Comments from Bruce1

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Bruce1
Bruce1 commented about Kings Theatre on Nov 29, 2004 at 7:31 am

To: Jim Rankin
From: Bruce (Save The Kings)
It’s possible that Jehovah’s Witnesses did survey the Loew’s Kings before taking over the Albermale or redoing the Stanley. However, the Stanley is over 5,000 seats, while Loews
Kings was originally 3,692 but was later reduced to 3,192 for more comfortable seating. However, you’re suggestion about asking JW, if they did a site survey and if they have photographs or documents is clever! Or what problems they faced even as a tax exempt organization…

If members of cinematreasures wanted to start our own tax exempt organization and answer the RFP, coming soon… then maybe, we could garner enough free labor volunteers, etc. etc. and try to Save The Kings as a Center for the Performing Arts. In some ways learning from the experience of JW and also the Loew’s Jersey team.

By the way, such an idea has been suggested to me in the past by the Loew’s Kings Project Mgrs of the NYC Economic Development Corporation. However, I thought that this idea was just tooo hard to put into practice. However, maybe it is possible? Especially since Borough President – Marty Markowitz very much wants to see a comeback of the Kings as a Center for the Arts!!

Theater restoration specialists have their facilities in Brooklyn and possibly, they would help to teach our volunteers, the tricks of the trade?

Bruce.

Bruce1
Bruce1 commented about Kings Theatre on Nov 26, 2004 at 1:32 pm

Unfortunately, there is much misinformation on this message board:

1-The land under the Loew’s Kings is not and was never owned by Sears.

2-The theater is owned by the NYC Economic Development Corporation- which plans to issue, still another RFP as early as next month. They, along with the Brooklyn Borough President (And my group: Save The Kings) have long wanted it to reopen as a Center for the Performing Arts.

3-Clear Channel Entertainment (Ron Delsener) went with me on a guided tour of the Kings and thought it might serve as a concert venue. Then, Clear Channel entertained talks but so far, NO help!

4-Warren, don’t worry Sears does not own the lot! [Paramount-Publix started the “Wonder Theatres”, facing bankrupcty sold it to Marcus Loew. The land UNDER Sears is and has been owned by Vornado REIT and they are a major shareholder in both KMart and Sears. The 750 car parking lot (behind theater) is NOT owned by Sears, they have their own lot! EDC owns this lot and Bruce Ratner (Master Builder: Nets Arena, Atlantic Center, Metrotech, etc.) has a long term lease on parking lot for that exclusive purpose.)