This whole street strikes me as a museum of sorts. All these great movie palaces continue to survive, possibly the greatest concentration left in the United States, and yet most of them don’t seem to have a concrete function. It almost looks to be a salute to L.A’s movie heritage.
The Biltmore was awfully messed up in the last years it stood empty. The building was literally crumbling onto the sidewalk. That raised section above the marquee was nothing but a metal frame. It is surprising that they did not put up a fence.
Last time I was out that way (probably three years ago) there was still an active business of some kind. I think the marquee was even still there, though covered with retail signs now.
Some of the neon was missing from the sign when I happened to drive by last week. It might be that it was hidden underneath the FOR LEASE banner or they might be stripping the sign. I have to travel back to Streeterville next week & will try to remember to take a look.
I would love to help, but I already have a significant volunteer commitment. Every time I think it might be winding down it becomes apparent that I will be needed for at least another six months.
My father took me to a film here years ago. It sure was a nice little house. It was in great shape considering the year was about ‘88-'89. No water damage, no insensitive paint jobs (I.E. the entire auditorium was not painted lemon yellow), vintage light fixures in the lobby. Definitely one of my best cinema experiences.
Kind of funny that I was so impressed by the features of this little house when Times Square once had such things as the Paramount.
There has been much discussion about this thatre, as evidenced by the pile of “4021” postings I find every day. I love old theatres. But I have to ask: what is the root of the fascination with this one in particular? It doesn’t seem like anything all that special.
I get the impression from everything read here that they consider it their storage facility and would like the rest of the world, particularly preservationists, to forget about the the theatre. I think it is possible that recent events at the Gayety could have put this into focus for the owner (and prompted the paper covering).
It is not too often that I say something like, “it was a crime to demolish this theatre.” Much as I love old buildings there simply is not a place in the modern world for every 1920’s cinema. But this was quite a place. It certainly should have been preserved. I think I would trade the Warfield, Golden Gate and the Castro if we could have the Fox back.
The Hamilton does not seem to have changed much since I last saw it in the 80’s. Years ago there was a Marquee Magazine feature called something like, “Thomas Lamb neighborhood theatres of New York.” It contained photos of the Hamilton and many others. What a cool thought it is that New York was once filled with packed movie theatres. I believe that technology has made us more isolated as a culture, and that is a shame.
Yeah!!!!!!!!! The Coed! We enjoyed many movies here when I was in school at U. of I. It was heavily remodeled (four or five screens) and had no architectural merit. But we crowded in there because it was in within walking distance of student housing (the college campus may be the last market in the U.S. where this matters for a cinema). I was sorry to learn that they took it down.
In his defense it is a tough one. Even if the building were in great shape it would be difficult to turn a profit. Unfortunately, the building is trashed. I wouldn’t mind if he kept the lobby and exterior and carried out his project. But most developers don’t get that creative unless someone complains.
I don’t get all of this condo action. I know the baby boomers are coming and none of them are going to want to retire in Florida. But even so it seems like we must be heading for a bubble.
It is not all that impressive Cinemark fan. The lobby, which I believe is a rough recreation of the original, is pretty cool. But the rest of the building looks like any other multiplex of the period.
When I was a kid in Chicago I spent a lot of time photographing the remaining neighborhood theatres, open or closed. This place did look like an eyesore at the end. Even as it sat abandoned, however, it retained an unmistakable dignity. The Commodore was once a popular community meeting place where people laughed, loved, and enjoyed precious family time with one another. I believe that is where the dignity came from. It is amazing how time marches on. New technology is amazing and should certainly be embraced. But in that embrace we have lost a sense of human togetherness that was once taken for granted.
Regarding comment by AldeNYC on Sept 12, a renovated auditorium might not function as a theatre. There are retail conversions out there that have been decently executed. If the auditorium is in respectable shape I wouldn’t mind if they used it for another public function. I would simply like the planners involved to give serious consideration to the building’s history, what can be saved and what cannot. Unfortunately it sounds like they are pretty dead set on this giant paper weight.
I don’t want to be an unrealistic optimist. But I have a feeling any demolition work Huang did was pretty minor. The account I read of that episode made it sound like he drove a Bobcat up the grand stair and knocked a few railings out. Maybe took out a few plaster decorations. It sounds like they stopped his little arts and crafts project pretty quickly. Even if he did tear many things apart, the area could be cleaned up during a restoration (but not fully restored).
Take the example of Chicago’s Oriental. One of the upper lobbies was damaged by fire in the 70’s or 80’s. After the fire it was simply patched up. They didn’t put back all of the original details (why would they in ‘81?). When the Oriental was restored they still did not restore all of the lost decoration. That upper lobby today, while spruced up, looks like it could be in any number of downtown office buildings.
Another idea (not restoration) to ponder is that of the Hollywood Egyptian. Closed, rotting away, and heavily altered by modernization over the years. When it was reopened they did not spend the money necessary to replace the massive Egyptian arch that was ripped out in the 60’s. But they did turn it back into an attractive show place (the restored outdoor court is one of my favorite theatre exteriors).
So what’s my point?
1) I have a feeling that the demolition wasn’t that big a deal.
2) If it was I don’t think it precludes a constructive reuse of the auditorium.
3) Unless the auditorium’s exterior was significantly compromised during the demoltion (or possibly by a big storm), I don’t see how any water damage in the auditorium stands to be much worse than the lobby photos we have seen (see other comments I have made regarding water damage above).
3) If I am wrong about all of this, and the auditorium and inner lobbies are a complete ruin, none of us should feel too badly about demolition because you can’t save them all.
I’ll be damned. I forgot about this place, and I even took a photograph of it. That photograph was taken in the late 80’s, at which time the building looked to be maintained. I’m sorry they didn’t save at least the exterior, epecially when you consider that the Lawndale Theatre continues to rot away over on Roosevelt (although I think there is still a church in there).
I remember going here to see that Eddie Murphy/Red Fox gangster movie. Can’t remember the name now. It was after Cineplex Odeon spent some money on the place. Lobby was modernized (with smooth surfaces and lots of neon decoration) but the large auditorium still retained it’s original details (albeit under grey paint). New seating, new carpet. I think they added two cinemas in what had been a ballroom upstairs. Classic marquee and box office were still there. Sound was good in the main auditorium. One of my better movie-going recollections from the old days.
This whole street strikes me as a museum of sorts. All these great movie palaces continue to survive, possibly the greatest concentration left in the United States, and yet most of them don’t seem to have a concrete function. It almost looks to be a salute to L.A’s movie heritage.
The Biltmore was awfully messed up in the last years it stood empty. The building was literally crumbling onto the sidewalk. That raised section above the marquee was nothing but a metal frame. It is surprising that they did not put up a fence.
Last time I was out that way (probably three years ago) there was still an active business of some kind. I think the marquee was even still there, though covered with retail signs now.
Some of the neon was missing from the sign when I happened to drive by last week. It might be that it was hidden underneath the FOR LEASE banner or they might be stripping the sign. I have to travel back to Streeterville next week & will try to remember to take a look.
Regarding mikemovies comment of Sept 16:
I would love to help, but I already have a significant volunteer commitment. Every time I think it might be winding down it becomes apparent that I will be needed for at least another six months.
Thank you for responding to my question.
My father took me to a film here years ago. It sure was a nice little house. It was in great shape considering the year was about ‘88-'89. No water damage, no insensitive paint jobs (I.E. the entire auditorium was not painted lemon yellow), vintage light fixures in the lobby. Definitely one of my best cinema experiences.
Kind of funny that I was so impressed by the features of this little house when Times Square once had such things as the Paramount.
LOL
You can’t go wrong with Chuck Norris.
There has been much discussion about this thatre, as evidenced by the pile of “4021” postings I find every day. I love old theatres. But I have to ask: what is the root of the fascination with this one in particular? It doesn’t seem like anything all that special.
I get the impression from everything read here that they consider it their storage facility and would like the rest of the world, particularly preservationists, to forget about the the theatre. I think it is possible that recent events at the Gayety could have put this into focus for the owner (and prompted the paper covering).
I don’t think so. But it was a long time ago. Maybe 1985. If you contact the THSA archives I would bet they can help you to locate the issue.
It is not too often that I say something like, “it was a crime to demolish this theatre.” Much as I love old buildings there simply is not a place in the modern world for every 1920’s cinema. But this was quite a place. It certainly should have been preserved. I think I would trade the Warfield, Golden Gate and the Castro if we could have the Fox back.
The Hamilton does not seem to have changed much since I last saw it in the 80’s. Years ago there was a Marquee Magazine feature called something like, “Thomas Lamb neighborhood theatres of New York.” It contained photos of the Hamilton and many others. What a cool thought it is that New York was once filled with packed movie theatres. I believe that technology has made us more isolated as a culture, and that is a shame.
I visited this place in order to shoot photos around ‘91. It commanded great respect even in marginal shape. It must be unbelievable now.
Goodbye old friend. Many fine memories.
Yeah!!!!!!!!! The Coed! We enjoyed many movies here when I was in school at U. of I. It was heavily remodeled (four or five screens) and had no architectural merit. But we crowded in there because it was in within walking distance of student housing (the college campus may be the last market in the U.S. where this matters for a cinema). I was sorry to learn that they took it down.
Happens sometimes with construction/development. Project could start tomorrow or it the property might sit for another six months.
In his defense it is a tough one. Even if the building were in great shape it would be difficult to turn a profit. Unfortunately, the building is trashed. I wouldn’t mind if he kept the lobby and exterior and carried out his project. But most developers don’t get that creative unless someone complains.
I don’t get all of this condo action. I know the baby boomers are coming and none of them are going to want to retire in Florida. But even so it seems like we must be heading for a bubble.
It is not all that impressive Cinemark fan. The lobby, which I believe is a rough recreation of the original, is pretty cool. But the rest of the building looks like any other multiplex of the period.
When I was a kid in Chicago I spent a lot of time photographing the remaining neighborhood theatres, open or closed. This place did look like an eyesore at the end. Even as it sat abandoned, however, it retained an unmistakable dignity. The Commodore was once a popular community meeting place where people laughed, loved, and enjoyed precious family time with one another. I believe that is where the dignity came from. It is amazing how time marches on. New technology is amazing and should certainly be embraced. But in that embrace we have lost a sense of human togetherness that was once taken for granted.
Regarding comment by AldeNYC on Sept 12, a renovated auditorium might not function as a theatre. There are retail conversions out there that have been decently executed. If the auditorium is in respectable shape I wouldn’t mind if they used it for another public function. I would simply like the planners involved to give serious consideration to the building’s history, what can be saved and what cannot. Unfortunately it sounds like they are pretty dead set on this giant paper weight.
5) I am really hoping that whatever they do does not involve a glass wall.
I don’t want to be an unrealistic optimist. But I have a feeling any demolition work Huang did was pretty minor. The account I read of that episode made it sound like he drove a Bobcat up the grand stair and knocked a few railings out. Maybe took out a few plaster decorations. It sounds like they stopped his little arts and crafts project pretty quickly. Even if he did tear many things apart, the area could be cleaned up during a restoration (but not fully restored).
Take the example of Chicago’s Oriental. One of the upper lobbies was damaged by fire in the 70’s or 80’s. After the fire it was simply patched up. They didn’t put back all of the original details (why would they in ‘81?). When the Oriental was restored they still did not restore all of the lost decoration. That upper lobby today, while spruced up, looks like it could be in any number of downtown office buildings.
Another idea (not restoration) to ponder is that of the Hollywood Egyptian. Closed, rotting away, and heavily altered by modernization over the years. When it was reopened they did not spend the money necessary to replace the massive Egyptian arch that was ripped out in the 60’s. But they did turn it back into an attractive show place (the restored outdoor court is one of my favorite theatre exteriors).
So what’s my point?
1) I have a feeling that the demolition wasn’t that big a deal.
2) If it was I don’t think it precludes a constructive reuse of the auditorium.
3) Unless the auditorium’s exterior was significantly compromised during the demoltion (or possibly by a big storm), I don’t see how any water damage in the auditorium stands to be much worse than the lobby photos we have seen (see other comments I have made regarding water damage above).
3) If I am wrong about all of this, and the auditorium and inner lobbies are a complete ruin, none of us should feel too badly about demolition because you can’t save them all.
My two cents…or maybe five.
I’ll be damned. I forgot about this place, and I even took a photograph of it. That photograph was taken in the late 80’s, at which time the building looked to be maintained. I’m sorry they didn’t save at least the exterior, epecially when you consider that the Lawndale Theatre continues to rot away over on Roosevelt (although I think there is still a church in there).
I remember going here to see that Eddie Murphy/Red Fox gangster movie. Can’t remember the name now. It was after Cineplex Odeon spent some money on the place. Lobby was modernized (with smooth surfaces and lots of neon decoration) but the large auditorium still retained it’s original details (albeit under grey paint). New seating, new carpet. I think they added two cinemas in what had been a ballroom upstairs. Classic marquee and box office were still there. Sound was good in the main auditorium. One of my better movie-going recollections from the old days.
Is that ever a stark contrast!
If I am not mistaken there was at least one other entertainment building where that modern office building now stands.