A long -abandoned NC theater has sold for $ 7 million and is returning to its cinematographic roots

This empty shell of a Manhattan theater mounted as soon as he took his big break .â

The closed Metro Theater was sold Friday at the West West Side Non -profit Cinema Center, thanks to a large incentive by the government and a list backed by support stars. New York Times reported for the first time for successful sale.

The West West Side Cinema Center was formed in 2024, led by IRA Deutchman and Adeline Monzier, and signed an ambitious agreement to buy $ 10.260 square meters for $ 6.9 million, in money, until January 10, 2025.â

“I’ve never been involved in a project that had so many realities for people to cheer,” Deutchman told The Post.

The Art Deco Theater in 2626 Broadway entertained upper West Siders with the magic of the film for nearly three -quarters of a century before its previous owner closed its doors in 2005, citing unworthy competition with Megaplex movie theaters.

Albert Balek, who bought the property in the 1980s, destroyed its interior and fought to rent the building until its death in 2023.â

The indie-focused non-profit aims to recreate the meter theater in a higher five-screens cinema with educational programs and a bistro.

The attempt enjoyed the starting of start -up funds of $ 2.5 million and a handkerchief of famous friends, including Martin Scorsse, Ethan Hawke and Tim Blake Nelson, the latter who serves its board of directors.

Despite hundreds of donations ahead of January, $ 6.9 million needed were out of reach. Then, the governor went inside.

Encouraging by Assemblyman Micha Lasher, Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a $ 3.5 million grant. This increase, paired by $ 500,000 by the State Senate, gained an additional deadline. Government support, linked by 400-summer individual donations and a heavy grant from Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielbergâ Foundation Hearthland Foundation, carried the sale on the finish on Friday.

Deutchman said the neighborhood has long been a “cinema desert”, in need of a home for Upper West Siders to enjoy international and independent films.

Broadway can also use growth, Deutchman said. West West Side’s busiest corridor was hit hard by the retail vacancy caused by Pandemia. Deutchman hopes that the theater, located in Broadway near West 99 Street, will attract more pedestrian trafficking and retail interest in the area.

But Deutchman and Monzierâ’s dreams to light the Metro Theater Marque will get a little more dough. No -profit has launched a capital campaign for a $ 20 million majority to build a new interior and make cosmetic improvements on the iconic exterior of pink terracotta.

Deutchman told The Post that a small part of that $ 20 million has already been raised, so some improvements can begin.

“I’ve joked about what the time limit is somewhere between two and 20 years, but in reality, what I hope is to try to do so within three years,” Deutchman said.