njforgione, Author at Neighborhood View

The Show is Over for Showcase in Revere

April 1, 2021 njforgione 3

By Nicholas Forgione If 2020 were a disaster movie, an obvious cliche would be the end of a long-standing movie-house in America’s Beach City. In fall of 2020, Revere’s Showcase Cinema de Lux — closed due to pandemic restrictions — announced that its doors would not reopen and that the property would change hands. While the area has other movie-houses, (including some owned by Showcase), the end of Revere’s Showcase is the end of an era. From its location near Revere’s Northgate Shopping Center, on the border of Malden’s Ward 8 along Route 1, Showcase Cinema was the backdrop for, and part of, the stories of area residents for more than five decades. The end of the Revere’s Showcase Cinema reflects the conflict between sentiment and practicality. Earlier this year, National Amusements Inc., the owner of Showcase Cinemas, reached an agreement with real estate firm NorthBridge Partners for the sale of the theater; the property will be leased to Amazon. Jonathan, a former resident of Malden who worked at Showcase in the 1990s, recalls “lots of fun memories.” Jonathan concedes to being “saddened” at an emotional level. And, he […]

Last Stand at the Bunker: Hobby Bunker to close its doors on Exchange Street

March 12, 2021 njforgione 0

Photos and Text by Nicholas Forgione After more than 20 years of selling toy soldiers, board games, books and hobby supplies, the Hobby Bunker is retreating from 33 Exchange Street. From its cavernous location beneath “the old CVS” at the eastern end of Pleasant Street, the Hobby Bunker was a place for local gamers and hobbyists to meet for games, show off their work in the store’s display cases, and purchase stuff for their hobbies. The Hobby Bunker is also one of the last places in Malden, other than Stop & Shop and Walgreens, that sells books. According to its website, The Hobby Bunker will relocate on April 1 in Wakefield at 103 Albion St. For Al, a Malden resident and long-time employee who asked that his last name not be used, this is more than a business relocation. “It is kind of crazy. I have been coming here since I was a kid.” For Al, the Bunker leaving Malden represents the end of an institution. The gaming tables are a meeting place, similar to a local bar. The staff knows its customers: Al has a pretty […]