Ridgewood Theater Gets Landmarked

I am elated that the historic Ridgewood Theatre, which I worked diligently on since March 2008 through written and photo documentation and a letter campaign and petition drive, was unanimously voted by commissioners as an Individual Landmark (facade). I serve as Chair of Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre, which I founded in March 2008, the month of the theater's sudden, disheartening closure to patrons, natives, and borough-wide residents, preservationists, and community groups. For the Ridgewood Theatre, Individual Landmark status is a new chapter in its long, varied, and distinctive history, in what was deemed the "longest continuously operating first-run neighborhood theater" upon its closure. As Chair of Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre, I extend my gratitude towards a various coalition of preservation and cultural groups and residents. Alas, the Landmarks Preservation Commission initiated a democratic process by calendaring a hearing for a historic Queens site, considering the fact that most highly suitable candidates in Queens, which merit Individual Landmark or Historic District status, as per the architectural and cultural provisions of the Landmarks Law, are rejected without a solid explanation. Hopefully, this will set off a chain reaction.

As per the comments of Jen Carlson of Gothamist, and the bloggers, let me address the significance of preserving and restoring parts of the interior. As rumor has it, much original ornamentation survives beneath the multiplexing, particularly in the back space of the ground floor, which may be reused by retail to make the theater economically viable. Co-owner Mario Saggese did say at the March 24, 2009 Public Hearing that they would preserve whatever they uncovered in that space, and perhaps the other spaces as well. The interior has an ornate theater lobby, which was also the vision of Thomas W. Lamb, America's foremost theater architect. The lobby features domes and angelic muses (Classical/Greek Revival) which tell a story of a more humble and spiritual time. The LPC said they are not considering the interior for Interior Landmark status at this time, since by law, it has to be customarily open to the public at the time of their survey work.

My Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre flickr photoset is as follows:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157606443928732/

The last 5 are from yesterday's public designation meeting, and it also includes historic and recent photos of both the theater lobby and facade.

I would be happy to address anyone's questions. If you endorse my Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre petition, please add your name, comment, and location here, and also forward it to your friends/colleagues:

http://www.petitiononline.com/RTheatre/petition.html

- Michael Perlman,

Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre, Chair

Four Borough Preservation Alliance Corp, Queens VP

interior was grossss but you could drink a 6 pack and watch a movie in there on a saturday afternoon.

Good news.

I've been going to that theater for years, never did I think it was near landmark status. I guess that explains how outdated it was inside.