Last week, the necessary paperwork for demolition of the historic Landmark Sunshine Cinema was filed by its new owners. The permits for demolition were (sadly) approved and the theater will soon be turned into a brand new building complex of retail shops and offices.
Originally, the owners East End Capital and K Property Group were planning on sharing the three-story theater space with offices (salvaging the building’s historic element). However, they’ve now decided to tear it down completely.
The theater’s structure, which was originally built in 1898, has been an iconic establishment of the Lower East Side since. But according the 6sqft, “due to the building’s major alterations over time, it cannot be protected as a city landmark.”
East End Capital says plans for “139 East Houston will offer cutting-edge design from Roger Ferris Architecture, huge windows with expansive views, high ceilings and column-free efficient space – all on top of a subway stop in a unique and exciting location.”
Sunshine Cinema will officially close its doors at the end of January when their lease is up, and groundbreaking will begin in the second quarter of 2018.
Featured image source: Facebook / Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema