. . . but the Port Is Less Fortunate
- Share via
And while new life is being pumped into the Balboa Theater, the 48-year-old Port Theater in Corona del Mar remains shuttered with just one word--”Rosebud”--gracing its marquee. The Port--which used to show art films such as “Cinema Paradiso,” “Emma” and “Jesus of Montreal”--closed just over a year ago when the Landmark Theatre Corp. declined to renew its lease, citing poor profits.
Residents last year gathered thousands of signatures in hopes of persuading the owner to maintain it as a movie house. But, so far, no luck.
Nobody seems to know what ultimately will happen to the Port, which has a lively history that includes doubling as a church on Sundays and a visit from Lassie when one of the collie’s movies was showing.
Youngquist, from Birtcher Construction, said he checked out the Port about eight months ago at the request of owner Scott Burnham to determine what it would cost to bring it up to today’s standards, complete with stadium seating.
Youngquist couldn’t remember how the numbers added up, but said bringing the Port up to par would be a “pretty expensive” venture, especially considering the parking limitations at the site.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
