Abandoned Art Deco gem Metro Theater to return to the UWS as multi-screen cinema

Photograph by Enniferj on Wikimedia

An 89-yr-old Art-Deco movie theater that has sat vacant on the Higher West Side for a long time has finally been purchased and will be restored to its former glory. The landmarked Metro Theater, abandoned considering the fact that 2005, was obtained by an unidentified buyer from California who intends to change it into a restaurant theater in which patrons can invest in food items and beverages although enjoying their flicks, preceding owner Albert Bialek explained to the West Side Rag. The space will also offer you cafe facilities and group meeting rooms on a rental foundation.

Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr

At first referred to as the Midtown Theater, the 10,260 square-foot creating was produced in 1933. Designed by Russell M. Boak and Hyman Paris, its architecture features Art-Deco functions, like “vertical emphasis, multi-colored materials, patterned brick, and terracotta ornament based on abstract kinds,” in accordance to the Landmarks Preservation Fee, which selected the theater a city landmark in 1989.

The making is characterized by its 50-foot wide Art Deco facade and metallic marquee that hold on the east facet of Broadway amongst 99th and 100th Streets.

The place was pretty much purchased various situations due to the fact it was gutted in 2005, with movie chain Alamo Drafthouse virtually obtaining the home prior to backing out of the deal in 2013. According to Yimby, considering the fact that its institution, the area has housed an art-household cinema, two countrywide film chains, and a pornography theater.” Potential buyers that once thought of purchasing the space include World Conditioning and City Outfitters.

“Big information for fans of one of NYC’s most beloved abandoned theaters. The Metro, an art deco gem on Broadway & 99th St, is set to reopen as a boutique multi-screen movie theater. The empty room has almost been purchased numerous instances all over the a long time, but no buyer experienced ever finalized a offer,” Mark D. Levine, Manhattan Borough President, tweeted on Monday.

This is welcoming news to the Buddies of Metro Theater, a group that has been advocating for the restoration of the theater considering the fact that the start out of the pandemic. As several stores and eating places were being compelled to shut, the group petitioned for the buy of the vacant building which could then be restored to revitalize the community.

There is no estimated completion day for the job, and permits are however getting prepared so the renovation work can start out.

Levine additional in another tweet: “For those people who are skeptical after a lot of yrs of plenty of unsuccessful strategies at the Metro…I have spoken immediately to the enterprise opening this new location. This is actual. It’s occurring.”

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Tags :
Metro Theater, motion pictures

Neighborhoods :
Higher West Side