A long-abandoned NYC theater has sold for $7M — and it’s returning to its cinematic roots

New York Post - Apr 7th, 2025

The long-shuttered Metro Theater in Manhattan has found a new lease on life after being sold to the nonprofit Upper West Side Cinema Center. The organization, led by Ira Deutchman and Adeline Monzier, bought the 10,260-square-foot building for $6.9 million, with the purchase largely enabled by a $3.5 million grant from Governor Kathy Hochul and $500,000 from the State Senate. The theater, which entertained Upper West Siders for nearly 75 years before closing in 2005, is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art five-screen cinema. This ambitious project aims to breathe new life into the Art Deco landmark, with support from high-profile figures like Martin Scorsese and Ethan Hawke, as well as numerous individual donors and the Hearthland Foundation established by Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg.

The revival of the Metro Theater is not just a cultural endeavor but also a potential catalyst for economic revitalization in the Upper West Side. The neighborhood, which has been facing challenges such as retail vacancies exacerbated by the pandemic, could benefit from increased foot traffic and business interest spurred by the theater's reopening. Deutchman and Monzier are launching a $20 million capital campaign for further renovations, hoping to complete the project within three years. The theater is envisioned to become a hub for international and independent films, filling a cinematic void in the area and contributing to the neighborhood's cultural and commercial resurgence.

Kathy Hochul New York City Tim Blake Nelson Martin Scorsese Metro Theater Upper West Side Cinema Center Ira Deutchman Adeline Monzier Ethan Hawke Kate Capshaw Steven Spielberg Cinema Revival Art Deco

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and largely accurate account of the Metro Theater's sale and future plans, supported by credible sources and clear writing. It effectively highlights the positive aspects of the theater's revitalization, though it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including potential challenges or criticisms. The story is timely and relevant, engaging readers interested in cultural preservation and urban development. However, its impact may be limited by its focus on a specific geographic area, and it could further engage readers by exploring broader implications or including interactive elements. Overall, the article is well-constructed and informative, offering valuable insights into a significant cultural development in New York City.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the Metro Theater's sale and future plans, corroborated by multiple sources. The sale price of $6.9 million and the involvement of the Upper West Side Cinema Center are specific claims that align with reported facts. However, some areas, such as the exact amount of donations from Steven Spielberg’s Hearthland Foundation and the precise timeline for renovations, require further verification. Overall, the story is largely accurate, but slight discrepancies in financial details and timelines could affect its precision.

Balance

The story focuses predominantly on the positive aspects of the theater's sale and future plans, highlighting support from celebrities and government figures. While it mentions the challenges faced by the previous owner, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including potential criticisms or challenges the new owners might face. The narrative leans towards optimism without exploring possible downsides or community dissent, which could provide a more rounded view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative of the theater's sale and future plans. The language is straightforward and free of jargon, which aids comprehension. The logical flow from past events to future aspirations ensures that the reader can easily grasp the significance of the developments discussed.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as The New York Times and includes direct quotes from key figures like Ira Deutchman. These sources lend authority to the claims made. However, the story could enhance its reliability by incorporating a broader range of perspectives, such as community members or urban development experts, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the theater's impact.

Transparency

The article is fairly transparent, offering insights into the funding sources and key players involved in the theater's sale. However, it could improve by disclosing more about the methodology behind the capital campaign and the specific roles of the celebrities mentioned. Greater transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting would also enhance the reader's understanding.