TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Township Theatre, one of Bergen County’s last remaining independent cinemas, will close its doors for good on Thursday, July 31, as Washington Town Center moves forward in a new direction.
Owners Dave and Laura Rose, who reopened the theater in March 2021 following the Covid-19 shutdown, said they made every effort to negotiate a continued lease but were unable to reach an agreement. “Despite our best attempts, [the owners] remain committed to their redevelopment plans, and the closure of the theater is inevitable,” they said in a message to patrons.
The Roses told Pascack Press last week that about six weeks ago they were contacted by center management and asked to vacate the space at 249 Pascack Road to make way for something new at the address. They said they attempted to renegotiate their lease—including a willingness to increase their rent—but talks with the mall’s new management company, GRE Vertical Advisors LLC, were unsuccessful.
The couple said in a statement, “We are deeply grateful for your support over the years. The love and enthusiasm shown by our patrons have meant everything to us. While we are heartbroken to close this chapter, we will always cherish the memories we created together.”
Pascack Press reached out to CRE Vertical Advisors LLC—the company coordinating mall operations for the DiChiara family trust—for comment both on the theatre’s standing and larger plans for the shopping center, established in 1959 and the commercial hub of downtown.
The blow would be compounded in the end of a remarkable tradition: A theater has operated at the site since 1966, and was the site of many residents’ first trip to the movies—their own or with their young ones.
The management on their leasing website describes Washington Town Center as “a cornerstone of our community. Anchored by a supermarket, pharmacy, and the United States Post Office, our property stands as the epicenter of the Township. We take pride in curating a diverse tenant mix and downtown experience, featuring a variety of restaurants, fitness facilities, and a range of essential services and products for the community. Washington Town Center is not just a place; it’s a meticulously designed destination that caters to your everyday needs. Join us in the heart of the action and savor the convenience that our shopping center has to offer.”
The 8,300-square-foot space is now being marketed as prime retail real estate, with high ceilings, ample parking, and a full build-out in place. Listed as suitable for entertainment, medical, or fitness use, the storefront is listed as available immediately, with lease terms negotiable and rent listed upon request.
The mall, built in 1959 and renovated in 1997, is described as being in excellent condition and in line with other retail tenants. [Related sidebar on local history: “Greatest Generation gets a shopping center downtown.”
With the two-screen theater’s closure, the space is being pitched to prospective tenants looking for a turnkey retail setup with strong visibility and high-volume capacity.
Mayor Peter Calamari, who keeps an office in the mall, told us he was not privy to business decisions leading to the theater’s impending closure and preferred not to comment on that aspect of it.
He said of the theater, “It’s a shame they’re closing. I’ve been almost a lifelong resident of the township, and I have fond memories of being there with my friends, and stuff. I feel bad that today’s kids, they get enjoyment in different ways, but not in the ways that I did, so I think it’s a little sad.”
Investing in the town
When the prior cinema closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roses saw an opportunity to revive it. They had operated Ramsey Cinema from 2013 to March 2020, when pandemic restrictions forced it to close. That venue was converted into a dental office.
In March 2021, the Roses reopened the Washington Township location, bringing with them a vision that extended well beyond first-run films. Their plans included family programming, live comedy, musical acts, and private events—offering a community-centered space at a time when lockdowns had left many feeling isolated.
Laura said at the time, “Dave and I are thrilled to announce that we have a new home—in my hometown! We have taken over operations of the shuttered Washington Township Cinemas—now the new Township Theatre! We are working hard to bring the best movie-going experience that we have been known for, to you, our dear clients. Our staff is raring to get back too!”
In early interviews, the Roses spoke of transforming the space with added seating, concessions, and a live-performance stage. “Very quickly we decided to take a chance… this industry is raring to come back and we’re willing to take this chance,” Laura said.
The local Dairy Queen franchise owner said at his Planning Board hearing in 2019 he was excited to open near the theater, anticipating a boost in foot traffic.
And while the Roses were optimistic about the reopening—with vaccination campaigns underway and limited-capacity screenings permitted—they acknowledged the risks.
Laura, who grew up on Jackson Avenue and graduated from Westwood Regional High School in 1987, said she saw her first movie—”Airport ’77”—at the theater nearly 50 years ago. She said she and David were drawn to the “community feel” of the space. At the time, she noted the building was constructed in 1966.
Laura said although the theater’s final show is planned for July 31, they’ll have an additional week to remove equipment from the building. She noted that the mall has recently welcomed a laser center, exercise/dance studio, and a UPS Store.
Over the years, Township Theatre also opened its doors to private rentals for everything from fundraisers and school events to milestone celebrations like Sweet 16s and high school reunions. “The only limit is your imagination,” the owners promoted, encouraging guests to host private screenings of current release films or movies of their choice. Businesses and organizations took advantage of the space for customer appreciation nights, dinner-and-a-movie gatherings, youth group excursions, summer camp outings, and even corporate meetings followed by a film.
The Roses also built strong partnerships with local businesses through their in-theater marketing program—offering affordable advertising on the big screen, lobby placement for materials, and the chance to host special events.
And it was meaningful to the couple that this year Township Theatre was a finalist as Best Movie Theater in the Best of Bergen Reader’s Choice Awards—”a true testament to the incredible support and enthusiasm of our loyal patrons.”
This spring, Township Theatre partnered with North Jersey Villages and Senior Helpers to host “dementia-friendly” cinema events, screening “Mamma Mia!” in April and “South Pacific” June 11. North Jersey Villages project coordinator Kathy Kuzma told us, “Unfortunately the Township Theatre is closing and will no longer provide this venue for a much-needed fun-filled respite for those moving along the dementia journey. Thank you, Laura and David, for your warm hospitality!”
She said “‘South Pacific’ has so many beautiful songs and a few fun songs (like Happy Talk! and I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair! We had guests who knew the words of all! There were 40 attendees, and we captured the happy faces of just a few—but they represented the faces of many leaving the theater.”
— With John Snyder