Loew’s Jersey Theatre Restoration Project

Loew’s Jersey Theatre Renovation

Photo: Courtesy of the City of Jersey City

The Loew’s Jersey Theatre Restoration Project is a public/private partnership with the goal to restore the Theatre into an unparalleled arts destination in the region. The project scope includes major upgrades and comprehensive renovations to the building, including rehabilitation of the exterior façade and interior plaster finishes, new MEP systems, state of the art Audio Visual equipment, flexible seating configurations.  The work will also include improvements to the surrounding site, upgrades to the alley walkway, lighting, and security.

Current happenings:

1. Demolition:

Demolition is nearing completion, with the water tower as the biggest item remaining that is expected to be removed.

2. Interior Plaster & Paint:

Surveying of the plasterwork in the Theatre has begun and the onsite team is working to restore the pieces that can be saved.  These pieces will not only be re-installed in the Theatre but will be used to create casts for pieces that have been lost over time. Since much of this work is being completed onsite scaffolding has been erected throughout the lobby to assist in the work.  Once plasterwork is completed, the surfaces will be gently cleaned and painted as needed.

3. Roofing:

Roof replacement over the audience chamber was in process before the winter.  As anticipated, work was paused during the freezing winter weather and has since resumed, with completion expected by the end of the week (3/14).  The Grand Lobby roof replacement is scheduled to begin next week.  This work involves removing the current roof membrane down to the structural slab and all unnecessary HVAC equipment.  All asbestos-containing materials from the current roof assembly will require abatement procedures that adhere to NJ DEP standards.  New insulation and roof waterproofing will be installed.

4. Building Exterior:

Facades –

    1. Front elevation (along JFK): Close up inspections have been performed to assess existing conditions and confirm necessary repairs.
    2. Scaffolding is being installed over CH Martin to perform similar close-up inspections as noted above.  This will continue around the entire building exterior.

Ground Level –

The team has been removing the old stucco along the alleyway/JFK facades to begin revealing the original storefront.  Any original trim pieces will be re-used and installed around the new glass storefront.

5. Drapery:

The drapery throughout the Theatre has been surveyed and photo documented to start the replication process.  All drapery will be carefully removed and packaged for archiving.