Historic sign at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn being restored
FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- The historic Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn, is currently undergoing a significant restoration project focused on its iconic hand-painted sign, breathing fresh life into the 95-year-old landmark.
Local artist Spencer Alexander is leading this effort to revive a crucial piece of the theater's visual identity. He stated, “I’m constantly looking at lettering,” highlighting his dedication to the craft.
Alexander was chosen for this project due to his deep connection with the venue. “I come here for shows all the time, and they’ve seen my work around the neighborhood,” he explained. The restoration process is meticulous and challenging, as he describes it: “It’s kind of like an old archaeologist kind of digging through the old pieces of paint, little scraps.”
To ensure authenticity, Alexander has been conducting extensive research, studying old photographs to understand how the sign originally appeared over 90 years ago. One major hurdle has been identifying the original lettering.
"The biggest challenge was kind of finding where the letters were and getting them in the correct place,” he shared.
His goal is to honor the original craftsmanship while ensuring the sign's visibility and impact. “I want to pay tribute to that sign painter that originally painted it and that’s what makes a good sign is that somebody can see it from blocks away,” he emphasized.
This sign restoration is part of a broader revitalization effort for Kings Theatre, aiming to enhance its visual appeal and preserve its historical significance. General manager Kate Hesler explained that this project emerged as an opportunity to celebrate the venue's rich history.
“We looked around the building and we were like what can we do to restore, reinvigorate something to celebrate the history of the building, so what came to mind was this mural,” she noted.
Although the sign restoration was not initially part of the theater's renovation plans, it has become a significant focus. Hesler highlighted how important it is to keep things authentic: “It’s really in keeping with the spirit of the original mural that was up in 1929.”
Meanwhile, Alexander hopes that the new and improved sign will bring new life to the historic theater, helping it maintain its charm and attract more audiences. “Hopefully, it’ll last another 95 years,” he expressed optimistically.
The completion of this restoration is expected within just a few days. In the meantime, Kings Theatre remains open with shows happening all weekend long. For more information, click here.