The iconic Vitagraph smokestack will remain on site. (Credit: Mike Wright)

As many of our neighbors know, Midwood is home to the very first modern movie studio in the United States. Now those neighbors, as well as movie buffs and cultural preservationists across the country, are all rejoicing.

Midwood’s iconic monument to the history of the American film industry — the 110-year-old American Vitagraph Company smokestack — has been restored and will remain on site as new construction proceeds.

Robert Rosenthal of Hampshire Properties confirmed that the developers, who are building a new residential property on the site of the original Vitagraph studio complex, reached a decision to preserve this neighborhood landmark in consultation with engineers and architects and after mutually encouraging discussions with local community groups. Rosenthal confirms, “We are very happy to be able to maintain this keepsake.”

Standing 70 feet tall, VITAGRAPH is inlaid in brick on one side of the stack — clearly visible from the elevated subway near the Avenue M stop on the Q or B trains.

Click here to see mention of this story in the NY Daily News. Follow Vitagraph and its history via its Facebook page here.