JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (November 10, 2026) — The historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre, located in Journal Square in Jersey City, held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiled its restored facilities on Monday, November 9, following a renovation project valued at approximately $130 million. The event brought together Mayor James Solomon, Hudson County officials, representatives of the New Jersey state government, project leaders, preservation organizations and community members. The occasion marked a major milestone for one of the state’s most prominent cultural landmarks, which is returning as a venue for concerts, performances, film screenings and community events.
Solomon presided over the ceremony and highlighted the restoration of “The People’s Palace,” as the theater is popularly known. The project was carried out through a partnership involving the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). The mayor also recognized the work of Friends of the Loew’s, the community organization that spent decades advocating for the building’s preservation and helping prevent its demolition. “The Loew’s Jersey Theatre was built for this city in 1929 and is reopening its doors to this city in 2026,” Solomon said while presenting the venue’s new chapter.
The restoration reached an estimated cost of approximately $130 million, following an increase from the initial $72 million agreement announced by the city in February 2021. In May 2025, municipal officials reported that construction delays and rising material costs had substantially increased the project’s budget. The final figure was confirmed by the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), an organization involved in the project’s financing structure. The investment made it possible to restore the historic building and adapt it to the technical requirements of a modern entertainment venue.
In October 2022, the NJEDA approved $42.27 million in state tax credits through its Historic Property Reinvestment Program, representing 45% of eligible costs under an estimated total project budget of $110 million at the time. The financing structure also included $19.57 million in federal historic tax credits, identified by NTCIC. The organization further reported that Jersey City, Hudson County and the state government had collectively committed more than $100 million to the project. Meanwhile, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said the county allocated $1.78 million from its Open Space Trust Fund for safety improvements, historic preservation and facade restoration. “Today, we are seeing the results of those investments and years of collaboration,” Guy said during the ceremony.
The work included the rehabilitation of the exterior facade, ornamental plasterwork, public spaces, stage and support areas, as well as upgrades to the mechanical, electrical and heating and cooling systems, fire protection installations and audiovisual technology. More than 1,000 craftspeople and skilled workers took part in the project. Bruce Wheeler, the theater’s general manager, highlighted the attention given to restoring the original colors, wall coverings and carpets. “The restoration is simply meticulous,” Wheeler told News 12, describing the work undertaken to return the building to its original splendor.
“This theater is part of the fabric of our state, and being able to help shape its next chapter has meant a great deal to me personally,” Wheeler said. The general manager explained that entering the venue allows visitors to experience some of the glamour audiences enjoyed when it opened in 1929. He also indicated that several of its best-known historic features, including the chandelier in the main lobby, the organ and the movie screens, are expected to return during 2027. The architectural restoration seeks to preserve the identity of the former movie palace while incorporating the facilities needed to accommodate major productions and contemporary events.
The ceremony included remarks from Denise Ridley, president of the Jersey City Municipal Council and chair of the JCRA; Thomas Zuppa Jr., City Council member for Ward C; Craig Guy, Hudson County executive; Paul Ceppi, the NJEDA’s tax credit and incentives official; Annisia Cialone, director of Jersey City HEDC; and Pat Kelleher, president of Hudson County Building Trades. Ridley, a lifelong Jersey City resident, described the occasion as a milestone and said: “Today, we mark a historic occasion as we breathe new life into a cornerstone of Jersey City.” Resident Erwin Rosen also recalled the approximately 20 years of work by Friends of the Loew’s to save the building.
The program featured performances by the St. Peter’s Preparatory School Men’s Choir, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse and the Conservatory of Fine Arts. The venue offers flexible configurations for approximately 2,600 seated guests or up to 4,000 people standing, allowing it to host concerts, comedy shows, artistic performances, film screenings and special events. These features make it one of Jersey City’s major entertainment venues and expand the cultural programming opportunities available in Journal Square.
The first major concert lineup will begin Friday, November 13, with Trey Anastasio Band, followed by The War on Drugs on Saturday, November 14, during the opening weekend. The announced schedule also includes Jodeci on November 18; Derek Hough on December 8; Unwrapped: An Acoustic Holiday on December 9; Christmas with Chris Tomlin on December 10; Chelsea Handler on December 12; and Nimbus Dance with Jersey Nutcracker on December 19. The calendar combines music, comedy and dance, offering events for audiences across different generations. Tickets and show information are available through LoewsJersey.com and Ticketmaster.
Designed by the renowned theater architecture firm Rapp and Rapp, the Loew’s Jersey Theatre opened on September 28, 1929, with an original seating capacity of 3,021. It was one of five celebrated Loew’s Wonder Theatres built in the New York metropolitan area and the only one located outside New York City’s boroughs. During its early years, it hosted performers such as Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Cab Calloway and Bob Hope. After experiencing declining activity, it closed in August 1986 and faced the threat of demolition. Jersey City acquired the property in 1993, following preservation efforts led by Friends of the Loew’s. It partially reopened in 2001 and, in 2022, received National Historic Landmark designation, according to municipal cultural information. The November 9 ceremony marks the culmination of a lengthy restoration effort that returns one of Journal Square’s leading architectural and cultural landmarks to the community.
With information from Biz Republic
