Senate Resolution No. 1742

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 93rd Anniversary of Kings
Theatre in Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, Theatrical institutions, and the many social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of their neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those artistic landmarks which have brought outstanding
entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 93rd Anniversary of Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Upon its inception in 1929, the Loew's Kings Theatre was
one of the most exquisite theatres in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Originally designed by architectural masters Rapp & Rapp
with interior design by Harold W. Rambusch, the theatre was truly an
ornate spectacle for the masses; as one of the five original "Loew's
Wonder Theatres," the Kings was originally ordained a movie and live
performance theatre of epic proportion; and

WHEREAS, The Loew's Kings Theatre officially opened its doors to the
public September 7, 1929, with the screening of "Evangeline,"
accompanied by on stage performances from Wesley Eddy and His Kings of
Syncopation, The Chester Hales Girls, and Frills and Fancies; and

WHEREAS, The Loew's Kings Theatre would eventually become the
epicenter of cinema and live performance in the thriving Brooklyn arts
and shopping district along Flatbush Avenue; and

WHEREAS, On February 3, 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Brooklyn
Borough President Marty Markowitz announced that ACE Theatrical Group,
LLC was selected and contracted as the developer for a monumental
restoration of the newly named Kings Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Three years later, on January 23, 2013, following the
immense preliminary work undertaken by ACE Theatrical Group, a 55-year
lease with The Kings Theatre Redevelopment Corporation was executed to
commence the redevelopment of the storied Kings Theatre to a state
reminiscent of its original architecture; and

WHEREAS, Today, Kings Theatre features an authentic restoration of
its 1929 design; the original plaster and painting schemes have been
restored, vintage carpet and seating have been recreated and historic
lighting fixtures have been renovated and re-installed; and

WHEREAS, The restoration of this former movie palace marks the
rebirth of a historic venue, and a transformation into a

state-of-the-art live performances theatre which will continue to
revitalize the Brooklyn arts scene, and provide an economic stimulus to
the Flatbush Avenue business district, and the region beyond; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; over the past 93 years, Kings Theatre has greatly contributed
to the richness of New York's cultural palette; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic
societies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 93rd Anniversary of Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York.