Revamping Historic Spaces For Theaters Near Ditmas Park

The Wall Street Journal’s recent article, Movie Theaters Roll Out Marquee Architecture, touched on trends in architecture of theaters in the NYC area. In stark contrast to understated spaces like DUMBO’s ReRun and indieScreen in Williamsburg, the piece points to Loews Jersey City and Kings Theatre on Flatbush as wonderfully-opulent spaces that once upon a time completed New Yorkers’ moviegoing experience.

Though Kings isn’t coming back to play movies, it’s sure to be an incredible venue when it finally reopens in 2014–and, as you might already know, it’s not the only incredible piece of architecture off the Q train getting another wind as an entertainment destination. Borough President Marty Markowitz is making moves on his longtime dream of turning the former Childs’ Restaurant on Coney Island into a 5,000 seat amphitheater, complete with removable roof, restaurant of its own, and classic details. Brooklyn Daily says:

The plan will restore the classic Greek-, Spanish-, and maritime-influenced terra-cotta detailing along the Boardwalk and W. 21st Street sides of the building. In addition, flags will once again fly along the rooftop.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2015, and will host 40 concerts over the course of the summer season.

It feels lucky to be a walk or short subway ride away from these. What an exciting time for some of Brooklyn’s architectural treasures.