Hard as it is to believe today, but back in the mid ’80s, Jersey City’s official redevelopment policy was that the Loew’s had to be torn down to “revitalize” Journal Square. So the City convinced Hartz Mountain Industries, one of NJ’s biggest developers at the time, to buy the Theatre to demolish and replace it with an office building.
That logic made no sense to those of us who formed the Save The Loew’s Task Force of the old Jersey City Historical & Preservation Association (JCHPA was a predecessor to today’s JC Landmarks Conservancy). The Task Force soon became Friends of the Loew’s.
This flashback shows one of our earliest flyers in the battle to save the Loew’s.
… And the good news: FOL Director Colin Egan has been appointed to the Arts & Culture Policy Committee of the transition team for Maryor-elect @SolomonForJC. The committee brings together some of the most important local arts leaders and other arts professionals. They will recommend immediate steps the new Administration can take in its first 100 days, as well as objectives for the new Mayor to pursue throughout his first term.
As you can see by our old flyer, from the very first FOL’s goal in saving the Loew’s was to preserve it as a landmark AND cultural resource because we understood that the arts are what turn a mere locality into a community.
Back then, when FOL talked about how crucial the arts are to improving Jersey City’s image, quality of life, and even economy, there were some doubters. But doubt was dispelled once we began programming the Loew’s with a mix that had something for everyone.
Which is why FOL is now honored and excited to help the new Mayor find ways to strengthen and support the local arts scene, and make sure everyone can afford and enjoy it!
Thank you Mayor Solomon.