Local Opposition Mounts Against ‘Metrograph Cinema’ Liquor Licenses
This image has been archived or removed.
Buzz and excitement around the forthcoming Metrograph Cinema at 7 Ludlow Street is definitely gaining some local steam of late. After all, it’s not often that a new arts facility, let alone a movie theater, opens on the Lower East Side. This one will offer two screens and a mix of first-run independent and international movies, as well as repertory films, played on both 35mm and DCP. However, many locals are not too thrilled about one part of its strategy. Namely, the plans for its nightlife component.
Indeed, the Alexander Olch and his Metrograph concept now face some grassroots opposition to the two liquor licenses sought for the premises. A flyer campaign has been afoot in the immediate vicinity of 7 Ludlow, urging folks to attend tonight’s SLA subcommittee meeting of Community Board 3 to speak out. The trepidation is not without warrant, given the size of the space. Some fear a potential bait-and-switch and the southward march of Hell Square.
As previously reported, there are two L-shaped bars planned for the Metrograph – upstairs (14 feet) and downstairs (12 feet) – with sixteen bar stools. Moreover, there will be seventeen tables split between both floors with a total of seventy-two seats. Hours of operation are 9am to 4am daily; their application notes that “late hours during the week [due to] movie openings and special events.” No alcohol will be permitted in the theater, though. The kitchen, meanwhile, offers up a menu service for “Art Deco American cuisine,” and will remain open during all hours.
This image has been archived or removed.
Rendering of the Metrograph theater on Ludlow St.
Below are some other highlights about the Metrograph:
- There are two theaters: a 50-seat room for rough cuts and screenings, and a 175-seat room for bigger features.
- According to incoming programmer Aliza Ma, programming is a “celebration of cinema that’s accessible to everyone,” inspiring a sense of discovery. For instance, a Kung Fu series is planned.
- Metrograph is for-profit. Admission would be comparable to other art houses in the area (i.e. Angelika, IFC). There will be student discounts.
- There’s a complementary indie bookstore.
- Timeline – December completion, January 2016 testing, February debut.
Recent Stories
‘Peasant’ to Stay on Elizabeth Street Under Chef Marc Forgione
So, it turns out that Peasant will remain on Elizabeth Street, after all. But under new ownership. One month ago, we reported that founding chef-owner Frank DeCarlo reportedly decided against renewal. An apparent change of heart unfolded in the interim… The New York Times this week disclosed that DeCarlo sold the business to Marc Forgione, […]
Longtime Orchard Street Laundromat Felled by Rent Hike
A longtime laundromat on lower Orchard Street is set to close by year end. The Orchard Cleaner and Laundromat is counting the days to December 31, after which its lease reportedly expires. A purported rent hike for the renewal is the cause behind this latest closure. However, details regarding the percentage increase are not immediately […]
Evoking Department Store Past, The Ridley Launches Leasing on Allen Street with $19K Rental
Here’s your chance to live in a nineteenth-century department store, albeit at luxury pricing. In an obvious nod to the pedigree of 66 Allen Street (aka 315 Grand) – the spot was once Ridley & Sons Department Store – the remodeled upper floors are repositioned as “luxury apartment rentals” called The Ridley. Not a “deal” […]
‘Nostalgia Train’ is Back on the Rails this Holiday Season
All aboard! The Nostalgia Train is back. The New York Transit Museum and the MTA has again brought the festive flavor of yesteryear to the underground. The preserved 1930s R1-9 train cars are now in regular rotation every Sunday from now until New Year’s, an annual tradition on the rails since 2007. The weekend train […]
Beastie Boys’ Former Party House for Sale on Chrystie Street
There was a Dispatch in the New York Post last week that touched upon the availability of 55-59 Chrystie Street. Bankrupted and liquidated of its occupants – all commercial – the court-ordered bankruptcy appointee seeks to refill the ranks. The 46,350-square-foot building was reportedly undergoing upscaling to “higher-rent creative tenants” when, after shelling out roughly $1.9 […]
