First Glimpse: Here's What Historic NJ Theater Will Look Like When It Reopens In Fall

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A historic 1929 Jersey City theater will reopen in fall after a $130 million rehabilitation — and new renderings released Monday show how it will look.

The Loew's Jersey Theatre in central Jersey City will be able to seat as many as 4,000 guests when it reopens, up from 2,000 before, officials say. It will host as many as 150 events each year.

The state's Economic Development Authority awarded $42.7 million in Historic Property Reinvestment funds in 2022 to the project. The money was the first award of its type.

The palatial theater opened in 1929 and hosted the biggest acts of the time, including Bing Crosby.

But in 1987, it was slated for demolition until a group called the Friends of the Loew's stepped in to save it.

The theater shut down in fall 2021 for renovations.

The rehabbed facility will be a "reimagined, multi-purpose cultural destination," the city said Monday morning.

It will host live music, comedy, and touring performances, sports events, community functions, and educational programming.

Originally opened in 1929 as one of five famed “Wonder Theatres,” the facility is being restored as part of a partnership among the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, the state, and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

"The Loew's Jersey Theatre is a symbol of Jersey City’s past and future," said Mayor James Solomon on Monday. "For decades, Journal Square has been the heart of our city, home to working families, immigrants, and dreamers, and this restoration is a testament to their resilience."

Bruce Wheeler, the general manager of the theater, said, “These renderings offer a glimpse into the quality of the restoration and an insight into what our patrons, promoters, partners, performers, and neighbors will see when they first step into this very special venue."