Ridgewood Theatre to Reopen (with Retail)

Could the beloved, longest-running movie house in the nation be saved? The NY Post reports that the 91-year-old Ridgewood Theatre in Queens, on the block for $14 million last year after closing (a price that went down), will reopen partly as a theater.

There's apparently not much to save from the original interior, but "the landmarks commission is considering historic designation for the limestone facade." The Ridgewood was designed by architect Thomas Lamb, who was also behind the Ziegfeld.

When doors swing open again this July, the building will house a three-screen cinema on the upper level and shops on the first floor, the new owner claims "It would be a financial hardship to have to operate it without that retail." Landmarks supporter Michael Perlman, who founded the Friends of the Ridgewood Theatre, told the Real Deal, "Reopening the Ridgewood Theatre would help boost jobs for the neighborhood, and help contribute to property values and street traffic for businesses, a huge boon, considering today's economy."