Edwin,
The progress continues!!!
Crew workers have almost finished steam cleaning and grouting the teracota facade and it looks absolutely marvelous.
Three beautiful carpet samples have been chosen to grace the lobby and auditorium, while the bathrooms have been upgraded with new fixtures, marble countertops and floors.
However, the fishpool for the fountain will not be restored. Since it was destroyed when Loews installed a concession stand in front of the fixture, the statuary will be preserved and the area where the pool once was will be carpeted.
Some of the original seating, railings, signage, and ornate wallcovering remain in place as well as ceiling details that were unfortunately painted over. I sat in one of the smaller auditoriums in the original balcony, but before leaving I had the chance to peek into three larger auditoriums that boasted more detail.
Hello Everyone, I copied the following quote from the friends of the sammerick (also known as Sam Eric 4 and Boyd theatre) website at: http://savethesameric.org/
“Very important, a feasible plan to restore and reopen the Boyd has been put forth, with Clear Channel as the intended operator for musicals and concerts. Like many other large corporations, we found that Clear Channel has its detractors, but they have a tremendous track record of restoring and programming movie palaces in other cities. We have emphasized that in return for public funding, community access to the theater should be provided with a film program, public tours, and other public benefits”
Yesterday, I attended services and stayed behind for the grand tour. The theatre has been restored beautifully. The theater’s doors are made of gleaming copper and were stripped of layers of paint and hand polished by volunteers off premisis. Over 5000 dedicated volunteers restored this theatre to its former glory. One of the first electric chandeliers in the country, which originally hung in the grand lobby of the first Waldorf Astoria, now shimmers with over 100 light bulbs in the lobby. There are three fountains in the theatre (two in use) and an original hand woven tapestry in the basement lounge. The downstairs Ladies room has 44 stalls. There are also six live in maintenance workers who keep rent free apartments in the new wing that was recently added. Although the original colors have been toned down, (including the atmospheric ceiling of the auditorium) the brothers and sisters of different congregations have done a wonderful job turning this movie palace into a divine house of worship.
John,
The theatre is owned by the city and leased by the Friends of the Loews, as it has been for quite some time. They should be safe for the next few years, since the mayor and city council signed an agreement with them, (thanks to the supporters and friends of the loews) granting them a new lease.
Dont worry darling. Everything should be just fine.
I shall be there for the performance after attending Sunday service at the lovely Stanley theatre (Assembly Hall) across the street.
Some claim that subtitles are a “distraction” (as posted above).
I happen to think that it’s a bit deeper than that.
You may be on to something Jamie Somers.
By the way Jamie, I simply adore the bionic woman. Did you grow up watching those re-runs or is that your real name?
The following is a link to the Friends of the Loews website: http://www.loewsjersey.org/ A telephone number as well as information on the aquisition and restoration of the theatre are provided.
Subtitles dont distract me simply because I dont suffer from ADD or some type of visual imparment darling. I understand the comfort that it brings to people including myself when watching foreign films.
One of the salesman told me himself that the balcony area is used for storage. Of course it is possible that he was referring to the original projection room.
The hole in the ceiling has not been covered, although it is not as large as I thought it would be. The restoration of the auditorium is breathtaking and if one sits in the balcony, it shouldnt be a distraction.
The theatre is now a furniture store. Although the interior has been renovated, a few hints of its past remain. The exhibition cases in the lobby remain are in tact. The floor in the auditorium is still sloped and fabric still lines a few walls. The stage area still has a few art deco embellishments, but the balcony has been sealed off.
The auditorium could probably accomodate over 400 and could again present films or small stage shows with proper seating installed.
The theatre hasn’t been divided into retail as far as I know. There were always stores sharing the taxpayer that housed the Ascot. Unfortunately the marqee has been removed recently.
Fabulous news everyone!
As I was driving down the Grand Concourse today I stopped at a red light by the Paradise and noticed that the scaffolding was put up again. The workers already have steam cleaned a section of the building to the right of the clock. It looks wonderful, and it is very interesting to compare the clean verses the dirty side. Honestly speaking, most of of the ballustrades, urns, and other adornment on the exterior are actually highlighted by the accumulated soot on the exterior. I will almost miss the aged European look although the terra cotta is starting to shine again. Overall, progress continues!!!
Tony,
It is possible that there is a theater with Italian subtitles that your whole family could enjoy. With everyone able to understand the film, it should be a pleasant occasion for all of you. Try calling Clearview Cinemas, or search for a local theater on the web.
Wccdc,
I saw your video and cant help but wonder what happened to that town. It doesnt appear to be an urban slum covered in grafitti and garbage. The community seems to have been abandoned like a ghost town. Why did everyone leave? Where did they go?
The ruins are fascinating. I am almost inspired to pack my things up and explore them. How does one find this place? Is it safe?
Unless you are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder or some other visually crippling disability you should have no trouble viewing the film.
As for people who live abroad, there are British and American institutions that teach English as a primary language. Because many foreign hotels, government agencies, banks, buisnesses, cultural institions, cafes and other venues employ multilingual staff, it is not necessary to focus on the local language, as it is not necessary in the U.S. for dominant groups of non-English speaking people who are probably not interested in learing the language because they are comfortably catered to in their own.
I sometimes wonder if our society has moved beyond the days of Ellis Island when the (ethnic sounding)last names were shortened to sound more “American” and people were expected to assimilate and leave their cultures back in the old country. If you are not of British descent, the English language is not your native tongue, and if you are not of Native American descent then you are the descendant of an immigrant somewhere along the line. Over many generations some Americans have lost important ties with their cultural heritage and language. The new waves of immigrants dont have to because of venues like this theatre that cater to them as well as bilingual staff in schools, buisnesses and cultural institutions (some hosting exhibitions regarding their culture and tradition). It is a crimminal act to try and erase the culture and influence of people who reside in the U.S. since many people have lost their own. With out knowlege of ones heritage and language, there is nothing but a big empty hole in ones past. We should embrace the Spanish speaking community for preserving their customs, weaving new colors and moving new rythm into the fabric of our country.
I urge those who have no knowlege of their origins to seek it. Without knowing the truth you have no place in a world where one can easily be lost or forgotten.
Perhaps you should not visit the theatre if this bothers you so much. If the Jackson is successfully playing films for both diverse communities, it is obvious that the attendance of patrons who this would discomfort is not sought after.
Edwin,
The progress continues!!!
Crew workers have almost finished steam cleaning and grouting the teracota facade and it looks absolutely marvelous.
Three beautiful carpet samples have been chosen to grace the lobby and auditorium, while the bathrooms have been upgraded with new fixtures, marble countertops and floors.
However, the fishpool for the fountain will not be restored. Since it was destroyed when Loews installed a concession stand in front of the fixture, the statuary will be preserved and the area where the pool once was will be carpeted.
Some of the original seating, railings, signage, and ornate wallcovering remain in place as well as ceiling details that were unfortunately painted over. I sat in one of the smaller auditoriums in the original balcony, but before leaving I had the chance to peek into three larger auditoriums that boasted more detail.
Hello Everyone, I copied the following quote from the friends of the sammerick (also known as Sam Eric 4 and Boyd theatre) website at: http://savethesameric.org/
“Very important, a feasible plan to restore and reopen the Boyd has been put forth, with Clear Channel as the intended operator for musicals and concerts. Like many other large corporations, we found that Clear Channel has its detractors, but they have a tremendous track record of restoring and programming movie palaces in other cities. We have emphasized that in return for public funding, community access to the theater should be provided with a film program, public tours, and other public benefits”
Perhaps Clearchannel could help the Loews Kings.
Yesterday, I attended services and stayed behind for the grand tour. The theatre has been restored beautifully. The theater’s doors are made of gleaming copper and were stripped of layers of paint and hand polished by volunteers off premisis. Over 5000 dedicated volunteers restored this theatre to its former glory. One of the first electric chandeliers in the country, which originally hung in the grand lobby of the first Waldorf Astoria, now shimmers with over 100 light bulbs in the lobby. There are three fountains in the theatre (two in use) and an original hand woven tapestry in the basement lounge. The downstairs Ladies room has 44 stalls. There are also six live in maintenance workers who keep rent free apartments in the new wing that was recently added. Although the original colors have been toned down, (including the atmospheric ceiling of the auditorium) the brothers and sisters of different congregations have done a wonderful job turning this movie palace into a divine house of worship.
John,
The theatre is owned by the city and leased by the Friends of the Loews, as it has been for quite some time. They should be safe for the next few years, since the mayor and city council signed an agreement with them, (thanks to the supporters and friends of the loews) granting them a new lease.
Dont worry darling. Everything should be just fine.
I shall be there for the performance after attending Sunday service at the lovely Stanley theatre (Assembly Hall) across the street.
Some claim that subtitles are a “distraction” (as posted above).
I happen to think that it’s a bit deeper than that.
You may be on to something Jamie Somers.
By the way Jamie, I simply adore the bionic woman. Did you grow up watching those re-runs or is that your real name?
The following is a link to the Friends of the Loews website: http://www.loewsjersey.org/ A telephone number as well as information on the aquisition and restoration of the theatre are provided.
I believe that the balcony cannot be opened until the fire escape and upstairs emergency exits are restored.
Subtitles dont distract me simply because I dont suffer from ADD or some type of visual imparment darling. I understand the comfort that it brings to people including myself when watching foreign films.
No Warren, I dont believe heavenly spirits would roam a theatre that is adorned with pagan statuary.
One of the salesman told me himself that the balcony area is used for storage. Of course it is possible that he was referring to the original projection room.
The hole in the ceiling has not been covered, although it is not as large as I thought it would be. The restoration of the auditorium is breathtaking and if one sits in the balcony, it shouldnt be a distraction.
The theatre is now a furniture store. Although the interior has been renovated, a few hints of its past remain. The exhibition cases in the lobby remain are in tact. The floor in the auditorium is still sloped and fabric still lines a few walls. The stage area still has a few art deco embellishments, but the balcony has been sealed off.
The auditorium could probably accomodate over 400 and could again present films or small stage shows with proper seating installed.
I meant to say photographs of the auditorium of the Loews Paradise in the Bronx.
The theatre hasn’t been divided into retail as far as I know. There were always stores sharing the taxpayer that housed the Ascot. Unfortunately the marqee has been removed recently.
I agree beardbear. If you know of any groups planning to restore our sister movie palace, please tell us. I would love to contribute!
Fabulous news everyone!
As I was driving down the Grand Concourse today I stopped at a red light by the Paradise and noticed that the scaffolding was put up again. The workers already have steam cleaned a section of the building to the right of the clock. It looks wonderful, and it is very interesting to compare the clean verses the dirty side. Honestly speaking, most of of the ballustrades, urns, and other adornment on the exterior are actually highlighted by the accumulated soot on the exterior. I will almost miss the aged European look although the terra cotta is starting to shine again. Overall, progress continues!!!
Tony,
It is possible that there is a theater with Italian subtitles that your whole family could enjoy. With everyone able to understand the film, it should be a pleasant occasion for all of you. Try calling Clearview Cinemas, or search for a local theater on the web.
Those subtitles must be disturbing to you warren.
It unfortunately appears that the halls and auditorium have been painted over. Was this theatre originally dripping with brilliant color?
What exactly makes this modern multiplex significant enough to be a cinema treasure?
Wccdc,
I saw your video and cant help but wonder what happened to that town. It doesnt appear to be an urban slum covered in grafitti and garbage. The community seems to have been abandoned like a ghost town. Why did everyone leave? Where did they go?
The ruins are fascinating. I am almost inspired to pack my things up and explore them. How does one find this place? Is it safe?
Unless you are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder or some other visually crippling disability you should have no trouble viewing the film.
As for people who live abroad, there are British and American institutions that teach English as a primary language. Because many foreign hotels, government agencies, banks, buisnesses, cultural institions, cafes and other venues employ multilingual staff, it is not necessary to focus on the local language, as it is not necessary in the U.S. for dominant groups of non-English speaking people who are probably not interested in learing the language because they are comfortably catered to in their own.
I sometimes wonder if our society has moved beyond the days of Ellis Island when the (ethnic sounding)last names were shortened to sound more “American” and people were expected to assimilate and leave their cultures back in the old country. If you are not of British descent, the English language is not your native tongue, and if you are not of Native American descent then you are the descendant of an immigrant somewhere along the line. Over many generations some Americans have lost important ties with their cultural heritage and language. The new waves of immigrants dont have to because of venues like this theatre that cater to them as well as bilingual staff in schools, buisnesses and cultural institutions (some hosting exhibitions regarding their culture and tradition). It is a crimminal act to try and erase the culture and influence of people who reside in the U.S. since many people have lost their own. With out knowlege of ones heritage and language, there is nothing but a big empty hole in ones past. We should embrace the Spanish speaking community for preserving their customs, weaving new colors and moving new rythm into the fabric of our country.
I urge those who have no knowlege of their origins to seek it. Without knowing the truth you have no place in a world where one can easily be lost or forgotten.
Perhaps you should not visit the theatre if this bothers you so much. If the Jackson is successfully playing films for both diverse communities, it is obvious that the attendance of patrons who this would discomfort is not sought after.