The Loew’s Theater will soon reclaim its title as the gem of Jersey City. Mayor Steven Fulop recently announced that the historic theater will undergo a $72 million restoration. The Loew’s will be transformed from a century-old theater into a state-of-the-art 3,300 seat venue.
City officials had been looking for a commercial operator and will now team up with the Devils Arena Entertainment (DAE), operator of New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Under the agreement, the DAE will work with Jersey City and Friends of the Loew’s to return the iconic theater into the world-class centerpiece it once was.
“The Loew’s Jersey Theatre is an iconic community treasure that has played a long, distinguished role as Jersey City’s premier arts and entertainment venue,” said Hugh Weber, President of Devils Arena Entertainment. “The opportunity to partner with Mayor Fulop, the Friends of the Loew’s, and the local Journal Square community to revitalize this historic venue is a privilege for us.”
Part of the $72 million deal involves fitting the theater with new technology. This includes state-of-the-art visual and acoustic upgrades as well as concessions and ticketing areas. The theater will also undergo major infrastructure improvements including HVAC, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and more.
When it first opened more than 90 years ago, the Loew’s Theater was dubbed “The Most Lavish Temple of Entertainment In New Jersey.” So naturally certain aspects of the theater will be preserved. This includes its stage lighting control board, pop-up microphone, and orchestra and organ lifts. Otherwise, the plan is to turn it into a venue that can attract both superstar and up-and-coming performing artists.
Construction will begin in 2022. It’s expected the theater will reopen in 2025.
