Save Coney Island hailed today’s unanimous decision by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to put the Shore Theater — one of Coney Island’s most striking buildings since it opened its doors in 1925 — on its preservation calendar. This is the first step toward what Save Coney Island hopes will be its eventual designation as a city landmark.

“The Landmarks Preservation Commission took a critical step forward today toward protecting one of Coney Island’s most iconic buildings,” said Save Coney Island spokesman Juan Rivero. “The Shore Theater has a storied past, and it should have an extraordinary future as an anchor for Coney Island’s amusement district.”

“We eagerly await the day when a renovated Shore Theater once again hosts plays and films in its auditorium that can seat 2,500 New Yorkers,” Rivero added. “We hope the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s decision will be the first step toward protecting what’s left of Coney Island’s extraordinary heritage through the creation of a Coney Island historic district.”

Save Coney Island is advocating for the creation of a historic district along the south side of Surf Avenue that would include structures like Nathan’s Famous to ensure that Coney Island’s heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.