Gothamist just posted some great photos from inside the Loew’s Canal Street Theater. The facade at 31 Canal Street was protected by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2010. Several years ago, there were efforts to turn the abandoned 1926 architectural gem into a performing arts center, but they fizzled. The owner, Thomas Sung, has been preoccupied fighting off mortgage fraud charges against his Chinatown bank, Abacus Federal Savings. He’s always dreamed of redeveloping the site, creating condos above the old theater. Click here to see the photos.
How glorious it would be if it were to be restored to its former glory and then used again as a theatre! Shouldn’t the owners think of giving back to the community by helping to save the magnificent interior?
Must every building be turned into a sterile condo building?
Considering the fiasco with the Building near East river, I would doubt anything happens soon. It would be a shame to lose it. I also understand there was a bombing outside in the 50’s or something by a P.R. freedom cause.
Cinema treasures has lots of info as well: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/521
These photos are great–what a lovely space with so much detail. A treasure! It must be restored.