file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood officials are taking the first major step toward transforming the historic Warner Theater into a performing arts hub for the community. The Village Council has introduced a $250,000 bond ordinance as a down payment on the option to purchase the iconic 93-year-old theater at 190 E. Ridgewood Avenue, which closed in January 2024.
The bond was approved at the Aug. 13 council meeting following a detailed discussion during the Aug. 6 work session. Mayor Paul Vagianos described the project as a joint venture with the Ridgewood Arts Foundation, which would operate the venue if acquired.
$250K Down Payment for a $2.5 Million Purchase
Under the ordinance, Ridgewood will pay a non-refundable $250,000 to secure the option to buy the Warner Theater. If the plan moves forward, the village would pay an additional $2.5 million for the property — but only if it secures funding through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
That grant would cover up to 80% of renovation costs, with the restoration expected to take three to five years.
“This won’t be inexpensive,” Vagianos acknowledged. “But the Warner Theater is part of Ridgewood’s history, and this project has the potential to transform our downtown.”
Private Support Already Committed
Village landlord Nina Milanos has pledged $200,000 in seed money to cover architectural and engineering costs needed for the grant application. Civic groups, including the Ridgewood Guild, have already proposed two possible designs:
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A single 1,200-seat theater
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Three smaller theaters on two floors, offering more flexibility for performances
The design may also incorporate adjacent retail space and possibly expand behind the building.
A Theater with History
Opened in 1932, the Warner Theater has long been a landmark in Ridgewood’s commercial district. Though its interior was gutted after closing, many original architectural features remain. Vintage seats were sold in early 2024 to benefit the Ridgewood Historical Society.
The fate of the building has been a matter of debate since its closure, with residents and arts advocates pushing to preserve it as a cultural space rather than see it redeveloped.
Public Hearing Scheduled
A public hearing on the bond ordinance is set for Sept. 10, giving residents the opportunity to weigh in on the project’s future.
If successful, Ridgewood could not only save a piece of its history but also establish a new performing arts center that could bring entertainment, culture, and economic benefits to the downtown district.
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This purchase will be a nice diversion for the artsy folks to stop complaining about turf fields!
This has BUST written all over it.
If they put artificial turf on the floors, the sports folk could enjoy it, too!
And they already have a cast of characters.
The Vagianos Magical Mystery Tour which is a live puppetry show with life sized dolls, one hundred percent authentic performative theater starring our own village council. They can do the ribbon cutting ceremony ohoto op and then hop right up on stage right afterwards to start the show.
Paulie’s follies.
Private funding fine. Tax dollars NO!
This thing will be a bust. Who wants it? And why? Just pissing away $250,000. Why not utilize school auditoriums that we ALREADY HAVE? Like utilizing the ball fields we ALREADY HAVE rather than Schedler?
A standard theater could provide more seating and a larger stage for professional productions. As I remember, school auditoriums and their stages are too small for anything but school performances. For example, ballet companies would try to perform at Ben Franklin and were extremely crowded.
The kissed away 350,000 for that huge ugly pavillion for Healthbarn. And your money was used!!!!
government control = cost overages, mis-mgmt, failure
bring in a private charity/foundation similar to Mayo Performing Arts in Morristown owned and managed by the South Street Theater Co. the 1,200 seat venue is outstanding and attracts thousands to town to boost local businesses.
Something similar here isn’t going to draw thousands, or even hundreds. The parking is too damn expensive for starters.
They will make the parking free for their little pet project, just like they do on Saturday night for the restaurants.
It amazes me the restaurants demanded the parking deck and yet on Saturday night it is free. $18.00 for a drink but they can’t pay $3.00 to park.
Mayo attracted 90k last year.
Same venue size
Get professionals to own/run it
Ridgewood and the surrounding area are in dire need of a performing arts center. Kudos to those who see the need for more culture.
More money thrown to the wind like the ridiculous pavilion that we just built at Habernickel. Who is paying for that ribbon cutting party? You are tax payers!
It would be helpful to know exactly what the plans are before spending a penny. I do not think our Village has the capacity to run an entertainment business, or many other deals for that matter. Take a VOTE!
Guess it won’t be open in time to host the premiere of the movie that Adam Sandler is making here.
Make it a go go bar.
Vagianos is ordering his casting couch………..
Like the “performing art center “? I thought you guys didn’t want ridgewood to become like “Morristown “lol
Great place for a puppet show with all the Vagianos Puppets on the council and Village Manager’s office, who are enjoying their current positions on Vagiano’s seed money!!
The puppet master is getting everything he wants – and the taxpayers are paying for it.