The historic Loew’s Jersey theater in Jersey City has announced a $72 million restoration project that is intended to turn the ornately decorated venue, which is nearly 100 years old, into a “state-of-the-art 3,300-seat venue” that will “attract both superstar and up-and-coming performing artists, serve as an engine of economic development and hub for the local Journal Square community, and expand Jersey City’s growing reputation as an unparalleled arts destination in New Jersey,” according to a press release.
The theater has been used mostly for movies in recent years, with occasional concerts and book-release events as well.
The city of Jersey City is undertaking this project in partnership with Devils Arena Entertainment, which operates the Prudential Center in Newark.
According to the press release, construction will start in 2022 with an anticipated reopening in 2025.
Friends of the Loew’s, a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1987 to keep the theater active, will continue to be involved. Friends of the Loew’s founder Colin Egan said in the press release that the redevelopment agreement “will continue FOL’s role as the non-profit arm of the Loew’s, so we’ll go on with our volunteer activities that bring direct community participation in the life and preservation of this landmark, maintain and grow our support for local arts and other non-profit groups, and provide affordable programming.”
According to the press release, the restoration will include “visual and acoustic upgrades” and impact many different elements of the theater, from its plumbing and electrical systems to its concessions and ticketing areas.
For more on the theater, visit loewsjersey.org.
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