Six months ago they were hopeful. Highgate Hall LLC., a team comprised of Luke Parker Bowles, Steven Plofker, Larry Slous, Patrick Wilson, Vincenzo Onorati and Andy Childs, were still in negotiations with the landlord of The Bellevue Theatre more than 12 months since its closure.
“We expect to reach an agreement, despite the time it is taking and look forward to giving Montclair the theatre they deserve and the iconic space they are missing, complete with a smorgasbord of new bells and whistles but maintaining the pedigree and history of the place,” said Parker Bowles back in January. “The plans are drawn up and the right people are in place. Despite the arduous process, we are as determined as ever and will keep all informed as and when we can come to an agreement.”
Friday was that day; Parker Bowles announced that a lease had been signed. Bellevue Theatre mega fan Ilmar Vanderer couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Finally an announcement that’s a long time coming but well worth waiting for,” says Vanderer, who was one of the first to hear the news from Parker Bowles and has been busy spreading the word, via the Facebook page he created for news on the Bellevue Theatre. Vanderer has also been a consistent, passionate advocate for the Bellevue Avenue Library Branch.
“In honor of Highgate Hall partner Luke Parker Bowles, an active Montclair resident and film/television producer whose dedication and determination saved Bellevue, we changed the group name from “Save Montclair’s Historic Bellevue Theatre” to “Montclair’s Historic Bellevue Theatre IS SAVED!!!”
“This is wonderful news and the first step in bringing an Upper Montlcair icon back to life,” said First Ward Councilor Bill Hurlock.
In its 95-year history as a functioning movie theater, the Bellevue featured amenities including a balcony, and a second-floor restaurant, named the Highgate Hall, that offered full meals such as lobster Thermidor, sirloin tips, or stuffed turkey, according to Friends of Anderson Park’s Lisanne Renner, who gave a lecture on the Bellevue’s history as an architectural treasure at Montclair History Center in January 2018.
In March 2018, Parker Bowles detailed his plan for the Bellevue Theatre — six screens, reclining seats and a liquor license.
“This operation will not happen without a liquor license,” he said.
On Sunday, Parker Bowles reached out to Baristanet readers.
“Thank you all for your support. It has been a process, but we are as determined and focused as we were nearly two years ago to give the town something that not only will you be proud of, but that will be an unforgettable experience,” Parker Bowles said.
What fabulous news! I wish them much success and I thank everyone who was so diligent who was so diligent is preserving the Bellevue!
Thank you all for your support. It has been a process, but we are as determined and focused as we were nearly two years ago to give the town something that not only will you be proud of, but that will be an unforgettable experience. Will keep you up to date and Go, Montclair! Luke PB
Right. It’s been two years since we were first deprived of a local movie theater that was a favorite gathering place for our community. Why is this something to celebrate? There’s almost no new info here–except I, for one, had no idea the issue of a lease was even at play. I assumed that was decided when the movie was unceremoniously shut down. B-net’s reporting feels biased toward the owners.
This story references a plan that is more than a year old, without asking whether that plan is still viable or ever was. The building is now officially an eyesore.
Sorry–didn’t get to edit my comment. But I am confused: How is this LUKE PB guy a hero for ‘saving’ this theater? This was one of the few legit places for tweens and teens to have fun–my own children used to love walking to town to meet up with their friends for a movie– and now it’s going to have a liquor license? Why? Just give us back our damn theater and stop patting yourselves on the back for…nothing.
Looking forward to the new venue and thanks for the update.
“I, for one”. . . . “I assumed” . . . . “I am confused.” Go away, ihateplaydates, this piece is not about you. You’e spoiling all the fun.
“Give us back our damn theater”. When exactly did you own the theater? This drips with entitlement. The owner of the building had a theater tenant who did not renew their lease. He could not find a new tenant from any of the major theater operators. I am sure he could have sold it off for condos.
Seems ihateplaydates is hoping for a return of “The Sound of Music” and “101 Dalmatians.”