Brooklynite: Thanks for all the extra effort! Saturday, April 8th is fine with me and I can certainly talk about the neighborhood, all the new shopping, all the old theaters and the possibilities for renewal…
Afterwards, our group can go back to my house to watch ‘Memoirs Of A Movie Palace’.
Many of the people interested in the Kings are not necessarily NYC residents, so I’m really not sure who might be interested or not. Let’s hope for a small, but enthusiastic group.
Often times the architects that built these theaters were the same people who designed and built the churches. So it’s not that surprising that the churches are converting theaters into houses of worship. At the corner of Nostrand and Eastern Parkway, was the Kameo Theater and now it’s the Philadelphia Church. I have been inside where I found the rumor to be true! They had covered over the nude statuary with gowns!
To: Brooklynite, Gustav and all others wanting to have our first meeting:
Flatbush Avenue Bus, Church Avenue BMT (nice walk) Nostrand Avenue Subway. I’m sorry I really don’t know the correct names or lines for public transportation. Although we could meet at my house and from here, drive over to the theater.
Part of my original Save The Kings group was Lester Binger. He was an usher at the Kings, but told me about his experience working at the Loew’s Metropolitan for a special engagement, ‘Gone With The Wind’. Everything was scrubbed and polished, this was an important film and the management wanted everything to be just so. Only very special ushers from the various Loew’s houses got the nod to work this special assignment.
You didn’t mention The Chicago Theater. I even had conversations with him about a space in Brooklyn! (The original architects for the Kings also built this house)
Yes, I’ve done all that stuff, but somehow the theater remains closed. Maybe that’s because the city owns the building and doesn’t know how to market it? Maybe it’s because the surrounding area has decayed and had a crime problem. Now is definitely improving) Almost directly behind the theater is one of the most successful Sear’s stores with a large parking lot. Along side the Kings is a mini-mall with Stop & Shop Supermarket; Old Navy, Staples, Marshall’s and off the corner is a Foot Locker. And behind and to the left of theater is additional 750 car park lot—city owned lot that is long term lease by the owner of the mini-mall. He is a major major developer in Brooklyn, but plays things close to the vest. Loew’s Kings can certainly be a Center for the Performing Arts and draw its audiences — that travel a distance.
The original theater held 3,600 people, but was reduced to 3,192 in the sixties. (Still a commanding space!) The main design elements are the Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
Dear Life,
I understand the fact that you don’t live in the New York area, making it impossible to meet in person, but I am not asking anyone for money. I have been trying in different ways (contacting real estate developers; contacting theater operators, contacting live concert promoters, etc.) but I have never once asked anyone for money.
Where do you live and is there a local theater that appeals to you?
Hang On For Dear Life,
Thanks for the advice, but what I would really like is a face to face with you and other interested people. Maybe a meeting is a good idea?
To: Bob Furmanek
Several months ago I thought that this message board was only for nostalgia buffs. It seemed to appeal to people who want to see a theater restored but never took the concept forward. Now it seems there are people who are also living in the present, but fall victim to the games and politics or those who don’t think it’s possible. So far I haven’t heard from anybody who wants to have a meeting.
I visited the Loew’s Jersey while it was still going through renovation and frankly found it’s decor a little overwhelming. Maybe I’m prejudice but the Loew’s Kings is classy, it’s not overdone.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
Jack,
When you looked inside the Kings, you may have found it beyond it’s prime. However, if you have looked inside other old theaters, you would have found similar conditions. For instance, look at Disney’s New Amsterdam. That was a wreck but look at it now! Look at the Chicago, the Detroit Fox and others. When you talk about the neighborhood, why not look at all the national chains that have discovered Flatbush Avenue (surrounding the Kings) Staples, Old Navy, Stop and Shop, Ashley Stuart, Foot Locker, CVS, Rite Aid, Lucille Roberts, Canal Jeans, etc. Not to mention the continuing presence of Sear’s. Could all these stores be wrong about the resurgence of the neighborhood.
The neighborhood has stabilized, business is booming but there is no movie theater and there is certainly no live house for concerts, etc. As far as ‘no government support’, the Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz totally agrees with my plan for a live theater with a multiplex, shopping and a botique hotel built on the air rights of the theater.
Orlando,
Fortunately, the Loew’s Paradise is back in business! I wish I could say the same for the Loew’s Kings
As far as good news, the Brooklyn Borough President agrees with me completely that Loew’s Kings might be reopened as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts. As you may remember, the Kings is owned by the NYC Economic Development Corporation and they have promised him that an RFP Request for Proposal will be issued, but that has been delayed and delayed.
Did anybody miss me? Where have I been? Well, I misplaced my password and without it, I did not have access to this site. Sure, I could go on, but I could not post a note. As far as writing to management, that did no good. They never answered any of my pleas.
Enough said! Unfortunately, the NYC Economic Development Corporation has delayed and delayed issuing that RFP (Request For Proposal) and there seems to be no progress on the Loew’s Kings. If they issue the proposal and if a real estate developer sees the value of this Cathedral of the Ornate, then hopefully it will be restored and reopened as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts. Of course, it could be demolished to make way for a shopping mall.
Has anybody written to the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz to express their support for his efforts to Save The Kings?
Brooklynite: Thanks for all the extra effort! Saturday, April 8th is fine with me and I can certainly talk about the neighborhood, all the new shopping, all the old theaters and the possibilities for renewal…
Afterwards, our group can go back to my house to watch ‘Memoirs Of A Movie Palace’.
Many of the people interested in the Kings are not necessarily NYC residents, so I’m really not sure who might be interested or not. Let’s hope for a small, but enthusiastic group.
Yes, there is shopping and then the Pavilion Theater. It’s a digital cinema where satellite dishes bring the movie to the audience.
Often times the architects that built these theaters were the same people who designed and built the churches. So it’s not that surprising that the churches are converting theaters into houses of worship. At the corner of Nostrand and Eastern Parkway, was the Kameo Theater and now it’s the Philadelphia Church. I have been inside where I found the rumor to be true! They had covered over the nude statuary with gowns!
To: hdtv267
I live right near the 15th Street-Prospect Park station of the F Train.
To: Brooklynite, Gustav and all others wanting to have our first meeting:
Flatbush Avenue Bus, Church Avenue BMT (nice walk) Nostrand Avenue Subway. I’m sorry I really don’t know the correct names or lines for public transportation. Although we could meet at my house and from here, drive over to the theater.
Part of my original Save The Kings group was Lester Binger. He was an usher at the Kings, but told me about his experience working at the Loew’s Metropolitan for a special engagement, ‘Gone With The Wind’. Everything was scrubbed and polished, this was an important film and the management wanted everything to be just so. Only very special ushers from the various Loew’s houses got the nod to work this special assignment.
Hey Brooklynite, that’s a great idea! Let’s try to set a day and date.
Bruce (Kings)
You didn’t mention The Chicago Theater. I even had conversations with him about a space in Brooklyn! (The original architects for the Kings also built this house)
Yes, I’ve done all that stuff, but somehow the theater remains closed. Maybe that’s because the city owns the building and doesn’t know how to market it? Maybe it’s because the surrounding area has decayed and had a crime problem. Now is definitely improving) Almost directly behind the theater is one of the most successful Sear’s stores with a large parking lot. Along side the Kings is a mini-mall with Stop & Shop Supermarket; Old Navy, Staples, Marshall’s and off the corner is a Foot Locker. And behind and to the left of theater is additional 750 car park lot—city owned lot that is long term lease by the owner of the mini-mall. He is a major major developer in Brooklyn, but plays things close to the vest. Loew’s Kings can certainly be a Center for the Performing Arts and draw its audiences — that travel a distance.
The original theater held 3,600 people, but was reduced to 3,192 in the sixties. (Still a commanding space!) The main design elements are the Palace of Versaille and the Paris Opera House.
Dear Life,
I understand the fact that you don’t live in the New York area, making it impossible to meet in person, but I am not asking anyone for money. I have been trying in different ways (contacting real estate developers; contacting theater operators, contacting live concert promoters, etc.) but I have never once asked anyone for money.
Where do you live and is there a local theater that appeals to you?
Hang On For Dear Life,
Thanks for the advice, but what I would really like is a face to face with you and other interested people. Maybe a meeting is a good idea?
To: Bob Furmanek
Several months ago I thought that this message board was only for nostalgia buffs. It seemed to appeal to people who want to see a theater restored but never took the concept forward. Now it seems there are people who are also living in the present, but fall victim to the games and politics or those who don’t think it’s possible. So far I haven’t heard from anybody who wants to have a meeting.
I visited the Loew’s Jersey while it was still going through renovation and frankly found it’s decor a little overwhelming. Maybe I’m prejudice but the Loew’s Kings is classy, it’s not overdone.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
To: Jack
When I first read your negative comments, I was upset. Now that I have had the chance to digest them, I have a different perspective. Maybe I have been trying to Save The Kings for too long? If only some deep pocketed developer would understand the potential. If only they could see how such restoration and air rights expansion (Botique Hotel, Multiplex, Shopping Mall) could mean to the whole neighborhood. Others have suggested we form a 501C and make a business plan, but that would mean raising the money (Estimates have gone as high as $30-$50 million dollars.) In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a developer and convince him that saving the theater can and will increase the surrounding property value. Maybe I’ve been at this for too long? Maybe I have talked with too many developers, talked to one too many retail chains (those that have surrounded the Loews Kings) but I wouldn’t say I have accomplished nothing. I’ve collected memorabilia and stories from former theater manager and ushers that went way back to 1936.
Certainly the memorabilia and availability of some original furniture could fill a small museum. I hope by inviting new blood to a meeting, we can divide responsibilities and give it another push. Maybe that would make the difference.
Anybody interested in having a meeting, contact me ‘Kings’ or Bruce at
Anybody interested in having a meeting, contact me ‘Kings’ or Bruce at
Jack,
When you looked inside the Kings, you may have found it beyond it’s prime. However, if you have looked inside other old theaters, you would have found similar conditions. For instance, look at Disney’s New Amsterdam. That was a wreck but look at it now! Look at the Chicago, the Detroit Fox and others. When you talk about the neighborhood, why not look at all the national chains that have discovered Flatbush Avenue (surrounding the Kings) Staples, Old Navy, Stop and Shop, Ashley Stuart, Foot Locker, CVS, Rite Aid, Lucille Roberts, Canal Jeans, etc. Not to mention the continuing presence of Sear’s. Could all these stores be wrong about the resurgence of the neighborhood.
The neighborhood has stabilized, business is booming but there is no movie theater and there is certainly no live house for concerts, etc. As far as ‘no government support’, the Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz totally agrees with my plan for a live theater with a multiplex, shopping and a botique hotel built on the air rights of the theater.
So give me a break and don’t be so negative!
Orlando,
Fortunately, the Loew’s Paradise is back in business! I wish I could say the same for the Loew’s Kings
As far as good news, the Brooklyn Borough President agrees with me completely that Loew’s Kings might be reopened as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts. As you may remember, the Kings is owned by the NYC Economic Development Corporation and they have promised him that an RFP Request for Proposal will be issued, but that has been delayed and delayed.
Bruce Friedman
Chairman Save The Kings
Gustavelifting and any others wishing to get together for a meeting on how to Save The Kings, please contact me at
Kings
Again, sorry for the long delay in arranging this meeting, but I could not get onto this site.
Kings is my new name, it’s the same old Bruce II
Did anybody miss me? Where have I been? Well, I misplaced my password and without it, I did not have access to this site. Sure, I could go on, but I could not post a note. As far as writing to management, that did no good. They never answered any of my pleas.
Enough said! Unfortunately, the NYC Economic Development Corporation has delayed and delayed issuing that RFP (Request For Proposal) and there seems to be no progress on the Loew’s Kings. If they issue the proposal and if a real estate developer sees the value of this Cathedral of the Ornate, then hopefully it will be restored and reopened as the Kings County Center for the Performing Arts. Of course, it could be demolished to make way for a shopping mall.
Has anybody written to the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz to express their support for his efforts to Save The Kings?