BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Brooklyn Heights Cinema will close its doors in a few weeks after screening movies in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, the theater's owner said Monday.
Kenn Lowy, who owns the theater, not the building, said that the property had been recently sold and that he would most likely shutter the indie movie house on Aug. 27.
Earlier this year, Massey Knakal listed the 70 Henry St. property for sale at $7.5 million or lease at $30,000 per month.
Lowy did not know who had purchased the building and the real estate agency did not immediately respond for comment.
Brooklyn Heights Cinema, which opened its doors in 1970 "is the oldest and longest running independently owned and operated cinema remaining in New York City," according to its website.
Aside from the building's sale, poor attendance is another for closing its doors, he said.
But Brooklyn Heights Cinema may be kept alive — just in another neighborhood.
When Lowy realized he may have to vacate the building at Henry and Orange streets, he began looking for alternative locations more than a year ago, he said.
"I would love to stay in Brooklyn Heights," Lowy said. "There's just nothing here."
Lowy, who bought the local theater three years ago, anticipates opening another movie hall in Brooklyn, possibly DUMBO, this fall. He is still negotiating details for a new lease but hopes to open the new location in October, he said.
Lowy raised more than $30,000 in a successful Kickstarter campaign this year to purchase a digital projector and other expensive equipment for Brooklyn Heights Cinema. Those purchases will be transported to his new location, he said.
As for the name, Lowy is hoping to honor his original moniker and location — even in a different neighborhood.
"People know the name Brooklyn Heights Cinema," he said.
"I want them to know that it's still us."
