Tropical Storm Ida Damaged The Historic Loews Theater Organ

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Weeks after the devastating floods brought by Tropical Storm Ida, Jersey City residents and organizations are still taking inventory of the damage the floodwaters left behind. The historic Loews Theater in Journal Square recently announced that the pipe organ in the theater was seriously damaged during the storm.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Loews Theater announced the damage to the theater and the historic organ.

"During the rainstorm, a torrent of water poured through an area of the ceiling on the second floor of the Lobby, near the Grand Staircase. Fortunately, FOL staff was on hand to work to first contain and then mop up and dry the water, but the sheer volume damaged a portion of that ceiling. And later it was discovered that a second leak had damaged part of the Loew's magnificent pipe organ," the post reads.

The theater added that while the damage to the organ was serious, it was not irreparable and that more news will come as to how neighbors and concerned patrons can help.

The theater is in the midst of preparations for a major rehabilitation project. The plan is to bring the historic theater back to life and make it a space that can once again host live performances as well as films. Work on all sides, inside and out, of the theater are part of the plan. The rehabilitation of the theater come with a $72 million price tag. It's part of the city's push to bill itself as an arts and culture hub across the Hudson from Manhattan.

Jersey City saw 6.5 inches of rain during Ida and preliminary damage estimates in the city are totaling $35 million, but that doesn't include the millions in personal property damage residents and business owners experienced.

The city is urging residents to continue reporting storm damage to the city. After some debate and controversy, Hudson County was added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster list. This means that Jersey City residents can apply for federal disaster relief.