Brooklyn Heights Cinema could get torn down if its landlord gets his way, the Brooklyn Paper reports. Next week, the building’s owner, Tom Caruana, is expected to present plans for a five-story structure, which would replace the Henry Street movie house, to the local community board’s landmarks committee, a necessary step in getting city approval since the neighborhood is landmarked. We asked a few quick questions about what this might mean to Kenn Lowy, who bought the twin cinema from Norman Adie last year after the latter was charged with securities and wire fraud. Lowy has suggested that if the building is torn down, he might move the business, perhaps to DUMBO.
How does it feel to hear this news so soon after you bought the business?
The landlord has been very honest with me, so it’s not a huge surprise. I felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that if I made it into what I envisioned then a move to keep it going would be feasible.
Do you think your customer-base would follow you one neighborhood over to DUMBO?
Some people will follow, some may not. It’s a pretty quick walk away after all.
Do you think DUMBO might even have a stronger film culture than the Heights?
Very possible! DUMBO is growing. and having a movie theater/arts center for music and comedy is something I think would do very well there. My first choice would be to stay in the Heights, but the question is where?
Follow Henry Stewart on Twitter @henrycstewart