Preservation Call: Public Art in Forest Hills & Rego Park

By Michael Perlman

Forest Hills and Rego Park are home to classic examples of public art, which foster a neighborhood’s distinctive identity and are often impacted by a community’s development and societal events. However, without educating property owners about their value and applying for NYC Landmark and National Register status, artistic works are being altered or demolished rather than restored.

Rego Park resident Pat Morgan is a regular on walking tours, who explained, "The design on our architecture is the creation of an artist put together by artisans of decades past. It was accomplished usually by hand, as computers were not available in the 30s and 40s for design, and relied upon the mechanical engineering of architects and their engineers." She continued, "As we bear witness to the work of the last century, we have proof that those designers and workers were truly artisans creating works that with proper care and maintenance, can last for more than a century."

Come upon the International-style Forest Hills Post Office façade, embellished with the “Spirit of Communication,” which is a terra-cotta relief designed in 1938 by famed Sculptor Sten Jacobsson. It features a female figurine holding a carrier pigeon and a clock, relating to timely services. It was commissioned by the Treasury Department Section of Fine Arts, where the goals were to enhance the public’s experience with art during the Great Depression while assisting impoverished local to national artists. The building earned National Register status in 1988 and the sculpture is part of the New Deal Art Registry.

Places of worship often become a showcase of religious art, where one acquires an appreciation regardless of faith. The Art Deco and Bauhaus-inspired Rego Park Jewish Center, completed in 1948, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 in response to local advocacy. The façade displays a massive mosaic mural depicting Old Testament scenes and symbols, which was designed by the notable 20th century Hungarian-born artist Alexander Raymond Katz. 

Banks were often designed on a more elaborate scale, meant to instill confidence while demonstrating commitment. Therefore, another mosaic mural was installed on the façade of Home Savings Bank of America at 108-36 Queens Boulevard (now TD Bank). It was designed by Richard Haas, an internationally recognized architectural muralist in 1989. It was nearly demolished, until owner Cord Meyer Development Company decided to cease lease negotiations with a prospective tenant that would not preserve it. Work was executed in Spilimbergo, Italy, and features views of the Forest Hills Gardens with Forest Hills Stadium, and the Twin Towers in the backdrop. 

There are other incidents where public art has vanished or perhaps temporarily, as in the case of Bank of America at 99-01 Queens Boulevard, which opened in 1952 as the Metropolitan Industrial Bank, and has sat vacant since 2015. A 22-by-25-foot mural, which illustrated Forest Hills’ growth was a focal point of the main lobby, but may have been covered over decades ago. It was situated in an International-style building designed by the award-winning architect, Philip Birnbaum, which consists of triple-height windows, a rotunda, and a colonnade of granite columns with stainless steel fins; an achievement of open planning that made patrons feel invited at a time when the norm was to erect banks in the Colonial and Art Deco styles with traditional materials, rather than industrial materials. 

When community residents picked up a copy of The Forest Hills-Kew Gardens Post on September 18, 1942, they came across an ad for the soon-to-open Art Moderne style Midway Theatre, designed by Thomas Lamb and S. Charles Lee. It read, “The Midway Theatre has been so named and dedicated as a tribute to the gallant men of our armed forces who achieved so brilliant a victory at Midway Island.” The glory was captured in a WWII “Battle of Midway” mural, but today it could likely be rediscovered under layers of paint. Patrons were ready for a single-screen theater, where they could enjoy films and attempt to escape the pressures surrounding WWII.

Four Art Deco murals once accentuated the facades of the Thorneycroft Apartments complex, completed during the 1939 World’s Fair along 99th Street and 66th Road, but today only one 99th Street mural remains intact, while the others have been concealed and removed. “The image of a man and woman sitting under a tree, with a dog on one side and a cat on the other, adds a personal touch,” said resident Carol Hagarty. “Over the past 30 years, my husband and I had several cats and dogs as companions, so the building’s rooftop artwork came to symbolize my own little family within those buildings. I hope that other neighbors know to look up and appreciate it, since artwork adds meaning to our lives.” A former Rego Park resident David Kalfus, who recalled his childhood, said, “I was puzzled by those murals when we passed them in our explorations, and I would tell my gullible brothers they were ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.” 

“Public art is a gift to the masses that should be celebrated and treated with the utmost level of respect,” said architect Matthew Ferraro, president of the board of directors of Chatwick Gardens, an Elizabethan and Tudor cooperative from 1929 in Forest Hills that is overseeing a large-scale façade restoration. “Previous renovations may have eliminated some historic features, but capital improvements provide a unique opportunity for owners to explore the history of their property, in order to evaluate how and if particular elements should be maintained or restored.”

A similar version appears in the Forest Hills Times: www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27307687/article-Public-art-abounds-in-Forest-Hills--Rego-Park  

Midway Theatre Merits Preservation - Not Endangerment

If you are concerned about the future of the historic Midway Theatre, an Art Deco gem, please email Rego-Forest Preservation Council at unlockthevault@hotmail.com   

Forest Hills’ Midway Theatre turned 70 on September 24, 2012, and theater aficionados truly had something to reminisce about while looking ahead in pride. Nearly a year later, The Real Deal reported that the theater at 108-22 Queens Boulevard, which is operated by United Artists and home to notable businesses such as Banter Irish Bar and Kitchen, Gloria Pizza, and Liberty Travel, was sold for $20.5 million. Now the community is questioning whether the historic theater and small businesses will be preserved, or undergo redevelopment for condos.

    The Midway Theatre was acquired by real estate investors, which include Eric Roth of Brick Realty Capital, Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management, and Brian Ezratty of Eastern Consolidated. The theater is a 48,400 square-foot property which has development rights of 65,000 square feet.

    In an interview, Roth would not reveal the specifics of their future plans, but cited “investment purposes” as their vision. He told The Real Deal, “We were quite fortunate to have been presented with an off-market opportunity to acquire a trophy asset of this kind. While it generates ample cash flow, there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth as the longer term leases expire.”

    With the onset of DVDs, Movies On Demand, and soaring real estate values, nearby historic theaters faced closures and insensitive alterations in just beyond a decade. That included the Trylon Theater, the Forest Hills Theatre, the Drake, and the Elmwood. Other than the Midway, remaining theaters are the 5-screen Cinemart on Metropolitan Avenue and the twin Brandon Cinemas (The Continental) on Austin Street. Further multiplexed in 1998, the Midway holds the distinction of offering 9 screens, 1,933 seats, first-run features, and state-of-the-art digital projection systems. This prime entertainment venue is on a major thoroughfare in the heart of Forest Hills.   

    Opened in 1942, the Midway Theatre is far from the cliché of brick and mortar. It plays a pivotal role in Forest Hills’ cultural and cinematic history. The Midway was dedicated to the courageous Americans in the Pacific Islands’ outpost, Midway Island, and named after WWII’s “Battle of Midway.” First dates, couples, families, and friends typically make a day of catching a movie and shopping or dining blocks away.

   The Midway Theatre bears architectural significance. Scotland-native Thomas White Lamb (1871-1942) is often accredited as “America’s foremost theater architect.” He designed over 300 U.S. theaters including the RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre, Ridgewood Theatre, and some European theaters. Forest Hills is fortunate to have Lamb’s last theater creation, which is one of his few in the Art Moderne style.

   The stone façade features a curved corner with a streamlined band conveying harmony. A curtain-like accordion exists above the marquee, with an accentuated vertical beacon reading “Midway” in neon lights, which adds a Jazz Age touch.

    The grand foyer is oval and features a 30-ft ceiling with domes and a South Beach color scheme. A whimsical winding staircase leads to the mezzanine promenade with its defining picture window which enables an abundance of natural light. One may visualize how movie-going was fashionable in the 1940s, and how a woman’s dress would conform to the sweeping staircase.

    Tom A. Lamb, great-grandson of Architect Thomas W. Lamb, said the Midway’s history grants the community a feeling of permanence and belonging. “My great-grandfather understood that while he was creating a fantasy for the masses, the buildings and the people that used them were very real, and they had to operate within the modern context,” said Lamb. He then explained, “In order to ensure that the community grows along with the times, we must make sure that developers provide the financial impetus that ensures a vital and lively community, but we must also provide reasonable limits on what can be done within our communities.

    Karen Noonan, immediate past president of the Theatre Historical Society explained, “Thomas Lamb created some of America's most notable theaters. For generations, this theater has not only been a community gathering place for entertainment, but for news and group support during the war years. This classic should be zealously protected and preserved.”

   The Midway Theatre hosts community functions. At the 70^th anniversary celebration, 170 patrons saw Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” (1954). Steve Melnick, Treasurer of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce worked with Regal Entertainment, and nearly $2,000 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Association (NYC Chapter). He plans to co-sponsor more classic movie fundraisers.

    “The Midway attracts moviegoers from all over Queens, and supports hundreds of local businesses. Many restaurants even run dinner and movie promotions,” said Melnick. When asked about redevelopment, he responded, “Keep the screens and incorporate space for a multi-purpose performance center with dance, music, and school events that supports our community. A void would have severe economic ramifications.”

   Neighborhood resident Anne Duterme echoed similar sentiment. “Forest Hills has a lot of character. Rather than destroying the Midway Theatre and building more uninspired condos, thinking outside of the box and multi-purposing this property for independent film festivals and plays is an opportunity to enrich our community.”

   

   Duterme referenced two large residential projects under construction. “With our schools experiencing overcrowding, a third residential project will only exacerbate things, and is not going to contribute to our community’s needs,” she said.

   The newcomer restaurant, Banter Irish Bar and Kitchen, at the Midway was an instant attraction. This authentic family-operated restaurant offers specialties such as beef and Guinness pie, traditional Irish stew, and Craft Beer. On September 14^th, Banter commemorated 6 months with a customer appreciation party featuring a live band. “We haven’t met our new landlords, but presume they will be amenable to us,” said owner Michael Mansfield.

  “The Midway is a Queens cornerstone, and we hope the new owners continue its operation,” said Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. Lamb added, “I pray the new owners have a love for community and history that informs their actions, and that residents value their history enough to make their voices heard.”

This is Michael Perlman's column in the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/23684487/article-Sale-of-Midway-raises-concerns-for-future 

Midway Theatre photos on flickr: http://bit.ly/MidwayTheatre 

A lighting spectacular on Queens Boulevard, accomplished by the the streamlined vertical beacon and the accordion Art Moderne facade

Just beyond the sweeping 40s era staircase, a definitive picture window provides natural light into the Art Moderne lobby

The whimsical curves of the Art Moderne lobby

The Midway Theatre is often the subject of the Downtown Forest Hills Tour, led by Historian Jeff Gottlieb, President of Central Queens Historical Association

Coming Attraction: Nightmare At The RKO Keith's Theatre

RKO Keith's Theatre in its 1920s grandeur, Courtesy of the Michael Perlman Postcard Collection

 

 

SHAME-CAM! RKO Keith's 2010 rendering after rental conversion. Image by Studio V Architecture

History At Stake

This blog feels strongly that one of Thomas Lamb's most outstanding theater designs, despite its current condition of the facade and auditorium, should be rebuilt rather than demolished. Some theaters in a more drastic state have been revived through grants, tax credits, fundraisers, and "out-of-the-box" developers. A landmarked lobby is only a fraction of the theater, and is required by law to be retained, so why is new owner Patrick Thompson being portrayed as heroic according to some recent press and some electeds?

A typical rental high-rise with 357 units, 360 parking spaces, & a glass curtain wall on Main St surrounding the original lobby is a slap in the face to one of Queens' greatest theater landmarks. All of Queens could benefit by a performing arts center within, but not another banal glass high-rise on site of one of the most historic theatrical spots, causing more congestion. Hasn't Queens lost enough for the political view of "progress?" Don't settle for piecemeal! Allocate the development funds towards a restoration and maintain an open ear, Mr. Thompson!!!

If Lady Liberty's torch wasn't officially landmarked, would we chisel it off if it was in disrepair, or would we work collaboratively to acquire grants, tax credits, and organize fundraisers to restore it? 

Preserving a portion of a site symbolizes a plaque. On a greater scale, how many more plaques will Queens have, which memorializes what we once had, but still could have with a creative vision? 

More information on glass rental conversion plans: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110112/REAL_ESTATE/110119942/0/REAL_ESTATE

 *****
      In December 2010, some member preservationists of Rego-Forest Preservation Council and Friends of The RKO Keith's Flushing Theatre shared their sentiment & futuristic vision with journalism student David He of Baruch College. His quintessential-quality feature was posted on his college's blog, "Writing New York: Post From The Boroughs And Beyond" and we were granted permission to feature his piece, to help spread the word on the RKO Keith's Theatre Campaign.....

From Silver Screen To Preservationist Scene

A skeletal marquee juts out from the face of the shuttered building like a morose frown, bare and immovable. Underneath, the entrance is covered by an expanse of the blue-colored boards that typically designate a new construction project. Except these boards have been in place for over two decades now and are dirty and graffiti-strewn. The RKO Keith’s Theatre, once a glamorous venue for cinema, has been languishing in limbo since it closed its door to the public and the community.
The theatre, which sits squarely at the intersection between Main Street and Northern Boulevard in Flushing, has weathered both time and conflict in the years after it closed in 1986. The site has drawn as much controversy as it has interest due to both the economic opportunity of its land and the personal connections that many who grew up in Flushing have to the theatre. In 2009 the strength of these connections and memories coalesced into a Facebook group called “Save the RKO Keith’s Flushing”, dedicated to the preservation of the theater.

“My earliest memory was watching The Empire Strikes Back with my father in 1980,” said Rick Gallo, an admin of the Facebook group. “We sat in the main theater, which was the largest of the three theaters. The screen was enormous and would rival the new theaters of today.”
Founded by Flushing native Ed Tracey, the group quickly took off and had over 1,000 members in a month. Many of the members had grown up watching movies at the RKO, or had had their graduation ceremonies there. The Facebook page allows members to share their memories of and experiences with the theatre and brings together people that have otherwise moved away from the area.

“When I walked into that theatre it was like entering another world, as my sisters and I would say, it was like heaven,” said Annette Guarino, who grew up in Flushing but now lives in Long Island. She went on to describe the gold embossed statues, the sky-painted ceiling, and the sweeping stairs with mahogany handrails, calling the beauty of the theatre “endless”.

RKO Keith’s Atmospheric Style lobby, courtesy of Michael R. Miller Collection

In addition to those who saw movies during the theatre’s prime, the group also has members who were too young to remember the theatre or who were born after it closed. For these supporters the root of their cause is preserving a piece of history that they never had a chance to take part in, but nevertheless moves and fascinates them.

Susan Carroll, who was six years old when the theatre closed, grew up listening to stories about the wonders of the RKO and how her parents saw Star Wars there in 1977.

“I always felt sad I’d missed out on knowing that theatre, not to mention that I had to take buses and trains to the movies, while the RKO, in walking distance stood there vacant and neglected,” said Carroll.

RKO Keith’s Theatre, Aug 17, 2008, courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman

For many subsequent generations growing up, the RKO would remain as such –an abandoned, lifeless, and dilapidated husk of a building. Yet its history stretches back to more than half a century ago, and begins in 1928 when it was first opened as a vaudeville theatre. Designed by Thomas Lamb, one of the preeminent industrial designers of the era, the RKO was built with grandeur in mind.
The façade was lined with lively storefronts, and topped by an ornate, arch-like marquee; a preview of the marvels that awaited inside. The interior was designed in the Spanish Baroque and Atmospheric style, heavily characterized by elegance and opulence. The lobby was a two-story high room with columns and gilded plasterwork on its upper story. The foyer featured a fountain in the center and two broad marble staircases that led up to the gallery. Throughout the rest of the theatre elaborate and intricately worked elements variously made of wrought iron, terra cotta, and plaster contributed to the overall look and feel of a “movie palace.” The auditorium, which seated 2,900, was known for its ceiling, which was painted a deep blue and had projections of stars and clouds moving across its surface to create the illusion of an evening sky.

RKO Keith’s street view of facade, courtesy of Michael R. Miller Collection

“I always remember walking in and being awed by the spectacular moon-ish ceiling: it felt as if I was in outer space,” recalled Gallo.

By the 1930s the vaudeville shows were discontinued and only movies were shown. In the 1970s the RKO was renovated and carefully converted into a triplex to house three theatres. The lobby and the foyer were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and shortly afterwards in 1984 was granted landmark status by the Landmarks Preservation Commission of the city.

The RKO’s troubles began when Tommy Huang, a businessman and developer purchased it for $3.4 million in 1986. Huang planned to build a hotel, a mall, and a movie complex around the landmarked areas. In his time as owner of the theatre he had half of the auditorium torn down, the lobby stripped, and the sweeping staircase bulldozed. Although he was opposed at every turn by preservationists and activists, by the time Huang filed for bankruptcy in 1996, the theatre was in ruins. Huang put the RKO up for sale and the following year was arrested and indicted for having knowingly allowed hundreds of gallons of heating oil to spill into the basement of the theatre, following an investigation by the New York State Attorney General.

Michael Perlman, the Queens VP of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance and a member of multiple preservation organizations, believes that locales like the RKO are culturally important and their value is greater than anything a profit-driven development could achieve.
“A theater owner should preserve and creatively reuse one of our city’s greatest landmarks at heart, and consider its intricate history […] Developers should not enter and attempt to demolish this gem awaiting TLC,” said Perlman.

After the Huang debacle the RKO was once more without an owner and direction until Boymelgreen Developers bought the theatre for $15 million in 2002. Boymelgreen had plans to build a 17-story condo tower with a senior center and received approval from Queens Community Board 7 to begin construction. However the developer backed out, citing issues with debt and financial viability, and the RKO was put on sale yet again in 2007.

RKO Keith’s Theatre facade March 7, 2009, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman

Gallo met Tracey after he discovered the Facebook group online and the two worked closely together, despite having never met in person, through phone calls and emails. They worked to raise awareness for the group and their mission to save the RKO. In a short amount of time the group received press coverage from local papers such as the Queens Tribune and more distributed papers like The Daily News. The group managed to incorporate and attempted to attain a 501(c)(3) status for fundraising purposes when they learned in May 2010 that the RKO had been bought by Manhattan condo developer Patrick Thompson for $20 million.

Gallo and Carroll met with Thompson in June to discuss the developer’s plans for the RKO. Thompson’s plans mostly follow Boymelgreen’s original plan of building a 17-story condo and a senior center. He has also agreed to restore and preserve the landmarked lobby.
“The community board and landmarks committee simply would not landmark the whole building. This is not acceptable but it is better than tearing down the whole building,” said Gallo. “If the lobby can be preserved, at least we can say that a small portion of Flushing history has been saved.”

This of course comes after a large part of that Flushing history has already been destroyed. A video posted on YouTube by preservationist Thomas Stathes in 2009 offers a look at the neglected and ruined interior. The walls that are still standing are cracked and peeling, the ceiling has extensive water damage, and a gaping chasm is all that remains of half the auditorium. In some instances a few design elements and ornaments are still intact but for the most part the theatre is littered with debris and left in darkness, a gutted remnant of its former glory.

The saga of the RKO is still ongoing. Construction has yet to begin and there has been talk that Thompson may revise his initial plan and increase the amount of apartments and parking spaces that are to be built. It seems that for now the RKO will continue to be surrounded by uncertainty but the resolve of Gallo, Tracey, and others in the group to preserve as much of the theatre as possible remains unchanged.

“I believe the current residents of Flushing deserve to learn about and to know a restored RKO, at least the landmarked lobby portion, if nothing else,” said Carroll. “As long as the building is still standing, I have hope that the RKO will come alive once more.”

Please visit & join:

Save the RKO Keith’s Facebook Group

Thomas Stathes’ YouTube video of the RKO interior