Prospect Hall

 263 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn

Prospect Hall was a building of historical and architectural importance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was not landmarked in New York City.

The Hall closed at the onset of the pandemic with owner Michael Halkias succumbing to COVID-19 two months later in May 2020.

In mid-July 2021, Prospect Hall was sold "as part of an assemblage"  to Angelo Rigas through his company Gowanus Cubes for 30 million.

A few weeks later Rigas filed permits  to demolish the properties including Prospect Hall.  

Local activists started a petition to save the building and a stop work order was placed on the demolition.

In September, the Landmarks Preservation Commission decided that  Prospect Hall had undergone too many architectural changes since opening in 1903 to qualify for preservation. They also noted that Angelo Rigas had already gutted much of the building's interior. 

Realtors and developers often move quickly to demolish a building in order to avoid landmarking.

Prospect Hall in the 1940s when it was the largest Polish National Home in the United States.

Ballroom, Prospect Hall, part of my 2007 walking tour of Park Slope theatres

 for the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment and Open House New York.

The ballroom, Gothamist, September 2, 2021

National Register of Historic Places

The Real Deal

Crescent Film Company

Since 1997 theatre historian, Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc. Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

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