The Buffalo Wild Wings sign is, anyway... Here are a couple of shots of their new sign on what used to be the Forest Hills Theater. I wonder how many people walking along 71st Continental Ave. these days even realize that this building, which now houses a Duane Reade and the soon-to-open Buffalo Wild Wings chain restaurant, used to be a grand old movie house?
In any case, the new Buffalo Wild Wings sign is quite a bit of overkill if you ask me. It's sad enough that this beautiful theater (see photo below, courtesy of the website Cinema Treasures) had to close its doors years ago and become a drugstore, Staples and now a chain restaurant, but does its beautiful historical facade have to be defaced by such loud signage? I'm all for new businesses opening here, don't get me wrong—as long as they respect the character of the neighborhood. Maybe I could understand signs like these way up high if the building had exposure to Queens Blvd, where many people could notice it. But this new sign can only be seen from across the street...
See more photos of the old theater at this Rego-Forest Preservation Council photoset site.
In any case, the new Buffalo Wild Wings sign is quite a bit of overkill if you ask me. It's sad enough that this beautiful theater (see photo below, courtesy of the website Cinema Treasures) had to close its doors years ago and become a drugstore, Staples and now a chain restaurant, but does its beautiful historical facade have to be defaced by such loud signage? I'm all for new businesses opening here, don't get me wrong—as long as they respect the character of the neighborhood. Maybe I could understand signs like these way up high if the building had exposure to Queens Blvd, where many people could notice it. But this new sign can only be seen from across the street...
Aw, I'd give anything to walk the streets of Forest Hills when the old photo was taken. Looks divine!
ReplyDelete- D
Oh, and its funny how you mention the sign as an issue cause we feel the same way. However, the one that really bothers us is the one on the left side (the big yellow/orange moon with a buffalo in it (where the big Staples poster used to be). The sign shines right into our apartment. Not cool BWW! :0)
ReplyDelete-D
I totally agree, the sign cheapens the neighborhood and tarnishes the building's image. It could be so much nicer but clearly the landlord doesn't care.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the other architectural sins that have occurred on that side of the street; they should be given an award for preservation! Trust me, I am not a fan of what has happened to any of these buildings over the years; but the BWW signage could have been a lot worse.
DeleteIt's true, I don't like the sign. But Kevin's right, the sign could've been MUCH worse. They could've easily covered the entire building with a blaring neon sign. At least we can still see what it used to look like.
Delete- D
I can't believe this was allowed to happen. It is absolutely awful.
ReplyDeleteFor you, Anonymous #2...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMjgHBnpeV0
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I totally had Seinfeld in mind when I was writing that! Thumbs up!
Delete"Life on the Red Planet"
Forest Hills is awful.
ReplyDeleteGreat input from someone who's reading (and writing) in a Forest Hills blog
DeleteI understand the the owner operator is in fact paying homage to this historic site by displaying dozens of old photos and things inside the restaurant
ReplyDeleteKudos to them!
What were you expecting from a chain, that you happily promoted I must add. Chains preserve nothing but you food.
ReplyDelete