Jersey City’s Loew’s Theatre is finally getting the TLC it deserves. Mayor Steven Fulop and the nonprofit Friends of Loew’s (FOL) recently announced plans to restore and renovate the historic Loew’s Theatre.
The renovation project is expected to cost nearly $40 million and the city is currently looking for a commercial operator to help with the modernization of the 3,000-seat theatre. The goal is to turn the Loew’s Theatre into a cultural and entertainment venue with major commercial events that include local arts, dance, film, and community-related shows.
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“After 6 years of stalled progress and litigation we are excited to finally have a positive plan in conjunction with FOL,” said Mayor Fulop. “We will now restore the theatre and find a partner that can bring world class talent on a regular basis to Jersey City. This is a significant step for Journal Square and the entire city.”
The nonprofit FOL has operated the theater since the 1980s. It’s been used for movies screenings, events, and the Golden Door Film Festival. Over the summer months, the theatre is underutilized since it lacks air conditioning. In 2011, The Strokes filmed their single “Under Cover of Darkness” at the theatre and the Loew’s makes a cameo in 2019’s Joker movie.
The Loew’s is expected to fully reopen by 2022.
History of the Loew’s Theatre
Built in 1929 by architect George Rapp, the Loew’s is renown for its soaring ceilings and palace-like decor. The theatre once hosted top entertainers like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway before transitioning to movies.
In 1973, the Loew’s was converted into a triplex to reflect the changed business model of motion picture presentation. In 1986, the Loew’s was closed, sold, and slated for demolition, but the FOL was formed and called for the theatre to be reopened and restored as a multi-discipline arts and entertainment center.
The Friends of the Loew’s saved the building from demolition and rented it from the city from the 1990s until recently. A year after assuming office, Fulop was ready to turn the theatre over to concert promoter AEG Live, but the FOL sued, arguing that the city was breaking the terms of its lease. The FOL won in court.
