8/29/2008 Update:

Construction is not moving as quickly at the Clearview Cinemas site uptown. They’re slowly working on laying the foundation, but that’s about as exciting as it gets.

See all previous updates (including snazzy groundbreaking video) after the jump…

8/7/2008:

All sorts of heavy equipment, mud and deep holes uptown as the Clearview Cinemas is now in the early stages of development.

A discussion that came up at the dog park recently was, “How small are these theaters going to be?”

The initial specs were FIVE screens, 600 capacity. Suppose it was divided evenly, you’d have 125 per theater, which would make them what, 12 rows, 10 seats? Imagine how small that would be? Or if they had a 250 seat “main theater,” that would leave four smaller theaters with 90 capacity? What are the screens going to be? 60″ Plasma TV’s?

I’d prefer a two, maybe three screen theater instead. Oh well.

So when do you think the first movie will be shown?

6/2/2008 Video Update:

For those interested in hearing what Mayor Roberts had to say at today’s ground-breaking ceremony… check this video out..

6/2/2008 Update:

Mayor Roberts showed up and was the guest of honor at this morning Clearview Cinemas Groundbreaking Ceremony. Other city officials and VIP’s were present as well. Full video a little bit later.

5/29/2008 Update:

Hoboken411 was invited to this Monday’s “groundbreaking” over at the upcoming Clearview Cinemas.

Clearview Hoboken Cinemas Groundbreaking Ceremony

Join Clearview Cinemas, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Hoboken Mayor David Roberts and other government officials as they break ground to begin construction on Clearview’s new, five-screen theatre in Hoboken, N.J.—the first movie theatre that Clearview has ever built from the ground up. The state-of-the-art theatre will showcase the best in Hollywood, art and independent films, providing a premiere entertainment destination for members of the local community.

• WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Clearview Hoboken Cinemas - Get a preview of the design and details of the new cinema complex
• WHEN: Monday, June 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. - Rain or Shine
• WHERE: Construction site on 14th Street (between Adams & Grand Streets) - Hoboken, N.J.

12/7/2007 Update:

They started work on the structure next door to the “coming soon” movie theater. From what I recall, it will hold parking and retail businesses. Uptown residents, businesses and bars should be thrilled, right?

8/2007 Update:

(this was previously named “Lazy Hoboken: New Theater”)

So today, I heard that Architect Alan Weissman was over inside the 14th and Grand lot taking pictures (notifying the PD that it was OK).. so I went by to see what the status of this new “theater” was… it was still a plot of unkempt grass.

They’ll eventually start construction on the 2-story, 60 foot-high movie theater. The five screen theater will be owned by Clearview Cinemas. It’s been said that construction will be complete in one year, however, with the recent trouble involving Al Arezzo, don’t be surprised if the H.A.T.T. kicks in, and says “Spring 2009″… But one thing they have going for them is that movie theaters are generally much easier to build cookie-cutter style than a typical condo, so we’ll see!

The flick-house is part of the Northwest Redevelopment Zone, a 22-acre plot in the northwest quadrant of town. The city council designated the western edge as a redevelopment zone by a 6-to-3 vote a few months ago and “plans” are underway for the area to include a pool and a community center (wonder how much those “plans” will change into 17 story condos….), in addition to the theater. Note that the owner of all these properties, Tarragon, has recently been in danger of bankruptcy, and trading was temporarily halted this past week. URSA claims it has the funding already in place, but that could always just be “fluff” depending on where the market heads over the next few months.

Mayor Roberts recently said that “The things schoolchildren tell me they want most is a movie theater and a swimming pool and they’re getting it.” I can only imagine every school kid at this pool. Buy stock in chlorine companies quick!

Point 1: Tarragon should understand that the sidewalks are still to be used by the public, and they should get out there ASAP to clean them up. While 14th St. isn’t highly trafficked there, it’s still uncalled for. Take care of your properties!

Point 2: Pardon me if I’ve skimmed my notes hastily, but does anyone know what this commercial/parking lot across the street will be? A garage w/ retail? I honestly cannot remember seeing plans for this…

See the original post from July 2006 below.

7/20/2006:
Was out of town and saw this great news item about the plans for the new five-screen theater. All I hear from people is that it’s too far.

How lazy have people become? Hoboken is constrained enough, now it’s too difficult to leave the comfort of your 2 square block area? It’s sickening that people complain about stuff, then never do anything about it. You’d be amazed at what you see once you walk around town a lot.

Cosmetic surgery, implants, artificially colored teeth, yet some people are too lethargic to walk their fat-asses to a theater? Get real! It’s free exercise!

5-screen theater for Hoboken

Break out the popcorn, movies may be returning to the Mile Square City.

Mayor David Roberts says he’s reached an agreement with the developers in the Northwest Redevelopment Area to build a five-screen theater on 14th Street between Grand and Adams streets.

The theater - which could open as early as next summer - would be the city’s first moviehouse since Hudson Street Cinemas closed last fall.

“This is the biggest single issue people have called me on,” Roberts said. “Our residents are going to have a theater in town, in walking distance.”

Since plans for the movie theater were not part of the original 1998 redevelopment plan, the City Council is expected to vote on the zoning change at its August meeting.

Fred Bado, director of community development, said it will be a two-story, 600-seat theater, roughly 200 feet wide and 50 to 60 feet long.

Ursa/Tarragon, the developer in the Northwest, will build the theater and then rent it to an operator.

Michael Sciarra, a principal of Ursa/Tarragon, said he is in negotiations with a major company that operates theaters in New Jersey and New York, and that the theater will likely include restaurant and retail offerings.

Hoboken, Theater, Clearview Cinemas, Tarragon, Northwest Redevelopment Plan