By Dan Gesslein
Not much has changed for Parkchester in the past seven decades. The pathways remain tree lined and tranquil; the art-deco statues remain vigilant atop each building and the best place for a date is still the American Theatre. On May15th former and current residents will gather at the Metropolitan Oval to celebrate Parkchester’s 70th anniversary.
“Parkchester is an integral part of the community and the borough,” said Francisco Gonzalez, district manager of Community Board 9. “It was and is a great place to raise your family.”
The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with a photo exhibition of Parkchester’s past at the recently renovated American Theater.
Over 1,000 people have already registered online to be a part of the celebration. Many former residents who will be returning to the old neighborhood will notice 21st Century upgrades while retaining Parkchester’s charm.
With its art deco statues and tree lined pathways, Parkchester always appeared more like a middle class community of home owners rather than an act of social engineering like the high-rises of Co-op City. In 1940 Met Life opened Parkchester as a community for blue collar workers to raise their families while having access to transportation into Manhattan and the rest of the borough.
Although today the shopping district still has the facade who’s coloring is reminiscent of 1970s NY license plate yellow, new tenants like Pizzeria Uno, Game Stop and Starbucks have revitalized the commercial strip; Macy’s and the Step In Restaurant never left. Although Lerner’s left the site now occupied by Pizzeria Uno, the company could not stay from Parkchester. Now NY and Company operates a site across the street.
The art deco fountain at Metropolitan Oval has kept residents cool for generations and has served as the center of the community. Each year residents gather to light the Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season and enjoy local talent performing during Family Unity Day celebration.
When Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) renovated the pre-war red brick buildings a decade ago residents were brought into the modern era. No longer did residents have to worry about blowing a fuse because they ran a hair dryer while keeping the TV on. The updated wiring allowed residents to finally run such appliances as computers and air conditioners.
No one knows more about keeping a sense of community while at the same time preserving Parkchester’s historic style than Bow Tie Cinemas. Two years ago the company took over the American Theater which opened with the rest of the development in 1940. In recent years the theater had been struggling to compete with multiplexes which sprouted up and the American was in need of repairs.
Two years ago, Bow Tie restored the American to its former glory. They put in new seats, improved the picture and sound and installed a new concession stand bringing hot food to Parkchester movie goers. Despite the 21st Century touches Bow Tie kept the early 20th Century charm. The old style movie marque was preserved. The lighting and other art deco touches inside the theater were renovated.
“The lobby looks the same way as when it opened with the exception of the concession stand,” said Bow Tie Chief Operating Officer Joe Masher.
The theater’s preservation will be a welcome surprise to former residents expected to return on May 15 to celebrate Parkchester’s anniversary. An exhibit of 70 years of Parkchester in photos will be on display in the American’s lobby. In addition a film on Parkchester by a local film maker will run throughout the day and that is free to all.
“We love the theater and the community,” Masher said.
For a complete list of the day’s celebration go online:
http://www.parkchester.org/