Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

You Told Us: What Do You Think of Plans to Redevelop the Coliseum Theater?

 The Coliseum Theater was believed to be the oldest operating movie theater in Manhattan when it closed in 2011.
The Coliseum Theater was believed to be the oldest operating movie theater in Manhattan when it closed in 2011.
View Full Caption
Facebook/Save the Coliseum

When news broke that the owners of The Coliseum, a 95-year-old theater on 181st Street and Broadway, were looking to redevelop the site into a shopping center, Uptowners flooded Neighborhood Square and other social media with their thoughts on the project.

“UGH Huge bummer,” Twitter-user @UptownHelena wrote in response to the news.

“I'm from L.A., a city that treats its history with shabby contempt on a regular basis, so this sort of thing is normal for me. But NYC? I expect better here,” one Facebook user said on a community group.

On Neighborhood Square, many shared their vision for the site, which some residents had fought to turn into an arts center when the theater closed in 2011.  

► “I'd like to see it restored to a movie theater, but with three distinct functions: first run movies, foreign language films and revival films. It would be of great value to this and surrounding neighborhoods, and would likely contribute to more restaurants and shops to support the increase in sidewalk traffic,” wrote NSQ user 060114. “What a great addition to the neighborhood - seeing a movie in a theater and not have to take subway almost 60 blocks south to do so.”

While some lamented, others welcomed more shopping options in the neighborhood:

► “A shopping center is what this area needs. It will provide jobs, and more diverse options [for] the residents to shop,” wrote NSQ user Wilcan. “Allow that corner to be the cornerstone of new and improved business development district.”

NSQ user Justina agreed.

► “Would love a re-developed corner, and an upscale shopping center…It would be great if it were developed much like what was done on Columbus Ave where they now have Whole Foods, nice clothing shops, etc.”

But others questioned the need for such a development.

► “There's plenty of vacant shops on Broadway and St. Nicholas Ave. that may be able to hold new businesses as far as I'm concerned. A shopping center is in development in the GWB Bus Terminal, and there may be vacant space for a Trader Joes,” wrote PeterAC on Neighborhood Square. “The Coliseum should be landmarked and preserved for future use in Theatre, the Arts, or even Cinema.”

The site is currently being advertised through real estate group Zelnik and Company. It is not clear if the rendering included with the listing shows a planned project or simply one possible option for the site.