Ridgewood To Ask For $75M To Fix Closed Theater

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — During the heyday of Hollywood, movie production companies owned theaters where they'd premiere their latest flicks. After Franklin Roosevelt busted up the studio monopolies in the 1940s, several companies divested themselves of their theaters, but the studios grew.

Among the classic theaters once owned by major studios, the Warner Theater in Ridgewood opened in 1932, showing a Bette Davis flick, "The Dark Horse." Last owned by Bow Tie, the theater screened films until its closure in January 2024.

The Bow-Tie Warner Theater on East Ridgewood Avenue has lain unused, but Ridgewood officials want to bring it back as a performing arts center.

The Ridgewood Arts Foundation is preparing to submit an application for a $75 million grant through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), said Village Manager Keith Kazmark.

Kazmark said the town will be applying in order "to help transform the historic Warner Theater into a premier performing arts center. The Foundation is currently awaiting the opening of the NJEDA grant application window."

Community members recently shared their memories of the theater. John Morin of Mahwah wrote on social media, "We rented this place one year for my father's birthday and watched Abbott & Costello meet Frankstein! So many memories here, congrats and good luck!"

Other historic theaters in New Jersey have made plans to reopen after receiving financial help, including Jersey City's 1929 Loews, set to open this fall. READ MORE: First Look: See How Historic Jersey Theater Will Look When It Reopens

Bow Tie Cinemas currently owns the property said Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos. The city plans to purchase it if they can.

The city hasn't yet applied for the funding, but will do so when the window opens in September or later, he said.

"Stay tuned as this exciting project moves forward," Kazmark said.