Stooping to a New Loew

Written By Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy

On April 25, 2024 at 1:05PM, a member of the ‘WE GREW UP IN JERSEY CITY’ Facebook Group posted some very understandingly upsetting photos of what remained of the Loew's Jersey Theatre Marquee being cut apart and removed in its totality.

The post garnered 515 reactions, and 250 comments to date.

This was the sad follow-up to what happened last fall, when the front message panel and most of the "Loew's Jersey" signage on either corner, including their brilliant red neon, were jaggedly torn down.

For months afterwards, JCLC had been told that at least some of the removed parts had been salvaged for a historical display, but in March we learned that was not the case, and all of those parts have likely been thrown away.

At that time we were also told that some of what was still to be taken down would be saved.  While we hope that happened, it is really too little, too late for what was such a recognizable part of the Loew's.

We understand that a replica of the original marquee design (that was, in fact, only on the theater from 1929-1940, with an alteration till 1949) will be put in its place, but the blatant destruction of the current marquee, what historically has been the face of the Loew's and Journal Square for 75 years, was not necessary. Iconic elements of the marquee could have been salvaged and preserved.

Current and past residents are upset. The JCLC is upset. We are concerned with what the insensitive handling of the marquee may bode for the work going on inside the theatre.  Worryingly, our friends at the Friends of the Loew’s- the group that led the effort to save and reopen the theatre, and has been its stewards for decades- also have very little information to share with us about the plans and progress of the project. To try to address this, articles have been written, individuals have been at the HPC meetings, emails have been sent. The city, JCRA, and project architects have been contacted.

In this, Jersey City's Cultural Affairs Office has kindly put up a page with some updates of the progress.

Unfortunately it is not enough.

The thoughtless handling of the marquee clearly demonstrates an incomplete understanding of what is important in the preservation and restoration of such an important local landmark. That gap NEEDS to be closed with the information and insights that FOL, JCLC and the rest of our community can provide.

This Loew's project, now being funded with large amounts of private and federal, state and city dollars, is a premiere example of the kind of preservation and cultural projects in Jersey City that were defined and stewarded by local community groups for years when the city had no interest in them, and funding was scarce.

Local community groups like these are a trove of information and insight. They are made up of individuals who love and care about our city and its history, for current and future residents alike. Their dedication and understanding remains vital even after city interest and financial support is finally poured into the projects they championed.

The community and grassroots groups such as the Friends of the Loew's, who have extensive knowledge of the theatre site DESERVE TO BE HEARD.

For the Loew's, why is there no transparency??? A theater originally built for the people, should be restored for the people - with their input and support.

We have created an email template that you can use and share with your council person, the mayor, JCRA, and other Hudson County Elected Officials to express your frustration and hopes for wonder theaters and historic assets like this one.

Please find all that information below.

When emailing, please CC the JCLC AND The Friend’s of the Loew’s - jclandmarks@gmail.com | loewsjersey@gmail.com

Who you can email:

What you can say:

Subject: Request for Greater Transparency and Community Inclusion in Preservation Projects

Dear [Elected Official's Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent removal of the historic Loew’s Theater marquee and, more broadly, the need for greater transparency around publicly funded or supported preservation projects in our city.

Like many current and former residents, I am disheartened by the lack of clear communication about this project’s decision-making process. Preservation efforts should not only protect the physical structures that define our neighborhoods but also honor the history and community groups that have fought for them over the decades.

When government dollars—whether state or private-public partnerships—are involved, the community deserves regular, accessible updates and opportunities for input. Local grassroots organizations, such as Friends of the Loew’s, Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy and others, are vital stewards of our shared heritage. Their experience and passion should be valued, not sidelined.

I respectfully urge your office to prioritize:

  • Increased transparency for all ongoing and future preservation projects, including clear, proactive updates and public engagement opportunities.

  • Greater collaboration with longstanding, outspoken community organizations and residents who have dedicated years to preserving our city’s historic assets.

  • A commitment to preservation practices that respect both the physical integrity and the spirit of our neighborhoods.

The Loew’s Theater was built for the people of Jersey City, and it should be restored with the people of Jersey City — not without them.

Thank you for your time, attention, and leadership on this important matter. I look forward to seeing more open, inclusive preservation efforts moving forward.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood, optional]
[Your Email, optional]

Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
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