The Bellevue Theatre, located at 260 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair, has been a small-town staple for quite some time. As the theatre opened in May 1922 and closed in November 2017, residents and theater lovers alike were concerned about the future of the vacant building. The Montclair Planning Board recently approved renovations for the building that will not only allow the reopening of the iconic theater but also add some space for retail businesses to thrive. Read on to find out more about the official future of The Bellevue Theatre and what it means for Montclair residents and visitors.
Photo Credit: RHG A+D Architecture + Design
About the Theater
The Bellevue Theatre has been a Montclair staple since opening its doors on May 13th, 1922. The interior was Tudor style complete with an indoor balcony and had a tea room on the second floor — named Highgate Hall — with its own murals on its walls. The theatre’s grand opening consisted of musical performances and a movie screening of a 1921 silent film, Orphans of the Storm. It was originally part of a five motion picture licenses plan throughout Montclair, and this eventually produced what is currently known as the Bellevue, the Wellmont, and the Clairidge theatres. The Bellevue Theatre reinforced the English village vibe of Upper Montclair’s historic business and shopping district and is a historical landmark in Montclair.
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A New Chapter
According to NorthJersey.com, Bellevue Theatre originally closed in November 2017 after Bow Tie Cinema’s lease was up and the company chose not to renew it. In March 2018, plans were announced for a partnership between the theater owner and two other groups to renovate the facility into six theaters, a restaurant, and a bar, per Montclair Local. After three years of negotiations and a pandemic, the Township of Montclair’s Building Department placed a stop construction order on the front of the building in October 2023 due to construction being performed with improper or lack of permits, per Montclair Local.
Moving Forward
The Township adopted the Bellevue Theatre Redevelopment Plan in 2022 (the current plans) after being submitted to the Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and Building Department for various reviews and approvals. Montclair-based architecture and design firm RHG Architecture + Design took over the project in fall 2023. “The architect before us was retiring, so the owner of Bellevue sought us out to help continue their vision,” RHG founder Rachael H. Grochowski told The Montclair Girl. RHG currently serves as the lead of construction and is helping Bellevue Theatre rebuild in phases.
Photo Credit: RHG A+D Architecture + Design
The current renovation plan includes a new retail space along the building’s east facade next to Upper Montclair Plaza where Somedays Bakery (owned by the same people at the helm of Chip City) are in talks of leasing out. “Move House Montclair (a yoga studio) has already moved in on the west retail side,” Rachael said. The proposed storefront window system appearance is also set to be consistent with the surrounding stores.
Photo Credit: RHG A+D Architecture + Design
There was also a submittal of three duplex apartments or office spaces being placed above the theater lobby, though these plans haven’t been officially approved yet. According to TAPinto Montclair, lighting will be provided on the western side of the building where parking is to be made available for visitors and Bellevue Theatre employees.
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Now, over 100 years after its original grand opening, The Bellevue Theatre is gearing up for a 21st-century comeback. “The mission of this project is to expand the main street traffic and create more of a sense of community to the Upper Montclair Plaza,” Rachael told MG. The project even hopes to feature an artistic mural on the side of the building.
The Montclair Girl will update this piece as work progresses on the project. For now, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to stay in-the-know with all of the Montclair + Essex County news, and sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here.
A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
It's no secret that Montclair is bustling with chic boutiques, some of which are very well-hidden gems. But we’re here to uncover them for you — so you can plan your next shopping day knowing you'll be coming home with the good stuff. There are so many places to shop to find a one-of-a-kind gift or just the thing you've been looking for. Read on for a list of must-shop boutiques in Montclair, New Jersey.
2nd Street USA | 10 South Park Street
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2nd Street USA is a second-hand clothing chain with origins in Japan. New to the Montclair scene as of May 2023, this spot has a huge selection of styles, from streetwear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories. 2nd Street also has online selling + shopping options as well.
Village Vogue/Barbara Eclectic | 594 Valley Road
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Also known as Village Vogue, this Valley Road boutique carries all of the latest trends in women’s fashion. From workwear to transitional pieces, Barbara Eclectic carries bold prints and striking colors suitable for women of all ages. Online shopping and private, in-person shopping appointments are available.
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Bridal Atelier Montclair | 623 Valley Road
Bridal Atelier is home to hundreds of designer wedding dresses. For the bride-to-be, this Upper Montclair boutique should be the first stop on your list of wedding to-dos. The showroom is beautifully decorated, well lit, and contains racks of gorgeous gowns as far as the eye can see. The team at the shop gives the personalized attention every bride craves by hosting one appointment at a time. Fun fact: one of MG’s very own writers got her dress from Bridal Atelier and had the best experience there.
Co Co an Experience | 206 Bellevue Avenue
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Owner Roz Connolly’s long-time passion for fashion resulted in the creation of a high-end women’s boutique that offered brands that clients could not find elsewhere. Over the years, Co Co an Experience evolved with its loyal clientele but continues to showcase emerging lines and quality staples at inviting price points. Seasonal clothing — from BOHO-type skirts and dresses, to jeans and t-shirts as well as camis, blouses, and jewelry, some made by local artisans — can be found at this Montclair boutique.
Culture Couture | 53 Church Street
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This eco-friendly shop located right on bustling Church Street sells a variety of lifestyle items. From the inspired collections that include essential oils and spirit animals to accessories and home decor, Culture Couture truly has it all. If you’re looking for gifts for just about anyone in your life, add this boutique to your shopping list.
Curated Home + Living | 102 Walnut Street
Curated Home + Living is a lifestyle and home décor shop that focuses on authenticity, materiality, quality, + craft. The spot sells a mix of New York artisans and European brands, and was born out of founder Danielle Zinn’s passion for design, travel, + home.
Dody’s Dresses | 24 South Fullerton Avenue
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Dody’s Dresses is home to a wide selection of couture gowns and the shop is open by appointment only. Whether you are a bride in search of bridal party attire, a mother of the bride, or simply searching for a prom dress that sets you apart from everyone else, this spot is for you. Dody’s carries gowns from high-end designers including Gemy, Mac Duggal, Feriani, and more.
Dot Reeder | 129 Watchung Avenue
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Dot Reeder was created and founded by a former New York City stylist in 2007. Needless to say, this boutique has all of the on-trend pieces you’re searching for. The store's Instagram page is a great resource to search the inventory so when you see something you like, be sure to stop by and snag it.
The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue
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Since 2018, this boutique located right on Bloomfield Avenue has sold handmade, locally sourced, and small-batch goods. Not only does this boutique provide a unique shopping experience, but the team also works to mentor over 30 artists from New Jersey to build the brand and help them grow. The Eclectic Chic Boutique does a lot to make this possible by providing virtual shopping experiences, hosting virtual celebrations, and creating custom goods.
Forever Welded | 314 Bloomfield Avenue
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Forever Welded is the first permanent jewelry store to come to MTC. You can get luxury custom jewelry at this Montclair shop (they also do various pop-ups around NJ) like necklaces, bracelets, and more. Forever Welded is also available for private parties, girls' nights, bridal showers, and business collabs.
Giftbar | 465 Bloomfield Avenue
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Ted Lasso Christmas ornaments, beer-making kits, and a Soprano family cookbook walk into a bar… Giftbar that is. This trendy store is filled with greeting cards that will make you laugh before even opening, retro-style board games, and even handmade jewelry among other things. Sisters and co-owners Carli and Jordyn are self-proclaimed pop-culture fanatics so customers can trust the products for sale will not only satisfy the ultimate recipient but provide a good laugh for the gift-giver too.
Grace Loves Lace | 6 South Park Street
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Grace Loves Lace is a local bridal boutique on South Park Street. Here, you can find the perfect dress to embrace your body shape and make you feel unique, with the help of a stylist. Choose from ready-to-wear gowns or made-to-order gowns at this shop.
Haus of Hilights | 212 Glenridge Avenue
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Haus of Hilights is both a salon and boutique — who doesn't want to get their hair done and do a little shopping at the same time? The boutique section of the space sells women’s clothing and accessories based on the latest fashion trends including clothing, outerwear, jewelry, and purses. The owners hand-picked all goods and everything sold is something they would wear themselves.
Monty | 12 North Willow Street
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Monty is a boutique that brings a breath of fresh air and whimsy to the Montclair shopping scene, with a strong focus on independent and emerging designers. Monty works with designers from across the globe, featuring brands from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as some North + South American designers. The spot curates a selection of garments from each of the designers they work with, and all of the selections can also be shopped online.
Moss + More | 42 Upper Montclair Plaza
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This is not your average boutique. In fact, you will not find any clothing in this shop but instead, plants. If you are a green thumb enthusiast (we have a feeling quarantine invited new house plants into many people’s homes), Moss + More is the one-stop shop for all things plants, plant care tips, workshops, and more. The knowledgeable staff can assist patrons in finding the perfect plant for the type of living environment and did we mention this shop is a common good refill station? This means empty bottles of laundry detergent, hand soap, all-purpose cleaners, and more to be refilled with safe and plant-based cleaners.
Noellery | 4 Church Street
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Noellery is a New Jersey-based jewelry brand that is founded on the inspiration of creative design, vibrant color palettes, imperfect beauty, and quality materials. The collections are a mix of bold statement pieces and intricate and delicate designs. Whatever your style is, you will be sure to find something that suits your taste.
Nouvelle Upper Montclair | 629B Valley Road
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This chic boutique really has it all. When customers walk through the doors of this Valley Road spot, they can expect to find clothing, accessories, jewelry, and even gifts, healing stones, and wine accessories. As if that wasn’t enough, Nouvelle also shares space with the sister store, One Savvy Design, a luxury consignment boutique. You can shop designer apparel either new with tags or gently worn and walk out with style.
Oasis | 40 Church Street
Oasis was first founded 30 years ago in 1981. It has since made its move from different cities like Soho, Englewood, and Ridgewood, before making Montclair its permanent home. Since 2007, Oasis has been serving the Montclair community when it comes to fashion needs. When walking into the boutique, guests can expect clothing and accessories to be categorized by color and season.
Over the Moon | 619 Valley Road
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This children’s boutique is full of adorable sets, accessories, and toys for children. All of the inventory is also available to shop online where you can easily find outfits for special occasions, specific clothing lines, and more. Littles will love everything this cute shop has to offer.
Parcel | 608 Bloomfield Avenue
The allure of a store like Parcel is not only its contents but also the shopping experience. Opening the small cubbies of vintage toys, grazing through shelves of stationery, and spinning wheels of ribbon or racks of greeting cards make customers feel as though they are on a treasure hunt. The treasures include a variety of paper goods and tools for wrapping and crafting, which are sprinkled with vintage objects throughout.
Pazzazed | 11 Midland Avenue
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Pazzazed is a boutique gift shop selling a selection of goods from Papyrus, Michael Aram, and other nationally recognized brands in addition to artists from all over New Jersey. There are candles and picture frames, which make great housewarming gifts, light fixtures, wall decor that adds character to any space, and coasters and hats beaming with New Jersey pride.
Pink Bungalow | 211 Bellevue Avenue
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Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, expressing appreciation, sending congratulations, or a get-well-soon gift, Pink Bungalow has exactly what’s needed. The store carries popular brands such as Alex + Ani, Corkcicle, and Voluspa. Pink Bungalow also has monogramming, which gives any gift an extra special and personal touch. What’s not to love?
Salt Air{e} Collective | 7 South Fullerton Avenue
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Salt Air{e} is a New Jersey-based brand featuring apparel, home, and lifestyle goods inspired by the ocean. Started by NJ native Jennifer Caramma, this brand has everything from gorgeous hand-dyed kimonos and loungewear sets, to throw pillows and luxe beach blankets for anyone craving an endless summer.
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Urban Natural Home | 5 South Willow Street
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This shop recently moved from Bloomfield to Montclair to have a bigger space so they could carry a larger variety of items. Urban Natural Home sells ethically and responsibly made pieces of furniture, organic mattresses, and home decor. From accent chairs to lamps and everything in between, the spot specializes in Modern American-made, heirloom quality furniture.
White Rabbit Black Heart | 219 Glenridge Avenue
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When passers-by see the window of White Rabbit Black Heart, they are almost compelled by the stunningly intricate display to walk in and take a closer look. “Stop by and create a great story,” is what the store owner and Montclair native, Paul Giordano, encourages shoppers to do. The interior is stocked with jewelry, candles, and cards representing over 30 different women-owned businesses across the U.S. and U.K. Treats from Sweet Home Montclair, Giordano’s other brand behind the deliciously handmade chocolates known in town for over 10 years, can also be found here.
