Tuesday, June 15, 2010

We'll believe it when we see it

From the Daily News:

The Manhattan developer who recently bought a landmark movie theater in Flushing Thursday vowed a historically sensitive restoration - as critics slammed his record of "cheap" projects.

Patrick Thompson told the Daily News that he will revamp columns and frescoes at the RKO Keith's as part of plans to convert the deteriorating site into condos and a senior center.

"They're all intact. They'll have to be brought back to life," said Thompson, who snagged the theater for $20 million. "That's absolutely part of the buildout - saving the lobby."

Thompson cautioned his time frame depends on financing, but the pledge marked his most specific yet on returning the lobby of the 1928 theater to its former glory.

Still, preservationists who have long advocated for the theater's restoration are reserving judgment.

"When the show is a wrap, we'll celebrate with an afterparty," said Flushing activist Jerry Rotondi, who has fought to protect the RKO Keith's for two decades.

Meanwhile, real estate sources with knowledge of the sale insisted Thompson usually cares only about finishing his plans - with or without preservation.

Skeptics also noted the controversy surrounding one of Thompson's most well-known projects - a high-rise condo on E. 44th St. near Fifth Ave. in Manhattan.

Unions began protesting there in 2007, charging that Thompson hired subcontractors who paid meager wages and didn't offer health care or other benefits.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lookin' good Jerry!

Anonymous said...

They should build another Chinese super market or a Korean BBQ restaurant. We all know that Flushing needs a whole lot of those.

Blabs said...

That's Jerry Rotondi? Hubba Hubba

Anonymous said...

pretty sure he'll be a better owner than the scumbag Huangs and not store toxic substance in the theater

Flushing Friend said...

Memories and photos. Good times.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=30699509&op=4&o=global&view=global&subj=671
93023141&id=1427195904&ref=pf

Jerry Rotondi said...

I URGE ALL who are interested in the Keith's future to put the screws to the LPC, elected officials, CB 7, etc. just to make sure that they do their best to ensure the landmark spaces (ticket lobby & grand foyer) remain protected and preserved!

Telephone, e-mail & write letters.

In other words...BECOME A PEST!

ALL OF US ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

Thanks!

Blabs said...

Double Hubba Hubba

Jerry Rotondi said...

P.S.

Let us not forget that Claire Shulman...of the Shul-Manes administration...was as much responsible for the ruination of the Keith's as Tommy Huang...even more so!

She idly sat by and did nothing to stop that criminal developer other than repeat her boss Manes' mantra, "He (Huang) pays his taxes...what can we do?"

Anonymous said...

Maybe Thompson intends to flip the property for a profit after holding it for awhile until economic conditions improve.