The main issue here is that the commercial developer who purchased the grand landmark never intended to fix up the facade and only wanted to attract a large retailer for the Broadway portion of The Hamilton. CB9 has now put forth an ambitious plan to aid in restoring the back theater by suggesting that condos be built. Condos are being developed in the neighborhood with the purchase of historic property but most of the old structures are being demolished. This development idea will not only help restore the building along with the ornate interior, but also will bring in a community space worthy of banquets and grand cultural events.
What needs to happen now is a partnership with a residential developer (since the current owner deals solely in retail) and also some sort of non-profit like Friends of the Highline to come in and run the financing along with the operations of the community theater space. Anyone with connections should really check this development out for it could be one of the most breathtaking adaptive reuse concepts uptown. Outside of the Apollo, we do not know of any other Harlem Theater that has faithfully been restored to its original design on the outside and inside.
More details in DNAinfo: LINK
The Housing, Land Use and Zoning Committee of Manhattan Community Board No.9
ReplyDeletewill hold a PUBLIC MEETING in regard to the Hamilton Palace Theater on Broadway at 146th Street.
Date: Thursday, December 4th, 2014
Time: 6:30PM
Location: Broadway Housing Communities,
583 Riverside Drive @ 135th Street, 7th Floor