleveland is in better shape than the other cities that I mentioned. I know that they have made some strides in preserving theaters in the Playhouse Square area and are trying hard to get back on its feet, but Cleveland still has major problems throughout the city as a whole. The credit crisis has hit the city incredibly hard and I believe Cleveland has one of the country’s largest forclosure rates (maybe the highest for a major city).
I’m still confused as to whether this theater is still standing or not. It looks like almost every abandoned building in Asbury Park on the East Side of the tracks has now been torn down. There are lots and lots of empty lots! I guess it’s better than eyesores.
There are also lots of new restaurants, stores and other retail establishemts. The landscaping throughout the city is very well done. There are quite a few new condominium developments in various stages of completion. I have to say, there finally appears to be some progress being made in this sad town.
Unfortunately, so much of its past has been destroyed that it will have very little of the charm that even Ocean Grove has next door.
Just passed by this theater yesterday and it looks abandoned and what you can see of the inside looks very disheveled. The building to the east has been torn down. The “club” to the west also looks shuttered leaving just the sad looking bowling alley to the west of it.
The Paramount just down the street looks like a hotbed of activity and that is great to see but I think this theater is a goner.
Hi Cypress, Do you currently live in one of Newark’s gritty wards? Do you look over your shoulder when you walk down the street at night. Do you worry about being burglarized while you sleep? Are your neighborhood stores just Dollar Stores, check cashing vendors and bodegas? Oh, I forgot the store front churches! Do you have to go to a whole other neighborhood to shop at real department stores or go to a supermarket or feel comfortable sitting in a park? Who wants to live like that? I’m so grateful that New York has been able to wipe most of that away throughout the entire city to the betterment of almost all of its residents.
The cities who have been unable to do this; Detroit, Gary, East St. Louis, Cleveland, Compton, Camden sit in ruins.
The article below appears in the 9/11 edtion of Caribbean Business. The Yaguez Theater, having been closed for 7 years for a major restoration is reopening just before celebrating its 100th anniversary! The text of which is below:
To be named after late actor Lucy Boscana; month-long celebration filled with artistic activities
Teatro Yagüez will reopen its doors tomorrow, after being close seven years for repairs. To celebrate the occasion, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra will delight guests with a version of the same concert they performed 50 years ago on the very same stage.
The inaugural event will pay late homage to Mayagüez-born actor Lucy Boscana, by naming the theater after her to acknowledge her career and legacy. Also part of the celebration, 22 musical and theatrical performances are scheduled to go onstage and can be seen free of charge for everyone’s enjoyment.
The latest improvements to Teatro Yagüez, built in 1909, include fixtures, a glass dome, roof, seats and other architectonic elements, in addition to changes in the color palette.
After the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture designated it a National Historic Landmark, the municipality acquired the theater in 1977 and reinaugurated it in 1984. In 2001, the municipality closed theater again to undergo a delicate restoration process, the motive of tomorrow’s celebration.
“I feel happy and satisfied with the results of this project, which ensures future generations can continue to enjoy this architectonic jewel and its music, cinematography and other artistic performances that will be held in it,†RodrÃguez said.
and the Commodore and The Forum and Proctor’s 58th Street and The Center and the list goes on and on and on.
I know full well that not all theaters can be saved. New York, which arguably, had the greatest collection of quality movie palaces ever built had so many that they just couldn’t all be saved.
I agree that landmarking would have saved some but not all. Owners can can claim financial hardship and override landmarking. Nonetheless, I am happy that we have as many left as we do: Loews’s 175th Street, Radio City, The Hollywood, The New Amsterdam, The Beacon, The Palace, The Ziegfeld, The Paris and that’s just in Manhattan.
The sad reality is that there is no way all of those theaters that we lost could have been adaptively resused. It’s sad but true, so we have to try to save the best of them and we have had some success and many failures. I mourn the loss of Roxy, Capitol, Rivoli and Center most of all. Those should have been saved. I feel that The Ziegfeld should be landmarked as soon as it is eligible.
Thanks Warren for the photo. I had forgotten about the huge fresco above the marquee. Very few theaters had that. I can’t believe that theater was never landmarked! I thought it was very beautiful and I miss it very much.
Nevermind Al……..Here is a summary of the news item.
PHILADELPHIA, PA â€" A local developer says he has a deal in place to buy the [url/theater/1209/] Boyd Theatre[/url] and plans to make it the centerpiece of a $95 million hotel and entertainment complex. Hal Wheeler of ARCWheeler expects to close the deal with current owner Live Nation by November 25, and intends to build a 30-story, 250-room hotel to the west of the theater.
Live Nation would book live entertainment into the theater about 60 nights a year, leaving it available for other events the rest of the time. Broadway-type plays would not be part of the plan, as the hotel would be built on land that was to be the site of a stage house for the Boyd under a previous proposal.
Wheeler’s development proposal, like Live Nation’s earlier plan to turn the Boyd into a Broadway roadhouse, would restore the theater to its original art deco glamour. But the project’s scope is far more ambitious, and aims to transform the 1900 block of Chestnut Street from a retail backwater into a Center City nightlife destination.
Please do not dare equate Radio City without movies with ground zero. It is highly insensitive and a riduculous comparison.
We still have one of the world’s greatest theaters ever erected and whether or not it shows movies the incredible architecture remains and is a joy to behold and experience. A joy that future generations will enjoy, no doubt.
For me, and I am sure for many others, what makes a movie palace a true palace is that the theater itself was a destination due to its architecture. That the theater contributed to the the overall theatergoing experience and that if the movie was a bomb, we would get pleasure just looking at the stars streaming across the ceiling or the gargoyles and tapestries on the side walls. Even without movies, these buildings are treasures and always will be.
Go down to ground zero, it is a virtually empty pit. You’ve done a disservice to Radio City and all theaters that have been saved from destruction but no longer show films.
Yet one more vacant lot! A shame.
There’s no mention of a “restoration” of the theater; only expansion and makeover. Warren has posted above that it is highly unlikely that any of the original ornamentation exists which is a shame, but I am curious if the makeover would try to harken back to it’s illustrious past or if it would just be a modern box.
Turnbull…..yes, it was on this site that it was stated that the ceiling had collapsed and that there was little of the interior to save. The only remaining hope was that the exterior would be preserved as part of it’s reuse into residential housing. Nothing has been posted on this site about that project since so I was wondering if it was ever done. Has the exterior been preserved?
Well, it looks like the WaMu theater is going to be changed to JP Morgan Chase! WooHoo! WaMu is gone!
Has the residential project mentioned above proceeded? Has this theater been gutted? Was the exterior preserved?
While congress (not Palin)killed that bridge to nowhere, Palin had no problem taking all of the money and applying it elsewhere. Total hypocrisy, but this is cinema treasures so I won’t go any further with that.
As I’ve mentioned above, Alaska, while having some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty, seems to have a great dearth of architecturally significant buildings. They should do everything they can to preserve what little they have and this theater should be saved.
Maybe Palin can get an earmark to save this theater!
I have to repeat that the organization that is most appropriate to lead the effort to save this historic theater is The Richmond Hill Historical Society. As I stated earlier, sent an e-mail to the webmaster and also posted the e-mail on thier site in the hopes of getting the attention of someone at the organization to respond. Alas, nothing as yet.
I’d like to thank mp775 for the info regarding the Portage. It indeed sounds like a very similar situation to the Keiths. It does give me some hope, but………….
Absolutely Jackeboy! I do acknowledge your feelings. However, I did say that, for me, it was the architecture of the theater that made it a treasure. A beautiful theater was just as important, if not more so, than the movie itself. These theaters were a part of the experience of going to see a film and making it memorable. Marcus Loew famously said, “I don’t sell tickets to movies, I sell tickets to theaters!” No one would use that quote when referring to The Continental or the vast majority of the multiplex and post war theaters on this site. There are some very significant exceptions like The Ziegfeld in Manhattan.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t take away that people have wonderful memories and expereiences in a plain box theater. It doesn’t mean, however, that they need to be preserved. The Trylon should have been saved, The RKO Keiths Flushing should have been saved, The Forest Hills should have been saved. All were true Treasures. the Continental……not so much.
Ummm……This is the Continental Theater on Austin St?
This theater is hardly a cinema treasure. At least not how I remember it. It was a plainish box without much to distinguish it from any other box. I went back in the 70’s and 80’s so maybe it had already lost its “charm” by then.
That being said, a theater doesn’t necessarily deserve to be saved simply because it shows movies. For me (and I’m only speaking for myself) it is the architecture of a theater that makes it a true cinema treasure. A place where the theater itself greatly added to the pleasure of seeing a film. The Continental was not that kind of theater. The Forest Hills theater was (before it was torn down and then made into a drug store. The Midway was one of those theaters (before it was gutted and multiplexed). The Trylon is a treasure. This Austin (Kew Gardens Cinemas) is still a treasure even though it was multiplexed – though in a sensitive way.
The Continental doesn’t fall into this category. It’s a run of the mill theater; nothing more. In looking at the individual posts of the theater not one person says “Oh, this is a beautiful theater!” Not a one.
Thanks for the grammatical correction! I actally minored in English so I usually don’t get that wrong. If I had majored, I’m sure I’d never get it wrong. Anyway, point taken.
In the meantime, when (if) I get a response from the historical society I will post it on this page.
Thank you Lost Memory! I went to their web site and sent the following e-mail to their webmaster in the hope that it would reach the appropriate people at the Society. Thanks again for prodding me to act!
I am curious as to whether anyone at the historical association is doing anything to save the RKO Keith’s Theater which (in my opinion) is the most important historical building still standing in Richmond Hill and has the potential of being a beautifully restored movie palace as it once was. The theater was recently sold and there is a lot of concern that the new owner might have plans that involve gutting the theater for retail or other use. This would be a travesty for Richmond Hill and the city as a whole. The beautiful marquee has already been marred by the new owner and we think it is the first step in the destruction of this diamond in the rough.
There is a website called Cinema Treasures (cinematreasures.org) which maintains a page dedicated to the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill. Please reference the postings to see what the concerns are.
If there is any organization that should spearhead a campaign to save the RKO Keith’s it is the Richmond Hill Historical Society.
Though I now live in Manhattan, I grew up in South Ozone Park and lived for many years in Kew Gardens, just 3 blocks from this historic structure. I’ve seen the Triangle Hofbrau disappear, the Republican Club gutted, The Simonson Funeral Home destroyed, Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor Gone! Please help save the one structure remaining in Richmond Hill that can truly become spectacular once again; The movie palace that carries it’s neighborhood’s name proudly in its title: The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill!
Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter!
Luis
The Apollo theater has just recieved another $1MM donation from one of its board members to be applied towards the completion of its renovation in time for its 75th Anniversary.
Too bad the Loew’s Kings doesn’t have this kind of support.
Why isn’t the Richmond Hill Historical Association (I think that’s what they’re called) mounting a big campaign to save this theater? If any organization should take the lead it is this one.
Panzer65, thank you so much for those photos. The Corinthian Columns are beautiful and you are absolutely correct. If any theater could be described as a diamond in the rough it is this one.
CWalczak, I apologize for the comment about Cleveland. I did hesitate before adding it to the list because I do know that Cleveland is in better shape than the other cities that I mentioned. I know that they have made some strides in preserving theaters in the Playhouse Square area and are trying hard to get back on its feet, but Cleveland still has major problems throughout the city as a whole. The credit crisis has hit the city incredibly hard and I believe Cleveland has one of the country’s largest forclosure rates (maybe the highest for a major city).
I’m still confused as to whether this theater is still standing or not. It looks like almost every abandoned building in Asbury Park on the East Side of the tracks has now been torn down. There are lots and lots of empty lots! I guess it’s better than eyesores.
There are also lots of new restaurants, stores and other retail establishemts. The landscaping throughout the city is very well done. There are quite a few new condominium developments in various stages of completion. I have to say, there finally appears to be some progress being made in this sad town.
Unfortunately, so much of its past has been destroyed that it will have very little of the charm that even Ocean Grove has next door.
Just passed by this site yesterday. This site is a vacnt lot and the intro should be changed to demolished.
Just passed by this theater yesterday and it looks abandoned and what you can see of the inside looks very disheveled. The building to the east has been torn down. The “club” to the west also looks shuttered leaving just the sad looking bowling alley to the west of it.
The Paramount just down the street looks like a hotbed of activity and that is great to see but I think this theater is a goner.
Hi Cypress, Do you currently live in one of Newark’s gritty wards? Do you look over your shoulder when you walk down the street at night. Do you worry about being burglarized while you sleep? Are your neighborhood stores just Dollar Stores, check cashing vendors and bodegas? Oh, I forgot the store front churches! Do you have to go to a whole other neighborhood to shop at real department stores or go to a supermarket or feel comfortable sitting in a park? Who wants to live like that? I’m so grateful that New York has been able to wipe most of that away throughout the entire city to the betterment of almost all of its residents.
The cities who have been unable to do this; Detroit, Gary, East St. Louis, Cleveland, Compton, Camden sit in ruins.
The article below appears in the 9/11 edtion of Caribbean Business. The Yaguez Theater, having been closed for 7 years for a major restoration is reopening just before celebrating its 100th anniversary! The text of which is below:
To be named after late actor Lucy Boscana; month-long celebration filled with artistic activities
Teatro Yagüez will reopen its doors tomorrow, after being close seven years for repairs. To celebrate the occasion, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra will delight guests with a version of the same concert they performed 50 years ago on the very same stage.
The inaugural event will pay late homage to Mayagüez-born actor Lucy Boscana, by naming the theater after her to acknowledge her career and legacy. Also part of the celebration, 22 musical and theatrical performances are scheduled to go onstage and can be seen free of charge for everyone’s enjoyment.
“During our month of celebration, we’ll have activities for all tastesâ€"theater, cinematography, concerts, etc. Since our municipality’s birthday coincides with the festivity, we will incorporate Mayagüez’s 248th anniversary with Yagüez’s reopening activities,†said Mayagüez Mayor José Guillermo RodrÃguez.
The latest improvements to Teatro Yagüez, built in 1909, include fixtures, a glass dome, roof, seats and other architectonic elements, in addition to changes in the color palette.
After the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture designated it a National Historic Landmark, the municipality acquired the theater in 1977 and reinaugurated it in 1984. In 2001, the municipality closed theater again to undergo a delicate restoration process, the motive of tomorrow’s celebration.
“I feel happy and satisfied with the results of this project, which ensures future generations can continue to enjoy this architectonic jewel and its music, cinematography and other artistic performances that will be held in it,†RodrÃguez said.
and the Commodore and The Forum and Proctor’s 58th Street and The Center and the list goes on and on and on.
I know full well that not all theaters can be saved. New York, which arguably, had the greatest collection of quality movie palaces ever built had so many that they just couldn’t all be saved.
I agree that landmarking would have saved some but not all. Owners can can claim financial hardship and override landmarking. Nonetheless, I am happy that we have as many left as we do: Loews’s 175th Street, Radio City, The Hollywood, The New Amsterdam, The Beacon, The Palace, The Ziegfeld, The Paris and that’s just in Manhattan.
The sad reality is that there is no way all of those theaters that we lost could have been adaptively resused. It’s sad but true, so we have to try to save the best of them and we have had some success and many failures. I mourn the loss of Roxy, Capitol, Rivoli and Center most of all. Those should have been saved. I feel that The Ziegfeld should be landmarked as soon as it is eligible.
Could the replacement be any uglier?
Thanks Warren for the photo. I had forgotten about the huge fresco above the marquee. Very few theaters had that. I can’t believe that theater was never landmarked! I thought it was very beautiful and I miss it very much.
Nevermind Al……..Here is a summary of the news item.
PHILADELPHIA, PA â€" A local developer says he has a deal in place to buy the [url/theater/1209/] Boyd Theatre[/url] and plans to make it the centerpiece of a $95 million hotel and entertainment complex. Hal Wheeler of ARCWheeler expects to close the deal with current owner Live Nation by November 25, and intends to build a 30-story, 250-room hotel to the west of the theater.
Live Nation would book live entertainment into the theater about 60 nights a year, leaving it available for other events the rest of the time. Broadway-type plays would not be part of the plan, as the hotel would be built on land that was to be the site of a stage house for the Boyd under a previous proposal.
Wheeler’s development proposal, like Live Nation’s earlier plan to turn the Boyd into a Broadway roadhouse, would restore the theater to its original art deco glamour. But the project’s scope is far more ambitious, and aims to transform the 1900 block of Chestnut Street from a retail backwater into a Center City nightlife destination.