For over a century, Tenafly’s Bow Tie Cinemas stood as a cherished landmark, offering locals a place to gather, enjoy films, and create lasting memories. But on May 12, the historic theater’s fate took a final turn as demolition began, making way for new housing units. The building, which had transformed over the years from the New Bergen Theatre to Clearview Cinema and finally Bow Tie Cinemas, had become an integral part of the community. Despite efforts to preserve the theater’s historic charm, the borough’s fight to save it ended in defeat. As the wrecking ball swings and construction moves forward, the memories of this beloved neighborhood cinema are slowly replaced by the promise of development.
A Century-Old Cinema Comes to an End
The movie theater, originally known as the New Bergen Theatre when it opened in the 1920s, had served generations of moviegoers. Over the years, it transformed, becoming Clearview Cinema in 1993, and later Bow Tie Cinemas when it was purchased by Bow Tie Properties in 2013. Despite its rich history, Bow Tie Cinemas closed its doors in 2018, and now, its demolition signals the end of its longstanding presence in the community.
The Controversial Closure
The closure of Bow Tie Cinemas wasn’t without controversy. Ben Moss, the theater’s owner at the time, blamed the borough for the theater’s demise. He pointed to the local government’s decision to designate the building as a historic landmark as the tipping point. According to Moss, the landmark status made it impossible to operate the theater profitably and eventually forced him out of business.
Preservation Falls Short
The fight to protect the theater as a historic landmark was not just a dispute between owners and local authorities; it was a matter of preservation versus progress. Borough Council members argued that the theater’s landmark status was essential to safeguard its original architectural features and prevent any future demolition or drastic changes. Despite the efforts of the Historic Preservation Committee, the building is now slated for demolition, marking a sad day for those who tried to save it.
Screens, Stories, and Sentiment
Tenafly Police Chief Robert Chamberlain reflected on the theater’s role in the community, sharing his personal memories. “I used to go there with my family. I remember watching movies with my daughters. It was local, comfortable and fun to go to,” said Chamberlain. For many, the theater wasn’t just a place to watch films—it was an integral part of family life, offering a comfortable and familiar experience that newer, more commercial venues couldn’t replicate.
COVID Killed Local Theaters
The fate of Tenafly’s movie theater reflects a broader trend across the United States. The rise of streaming services, combined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to the closure of many independent movie theaters. In the years between 2019 and 2023 alone, approximately 4,803 movie theaters shut down across the country, with many unable to recover from the financial blow dealt by the pandemic.
Theaters Vanishing, Culture at Risk
The decline of independently-owned movie theaters is a national issue that has raised concerns within the film industry. Sean Baker, an Oscar-winning director from New Jersey, addressed the threat to local cinemas in his acceptance speech for the 2025 Academy Award for his film Anora. “Movie theaters, especially independently-owned theaters, are struggling,” said Baker. “During the pandemic, we lost 1,000 screens in the U.S., and we continue to lose them regularly. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture. This is my battle cry.”
A New Chapter for Tenafly
While the destruction of the old theater is a moment of loss for many, it’s also the start of a new chapter for Tenafly. The land will soon be home to new housing units, a necessity in the growing community. Yet, for those who grew up with the theater, this transition comes with a bittersweet sentiment. The transformation symbolizes the ongoing evolution of the town, as it seeks to balance its history with the demands of the future.
A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten
Though the building will no longer stand as a physical landmark, the legacy of Tenafly’s historic cinema lives on in the memories of those who experienced it. For some, it will always be remembered as a beloved spot to watch films, gather with family, and share in a sense of community. The destruction of the Bow Tie Cinemas is not just the loss of a building—it’s the closing of a chapter in Tenafly’s rich cultural history.