(Photo: SunnysidePost)
April 29, 2014 By Christian Murray
Center Cinemas’ iconic sign that was destroyed recently is going to be replaced in its original form, according to the owner.
The owner, Rudy Prashad, said the sign will look very similar to what it did prior to a truck backing into it on April 10. He said it will be the same shape constructed out of plastic– with the four slots where movie titles are erected manually with the old-style letters/font. He said he had decided not to go digital.
Prashad said he would also be cleaning up the graffiti behind the sign. He said the work should begin late next week.
There were several Sunnyside residents who wanted to start a fund to help Prashad restore the sign, which had dotted Queens Blvd in its original form for 60 years. While it is going to cost Prashad as much as $20,000, he said he wanted to thank the community for wanting to help out.
Prashad, who has been a tenant for the past 8-years, has yet to hear from his landlord whether his lease will be extended. It runs out at the end of the year.
On the day the sign was destroyed, Prashad was out in front of the cinema and asked the managing agent Michael Christopher what was the status of the lease. Christopher said that he had contacted the landlord and had not heard a response.
Prashad said the owner only has to provide him with 30 days notice. “I still don’t know what their intentions are,” he said.
(Photo: SunnysidePost)
