Eclectic/Encore Props: A Queens Prop Shop Says Goodbye

After nearly half a century in business, Eclectic/Encore Props, the sprawling prop shop in Long Island City, Queens, is shutting its doors. The 95,000-square-foot facility was renowned for its eclectic, meticulously organized showrooms, serving film and television set designers for decades. Founded by Suri Bieler in 1979 with just $175, the business became one of the largest prop rental shops on the East Coast, if not the largest.

Inside the Iconic Prop Shop

Walking through Eclectic/Encore Props felt like exploring countless parallel universes. "One theme section has Halloween, and you walk a little bit more and you see our version of ‘Jurassic Park,' and the nautical section, where we have six sharks on the wall," Bieler recalled while describing the experience of moving through the showroom. Her goal was to let set decorators select objects to help create the believable worlds seen on screen.

Reasons for the Closure

Bieler recently sold the building housing Eclectic/Encore Props, citing needed repairs and recent challenges in the entertainment industry as factors behind the closure. "I created this business for the decorators," she said, emphasizing her respect and gratitude for the industry and those who build its sets. After providing resources for imaginations and productions for decades, the beloved queens prop shop will end its run as a leading resource for the East Coast's creative scene.

Other Notable Business Closures

Several other longstanding local establishments are also closing their doors:

• Errol’s Caribbean Delights in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, is shuttering as its owners retire after 25 years serving Caribbean cuisine to the community. Originally opened in 2001, it expanded from selling hearty breads and cakes to offering a full menu of hot dishes.
• Montezuma Restaurant in Kingsbridge Heights, Bronx, has closed after four decades of offering Tex-Mex and Caribbean foods and live entertainment. The neighborhood institution marked its appreciation for patrons in a heartfelt social media announcement.
• The Red Caboose in Midtown Manhattan, one of the city’s last hobby shops, is also closing. Formerly home to various model railway shops since 1946, its building is reportedly slated for demolition.

Exciting New Openings in New York

Despite ongoing business closures, several new ventures are opening in neighborhoods across the city:

• One Flight Up is a new jazz club on Greenwich Street in the Financial District. Created by jazz drummer Joe Strasser and his friend Mark Quinn, the venue sits above street level and offers live music Tuesday through Saturday, with nightly jam sessions except on Wednesdays.
• Shorts Theater, a nonprofit venue on Troutman Street in Bushwick, claims to be the first cinema in the city dedicated exclusively to short films. The films are individually programmed and priced by length, with frequent breaks and a comfortable lobby space for intermissions.
• The Carrot Cup Cafe in East Harlem has opened as a brick-and-mortar extension of the Bunnies & Beyond animal rescue. The cafe not only serves refreshments but also invites visitors to interact with, foster, or adopt bunnies and other small animals. Currently open on weekends, the cafe plans to expand to weekdays soon.

Reflecting on Business Changes in New York

The prop shop closure of Eclectic/Encore Props in Long Island City highlights both the challenges facing some local businesses and the ongoing evolution of New York City’s dynamic commercial landscape. As established businesses make way for new ventures, NYC continues to offer an ever-changing mix of experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Source: gothamist.com.