Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman has unveiled the architectural rendering of the future state-of-the-art performing arts center in Carteret. The site, located along the Washington Avenue business district, formerly housed the Ritz Theater from 1928-1965. The theater will create the cornerstone of what will become the local arts district.
At its current state, the site looks tired from serving the Carteret residents for many years. The current building was turned into a sewing factory in 1965, and then a bakery in the 1980s, which closed operations in 2013. The rendering is the architectural concept for the reconstruction of the old Ritz Theater as the Mayor’s administration has begun the restoration of the area to restore arts in Carteret.
Once restored, the new performing arts center will house a 1,500 seat auditorium to host theatrical and musical performances. In addition to the performing arts center and concert hall, future plans for the site call for constructing a movie theater located directly adjacent to the soon-to-be-expanded structure.
“When it was a Vaudeville theater, it had 1,200 seats,” said Mayor Reiman. “With the mezzanine and addition we’ve planned, we’re looking at room for 1,500 people.”
Carteret’s arts scene has experienced a robust boost as Mayor Reiman was recently joined by County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, to announce that the Borough has received a $6 million grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund to be utilized towards the construction, and expansion of the former Ritz Theater.
“This grant is a milestone in our journey to establish Carteret as an entertainment destination for local residents and draw visitors from throughout New Jersey,” continued Mayor Reiman. “The funding generously provided by our county freeholders will help make the theater and performing arts center a reality.”
Mayor Dan Reiman also officially opened the Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center on September 26th. With the opening of the Center, there is now a year-round calendar of events including historical exhibitions and presentations, art shows, musical performances, community arts and musical workshops, classes and more.
