Kings Theatre
1027 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11226
1027 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11226
86 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1,076 - 1,100 of 1,564 comments
The NEW AMSTERDAM in Manhattan shows what can be done, though it is not and never was a true movie palace.
I need some around the Brooklyn area, or in New York City.
The Stanley Theatre in Jersey City was completely restored even know it is used as a church.
That largely depends upon what one means by “completely restored.” The terms ‘rehabed’ or ‘refurbished’ are often used to avoid the connotation of something really brought back to original condition as the word ‘restored’ implies. Most all theatre ‘restorations’ are not really that since to very few can afford so muchj extensive, hand crafted details, especially since the factories that made many of the furnishings and such no longer exist, and some items such as the huge, elaborate draperies are rarely around today with the knowledege and capacity to do such lavish work to the caliber that it was then done.
Still, there are a few ‘restorations’ that might inspire someone:
The PARAMOUNT in Oakland, CA (draperies too)
The STANFORD in Palo Alto, CA
The PARAMOUNT in Aurora, IL
The PABST and RIVERSIDE in Milwaukee
The RIALTO in Joliet, IL
The LOEW’S (VIRGINIA CENTER FOR THE PERF. ARTS) in Richmond
among others. No doubt others here will think of some.
What needs to be shown is one that has been completely restored. Does anyone know of a completely restore theater?
Amen, Jim, Amen
Showing the JERSEY may be both good and bad, depending upon how visionary the man is. If he sees the beautiful remainders of a movie palace and likes that form, he will be encouraged. If he sees only the many patches and all the work to come, he may see only even far greater expenses in the KINGS. All of this depends upon just what he really intends to do with the structure and land. Often times, prospective buyers will claim to be preservationists only to really be developers with ulterior motives. Of course, bruce1 is only doing someone a favor, and has no control over what such a person really may do. Let us hope the prospective owner has both noble intentions AND deep deep pockets!
Maybe I should tell you all that Bruce 1 emailed me that he has another person looking at the theater for possible restoration. If I recall, I suggested to him that he try showing the person the Loew’s Jersey. What do you all think of this idea?
Dear Paul,
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is very well aware of the Loew’s Kings. He is anxious for the NYC Economic Development Corp to issue their long delayed RFP Request For Proposal. He has been anxious to restore the Kings ever since it closed in 1979.
The Kings is located in Flatbush and that’s where Markowitz began his career as a tenant advocate. Since then, beginning in 1979, I have worked closely with him in generating interest and providing ideas for its restoration. Marty Marakwotiz is is definitely a friend of the Kings.
The newest target is to have the Kings RFP be issued sometimes in October-November.
Right, Mr Noble. Then again, so could the Loew’s Jersey. That’s another one of the Loew’s Wonders.
Does anyone close to BP Markowitz know whether Markowitz is aware of the progress being made on the Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx? If the Paradise restoration and performing arts uses are successful, this could be a template for the great Loew’s Kings.
I am too young to remember being on it. Steeplechase closed when I was only three. However, I think Markowitz wants it running again as part of the revitalization of Coney Island. I just hope he gets the Kings open, and restores Coney Island back to its former glory. I may be living just on the other side of the Verrazano Bridge soon, and I am a former Brooklynite (which I am proud to say).
Gustavelifting.. Re the Parachute Jump. It is doubtful if it will ever function again. Blame the high cost of insurance and the fact that there will probably be countless lawsuits filed by riders who get ‘shaken up’. Went on it once with my father when I was a kid, and it scared the hell out of me- although the view before the drop was awesome!
Ziggy;
I just checked this sight, and you are right! I though all Loew’s Wonder Theaters were designed by the same team, my mistake.
There will be a celebrity softball game at Keyspan Park on Sept.18 if you want to see the inside of the park. Unfortunatly the parachute jump will never operate again. Even if they could restore the ride, because of high insurance costs, a ride on it would cost about $20. You would have to hit a ball about 500 feet to reach it anyway.
Hi Gustavelifting. The Paradise was designed by John Eberson.
By the way, I have yet to see Keyspan Park from the inside. I hope some day they will start the parachute jump again. Imagine catching a ball in that thing!
Snowshoe;
I think the Paradise in the Bronx, and the Kings were designed by the same architects, Rapp and Rapp, so they share a history other than the Loew’s Name. That is probably why it reminded you of the Paradise. Like the Paradise, it’s a Loew’s Wonder Theater. It’s also the toast of Flatbush and Tilden Avenues.
Shoeshoe….Yes, that is the general idea, to revive this great theater to its former glory. Re all the posts on this theater there seems to be a lot of interest. Did you ever go there? It is truly spectacular. Even when the shows were lousy, just being there was all the fun. And you ARE right, this theater is huge{
Had no idea how many comments were on here! I biked on Sunday from Jacob Riis Park to Park Slope and saw this massive structure. Its front reminded me of the Paradise and it had a great frieze? in the middle. On top of the doors it said it was the the Loews Kings Showcase? I loved how it had a facade and then was diagonal. Strange. I bike around to the back and it was weird, the neighborhood just ended but the building is huge and intact. Around the corner was a Sports Authority or some box store and then the neighborhood. There was a 7-block street fair and it was bustling. Some folks saw me eye it and told me someone had just bought it. I went up to the doors to look in and could only see a sliver of the lobby. The second set of doors past the ticket booth had reflective mirrors and reflected the stores behind me. The facade smelled musty.
It would be used highly by the community. The neighborhood is busy and it’s Flatbush, I mean, come on.
Its more fun than the park near the ferry. And Nathan’s is right next door!
Theaterat;
I know about the Cyclones, and I really added that to get a chuckle. I went to a Cyclones Game when they played the Yankees of Staten Island. I hope your stadium is as much fun to be in as the one by the ferry.
R.H.
Give it a try. I think it should be turned into a performing arts center.
Gustavelifting… Maybe “the Bums” who moved to LA will never come back, but we do have the Cyclones and their new park in Coney IS. Granted, it isn`t major league ball, but it IS turning Coney Island around- for the good.
Gustavelifting, thanks, I’ll check it out. I was scheduled to take one of the tours they were giving in the late 1980’s, but got called into work that day. I’m still angry about missing it!
R.H.
There is a committee formed to open the Kings. If you would like to help, you can reach them through this website
Http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Stu/awaseniu/loews.htm