RKO Keith's Theatre

The Flushing Square Theatre, located in the downtown area of Flushing, Queens, was opened in 1928 as the RKO Keith’s Theatre. It was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb, in a Spanish Baroque Rival style, greatly influenced by the the “atmospheric” theatre aesthetics pioneered by architect John Eberson. A hallmark of painted decoration in atmospheric theaters is the use of bright, primary colors applied using dry brush techniques to textured surfaces. The grandiose, Spanish revival ornament of the walls was offset by a bright blue ceiling, evoking the evening sky.

The theater’s ticket lobby and grand foyer were designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1984. Just two years later, the RKO Keith closed its doors and has remained vacant since. It changed hands several times and suffered severe vandalism until its most recent purchase in 2016.

The owners planned to demolish the historic movie palace to build luxury condos and retail space. However, the Landmarks Preservation Commission required to salvage elements from the landmarked foyer and lobby for later reinstallation in a future development. The property was sold to Global Real Estate Ventures Group (GREVG) before the start of the developed.

EverGreene was engaged to meticulously salvage historic architectural elements, including ornamental plaster, marble, wood, and metal components. Large wall sections and architectural elements were safely removed, organized, packed, cataloged, expertly repaired and preserved, and safely stored for potential future reuse.