Last night I was walking up Milwaukee Ave when I noticed that the Congress Theater had whitewashed the word “Theater” off their sign. Is this because of all the renovations they’re doing? They’ve been having a ton of issues and are said to be adding 10 – 18 street-level spaces including a grocer, a cafe and a gastropub. I can’t figure out if they still will also be a theater, but the removal of the word from their sign seems to indicate they won’t be. I also noticed a lot of windows papered up. Guess they’re getting to work already!
Here’s a photo I took in 2009, for comparison:
Hey Rachel –
There will still be a theatre. It’s what makes the money to support the rest of the complex. It’s getting some renovations also – so stay tuned. Doejo is an awesome company which I believe will do a lot to change this venues image. If Caranza can keep it together, this will be awesome. I believe the permits have been issued, so work could begin any time.
Thanks for the info! I would love it if they could also renovate and get rid of all that scaffolding that it on the building. I don’t know what it is.. seems like it’s there for structural reasons? The front of the building is so pretty, if they could get rid of that!
The scaffolding on the front originally held the vertical marquee letters “CONGRESS” which was removed in the 1970’s I believe. I’d rather see them re-ad the marquee which would brighten up the front! Looked like this (see it rising behind the train ?) http://images.nycsubway.org/i14000/img_14750.jpg