Living and working in Chelsea over the past 6 years has made clear that nothing is permanent. With so many luxury apartments being constructed and the neighborhood property values increasing, it is no wonder so many businesses are closing out and families moving to the other side of the river to Brooklyn.
The most recent business to go is the Clearview West Theater, which has been in operation for 11 years. The theater which sports twin auditoriums and is known in the neighborhood mainly for its big movie premiers, showcasing celebrities such as Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg, has had poor attendance in recent years.
So it’s not that great a surprise that it is closing and that so few people are aware that it is no longer in operation. “It’s closed!” exclaimed a front desk staff member at New York City Sports Club, located on Eight Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets, on Friday when asked if he knew of the closing. An usher at Clearview Theater to the East of Eight Avenue on 23rd Street, confirmed the closing, however he was unclear as to what would be replacing the theater, “Possibly a parking lot,” he suggested, which is greatly needed around here.
However, through further investigation it has been uncovered that the School of Visual Arts will be using the venue as a showcase and laboratory for the arts produced by the school in film and moving image. It won’t be a commercially operated theater anymore, but will boast a full calender of special events.