First movie theater in over 60 years coming to Brownsville
The neighborhood once boasted multiple theaters, but they all disappeared over time.
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A vacant storefront on Belmont Avenue is set to be transformed into a movie theater and restaurant, bringing the first cinema to Brownsville in more than six decades.
Plans are in motion to bring Stuart Cinema & Café to the neighborhood, a project spearheaded by local entrepreneur and Stuart Cinema & Café CEO Emelyn Stuart and La'Shawn Allen-Muhammad, executive director of the Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation.
The space, which was previously Harry's Old School sneaker store, will soon be home to a state-of-the-art movie theater, alongside Cornbread restaurant, a popular eatery that has already purchased the building.
The neighborhood once boasted multiple theaters, but they all disappeared over time.
“Brownsville used to be a huge cultural hub," Allen-Muhammad said.
Stuart says it’s as an opportunity to bring affordable entertainment to the community.
"It’s not going to cost $20 to see a movie, and popcorn won’t cost $15, because I'm mindful of what the community can afford,” said Stuart, who is the first Afro-Latina cinema owner.
The theater and restaurant will share the building, making it one of the few sit-down dining options in Brownsville.
Despite the progress, there's still work to be done. The roof must be raised about 3 feet, and additional funding is needed to complete the project.
"We’re bringing joy back to the community," Allen-Muhammad said.
Construction is slated to begin in late spring, with the grand opening expected by the end of summer.
