Landmark movie theatre sold

The Ridgewood Theatre’s famous façade will remain, but the interior is in danger of going the way of the silent movie.
The landmarked Queens movie theatre, closed since 2008, will go from showing movies to selling groceries after its recent sale put it in line to become an Associated Supermarket.
While the façade cannot be altered without city permission, the interior could very well be demolished if the new owner chooses to do so.
“Would you go into the Museum of Natural History with a jackhammer?” asked Michael Perlman, chair of Friends of the Ridgewood Theatre. “The theatre is a museum-quality establishment and a living landmark that should be preserved.”
However, Perlman believes that an agreement can be made that would allow for the two upper floors of the theatre to be preserved and used as community space performing arts center.
“The building can undergo a transformation with history in mind. We’re hoping that at least two levels can be used for performance space,” said Perlman. “I view this situation as being as close to a win-win as possible. It could be a lot worse.”
And “a lot worse,” according to Perlman, would be total demolition of the nearly century old work of legendary theatre architect Thomas A. Lamb. The exterior of structure was saved in January 2010 when the New York City Landmarks Preservation Committee voted unanimously in favor of designating the theatre’s façade an individual city landmark.
In a statement announcing the decision, LPC chair Robert Tierney called the façade “a fitting gateway to the treasures awaiting inside, creating nearly 100 years of memories for countless moviegoers.”
Two of those treasures – the stage and grand staircase – have fallen into disrepair since they were built in 1916. Other features, like the ornate theatre’s lobby, remain largely intact and could be integrated into the coming supermarket’s design.
“The craftsmanship of yesteryear is a million times better than any buildings from today,” said Perlman. “It would be a travesty to sacrifice a theatre that displays that craftsmanship. I’m hoping to call a meeting with the new owner.”
Vincent Arcuri, Jr., chair of Community Board 5, said that he still is not sure what is real and what is rumor at this point, but that the board would “like to see it restored as a performing arts center rather than a supermarket.”
The new owner of the building, Associated Supermarket franchisee Tony Guzman, could not be reached for comment.