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Big changes are in the works for Pavilion movie theater, a beloved Park Slope institution that has been showing signs of wear. (In recent years it has been in the news for bedbug infestations.)

Developer Hidrock Realty plans to turn the movie house at 188 Prospect Park West into a 24-unit apartment building, but will leave the exterior intact and possibly include a new movie theater in the retail space as well. The developer, which has owned the building since 2006, filed an application for an alteration permit Wednesday, The Real Deal reported.

“My family has enjoyed countless movies there,” City Council Member Brad Lander told The Real Deal in a statement, “and our kids have been able to walk there with their friends. Even in its somewhat-faded glory, the Pavilion is a part of growing up and being a family in Park Slope.” He is “distressed” by the plan “to close our neighborhood movie theater, the Pavilion, for luxury housing,” he said.

When the developer bought the building, it said it had no plans to convert the building, and the Pavilion reportedly had a lease through 2022, The Real Deal said.

Perhaps the movie theater agreed to a buyout of its lease.

New York YIMBY spoke to the developer and has more details on the plan:

Noted architect Morris Adjmi will design the project, so we’re anticipating this will look good. The developer will add a sixth story but it will be set back so it is not noticeable from the street. The building will be condos.

Any new movie theater will be “classy and have the kind of fare that is more appealing to the community—art house, independent programming,” a Hidrock spokesperson told YIMBY. There will also be room for a restaurant or store in the building.

Note for possible future condo hunters who don’t want the hassle of parking in Park Slope: Hidrock is also planning underground parking for 16 cars.

Park Slope’s Pavilion Theater to Go Resi [TRD]
Condo Conversion Planned for Park Slope Movie Theater at 188 Prospect Park West [NYY]
Photo by PropertyShark


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