News

The latest from the LAHTF

Million Dollar Theatre

Million Dollar Theatre

On July 2nd the City Council voted unanimously to grant Historic-Cultural Monument status to the Million Dollar Theatre.

LAHTF is grateful to the owners, Langdon Street Capital, for their forward-thinking application which will help preserve and protect Sid Grauman’s groundbreaking 1918 theatre for future generations. We were happy to support the application and speak in favor of it when presented to the Cultural Heritage Commission for consideration.

Star Theater, La Puente

Star Theater, La Puente

UPDATE 17 June, 2019 – Star Theater is demolished.

It is a dark day in La Puente. S. Charles Lee’s one-of-a-kind Star Theater was demolished this morning to make way for 22 condos. LAHTF is working behind the scenes to try to save the Star Sign, but the theatre is gone.

Click here to read more.

ALL ABOUT the Legion Theater at Hollywood Post 43

ALL ABOUT the Legion Theater at Hollywood Post 43

Our first ALL ABOUT of 2019 was at Hollywood Post 43's Legion Theater on Saturday, April 6, 2019.
 
LAHTF was honored to be the first to welcome the public into the theatre and Post 43 building after undertaking an extensive multi-million dollar renovation.
 
Click here for an overview and photos from the event.
 
Crest Theatre, Westwood

Crest Theatre, Westwood

The architects for CAP UCLA’s renovation of the Crest Theatre were announced today, 25th March 2019.

CAP UCLA notes that BAR Architects has a deep-rooted connection to the Crest Theatre dating back to the late 1980s when they were selected by Disney to renovate the 1940s theatre.

LAHTF will continue to consult with the CAP UCLA team as plans evolve.

To read the CAPU UCLA press release click here.

Hollywood

Hollywood's Biggest Night

On Sunday 24th February LAHTF screened the world's most famous film awards show LIVE in the Chaplin Theater at the historic Raleigh Studios in Hollywood!

Click here for more information and photos from the event.

Die Hard at the Palace

Die Hard at the Palace

On 20th October LAHTF celebrated the 30th Anniversary of DIE HARD at the Palace Theatre on Broadway.  A screening of a pristine 35mm archival print of the movie was followed by a Q&A with the film's screenwriters, Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza, moderated by Jeff Goldsmith, publisher of Backstory Magazine and host of The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith podcast series.  Click here for photos from the event.

Tower Theatre

Tower Theatre

"Apple premieres plans for store and event space in historic downtown L.A. theatre"

Click here to read LAHTF’s statement on the proposed conversion of the Tower Theatre to non-theatrical use.

Click here to read a summary of, and see photos from, the Tower Theatre project presentation made to the Cultural Heritage Committee on 2nd August 2018.

ALL ABOUT the State Theatre

ALL ABOUT the State Theatre

LAHTF is proud to have facilitated the first public access to the State Theatre in over 20 years at our recent pre-renovation ALL ABOUT the State Theatre event on April 29, 2018.  Over 150 interested members and followers joined us to be toured around all areas of the theatre.  LAHTF members were additionally granted access to a special area of the theatre building: the 1921 cafeteria space in the basement of the building, a hidden gem which retains many of its 1920s features.  Click here for photos from/ the event.

ALL ABOUT the Earl Carroll Theatre

ALL ABOUT the Earl Carroll Theatre

LAHTF held the first ever ALL ABOUT behind-the-scenes tour of the Earl Carroll Theatre on February 24, 2018. Attended by over 200 enthusiastic members and followers, we were given complete access to the interior spaces of the theatre. Our coalition partners (Hollywood Heritage, L.A. Conservancy, and Art Deco Society of LA were invited as our guests and recognized for their efforts, and Essex Property Trust, the owner/developer with whom we negotiated for over 2 years, graciously allowed us the access for the tour. Click here for photos from the event.

 

Advocacy

(most recent updates first)

Crest Westwood Theatre Updated: 11th July 2019 LAHTF met with the development team in charge of the Crest Theatre renovation being carried-out by new owners, UCLA. A walkthrough of the building was followed by an overview of the project from the development team.Click here to continue reading.

Crest Westwood Theatre

Updated: 11th July 2019

LAHTF met with the development team in charge of the Crest Theatre renovation being carried-out by new owners, UCLA. A walkthrough of the building was followed by an overview of the project from the development team.

Click here to continue reading.

Huntington Park Warner Updated: 4th July 2019 The Huntington Park Warner is currently for sale at $12 million, including the 10 year lease on the building. Blink Fitness, the current tenant, has been in operation for less than a year at the converted Huntington Park Warner Theatre. Click here for more info.

Huntington Park Warner

Updated: 4th July 2019

The Huntington Park Warner is currently for sale at $12 million, including the 10 year lease on the building. Blink Fitness, the current tenant, has been in operation for less than a year at the converted Huntington Park Warner Theatre.

Click here for more info.

Tower Theatre Updated: 3rd July 2019 Permits have now been pulled for the majority of the adaptive reuse of the Tower Theatre as an Apple venue. LAHTF Board Members reviewed the full plans with the architect during the first week of July 2019. We will continue to monitor progress and provide updates. Click here for more info.

Tower Theatre

Updated: 3rd July 2019

Permits have now been pulled for the majority of the adaptive reuse of the Tower Theatre as an Apple venue. LAHTF Board Members reviewed the full plans with the architect during the first week of July 2019. We will continue to monitor progress and provide updates.

Click here for more info.

Million Dollar Theatre Updated: 2nd July 2019 The Million Dollar Theatre was granted Historic-Cultural Monument status by the City Council on 2nd July. At the June 8th Last Remaining Seats screening it was announced that CoBird is no longer the tenant of the Million Dollar Theatre. Click here for more info.

Million Dollar Theatre

Updated: 2nd July 2019

The Million Dollar Theatre was granted Historic-Cultural Monument status by the City Council on 2nd July.

At the June 8th Last Remaining Seats screening it was announced that CoBird is no longer the tenant of the Million Dollar Theatre.

Click here for more info.

Westlake Theatre Updated: 1st July 2019 The Westlake has been for lease since the new owner took it over in early 2018. LAHTF has communicated with the real estate agents and they are assessing what steps to take. Meanwhile, in July 2019 LAHTF is starting an effort to reach into the community to find out what they want to see happen with the Westlake Theatre. Click here for more info.

Westlake Theatre

Updated: 1st July 2019

The Westlake has been for lease since the new owner took it over in early 2018. LAHTF has communicated with the real estate agents and they are assessing what steps to take. Meanwhile, in July 2019 LAHTF is starting an effort to reach into the community to find out what they want to see happen with the Westlake Theatre.

Click here for more info.

Egyptian Theatre Updated: 27th June 2019 A recent email sent to American Cinematheque members confirms the rumors that the Egyptian is being sold. Click here for more info.

Egyptian Theatre

Updated: 27th June 2019

A recent email sent to American Cinematheque members confirms the rumors that the Egyptian is being sold.

Click here for more info.

Star Theater, La Puente Updated: 17th June 2019 S. Charles Lee’s one-of-a-kind Star Theater was demolished this morning to make way for 22 condos. LAHTF is working behind the scenes to try to save the iconic neon Star sign, but the theatre is gone. Click here for more info.

Star Theater, La Puente

Updated: 17th June 2019

S. Charles Lee’s one-of-a-kind Star Theater was demolished this morning to make way for 22 condos.

LAHTF is working behind the scenes to try to save the iconic neon Star sign, but the theatre is gone. Click here for more info.

Grand Theatre Updated: 14th June 2019 LAHTF Board Members recently toured the shuttered Grand Theatre (circa 1920s) on the Los Angeles Trade Tech campus. Click here for more info.

Grand Theatre

Updated: 14th June 2019

LAHTF Board Members recently toured the shuttered Grand Theatre (circa 1920s) on the Los Angeles Trade Tech campus.

Click here for more info.

Eagle Theatre, Eagle Rock Updated: 5th June 2019 LAHTF continues to work with the Eagle Rock community and interested third parties about the future of this 1929 neighborhood movie theatre. Click here for the latest news.

Eagle Theatre, Eagle Rock

Updated: 5th June 2019

LAHTF continues to work with the Eagle Rock community and interested third parties about the future of this 1929 neighborhood movie theatre.

Click here for the latest news.

York Theatre, Highland Park Updated: February 2019 The former York Theatre in Highland Park, a local movie theatre built in the 1920s, recently became home to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Their first public shows start in July 2019! Click here for more info.

York Theatre, Highland Park

Updated: February 2019

The former York Theatre in Highland Park, a local movie theatre built in the 1920s, recently became home to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Their first public shows start in July 2019!

Click here for more info.

Earl Carroll Theatre Updated: January 2019 LAHTF are in the process of touring prospective tenants though the Earl Carroll theatre who want to restore and reactivate it. Click here for more info.

Earl Carroll Theatre

Updated: January 2019

LAHTF are in the process of touring prospective tenants though the Earl Carroll theatre who want to restore and reactivate it.

Click here for more info.

Roxie, Cameo, and Arcade Theatres Updated: October 2018 The youngest and oldest historic theatres on Broadway are getting some much needed attention. The owners of the Roxie (November 1931), Cameo (October 1910), and Arcade (September 1910) have pulled building permits to replace and repair the roof areas of all three theatres. Over the years there have been multiple roof leaks, and no further building improvements are likely to take place until the leaks have been fixed, so this is good news for these three underutilized theatres. Click here fore more info.

Roxie, Cameo, and Arcade Theatres

Updated: October 2018

The youngest and oldest historic theatres on Broadway are getting some much needed attention. The owners of the Roxie (November 1931), Cameo (October 1910), and Arcade (September 1910) have pulled building permits to replace and repair the roof areas of all three theatres. Over the years there have been multiple roof leaks, and no further building improvements are likely to take place until the leaks have been fixed, so this is good news for these three underutilized theatres. Click here fore more info.

State Theatre Updated: August 2018 The theatre has been vacant after Cathedral Of Faith (Catedral de la Fe), long term tenants, moved out in early 2018. LAHTF is working with the owners of the State Theatre to find a theatrical tenant for the theatre For more info click here.

State Theatre

Updated: August 2018

The theatre has been vacant after Cathedral Of Faith (Catedral de la Fe), long term tenants, moved out in early 2018. LAHTF is working with the owners of the State Theatre to find a theatrical tenant for the theatre

For more info click here.

Hollywood Warner Theatre Updated: Fall 2017 There has been a lot of attention circling the Hollywood Warner Theatre (Hollywood Pacific), so we would like to take a few minutes to report the current status. After a year of many productive meetings, Robertson Properties agreed to fund a neutral third-party feasibility study, with the reactivation of the theatre as the priority. This agreement was a big step forward from the owner’s starting point, that the theatre had to be demolished. Click here to continue reading.

Hollywood Warner Theatre

Updated: Fall 2017

There has been a lot of attention circling the Hollywood Warner Theatre (Hollywood Pacific), so we would like to take a few minutes to report the current status. After a year of many productive meetings, Robertson Properties agreed to fund a neutral third-party feasibility study, with the reactivation of the theatre as the priority. This agreement was a big step forward from the owner’s starting point, that the theatre had to be demolished. Click here to continue reading.

Fox Inglewood Theatre Updated: September 2017 When opened in 1949 The Fox Inglewood Theatre, at 1,166 seats, was one of the largest theatres build in South L.A. The theatre entertained a number of generations of City residents before welcoming its last movie patron in 1984. Since then, the fate of the Fox Inglewood has been uncertain. Photo by Matt Lambros. Click here for more info.

Fox Inglewood Theatre

Updated: September 2017

When opened in 1949 The Fox Inglewood Theatre, at 1,166 seats, was one of the largest theatres build in South L.A. The theatre entertained a number of generations of City residents before welcoming its last movie patron in 1984. Since then, the fate of the Fox Inglewood has been uncertain. Photo by Matt Lambros. Click here for more info.

Rialto Theatre, South Pasadena Updated: September 2017 The Friends of the Rialto, with support of the Theatre

Rialto Theatre, South Pasadena

Updated: September 2017

The Friends of the Rialto, with support of the Theatre's new tenant, Mosaic Church, is restoring the 35mm projection system for use for future movie screenings. The first movie screening produced by Mosaic was a great success. and fulfills the churches pledge to start holding movie screenings and events for the community, in addition to regular church services. Friends of the Rialto will continue to work closely with the Church to promote a proper restoration and reactivation. Photo by Hunter Kerhart. Click here for more info.

Olympic Theatre Updated: September 2017 The Olympic Theatre, originally opened in 1927 as the Bard’s 8th St Theatre, and has for the last many years been used as a furniture store. It closed a few years ago, and was recently leased to COS, a high end clothing store under the H

Olympic Theatre

Updated: September 2017

The Olympic Theatre, originally opened in 1927 as the Bard’s 8th St Theatre, and has for the last many years been used as a furniture store. It closed a few years ago, and was recently leased to COS, a high end clothing store under the H&M brand. When the announcement was made, LAHTF attempted multiple times to contact the brand to offer our consulting services. Our hope was to protect and preserve as many of the original theatre details as possible. Photo by Hunter Kerhart. Click here for more info.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Protect, preserve, restore and sustain the operation of historic theatres through advocacy and activism.

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The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt membership and volunteer-powered organization.

The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation is a spirited organization pursuing excellence and innovation in the creation of unique arts and entertainment destinations that bring together commercial and non-profit historic theatre enterprises. LAHTF aims to present a thoughtfully curated variety of quality film and performing arts events, advance arts education, and support communities interested in reviving historic theatres as catalysts for the arts, entertainment, new businesses, and residential living. Successful historic theatre projects build community and strengthen economic development and vitality.

Historic theatres are the bricks and mortar legacies of the visionary showmen who built them. Movie palaces, vaudeville houses, legit stages, all showcase something uniquely American, an architectural daring that mixed many styles into an improbably unified whole – a dream palace. The architecture of fantasy transformed audiences, it created an immersive experience that inspired and entertained, transported them from the cares of the day to a magical land where troubles disappear and dreams come true. Within its walls, each historic theatre spans generations of cultural, social and popular American entertainment. In these auditoriums, from these stages and screens, minds were opened, hearts were touched, romances bloomed and lives were changed. Historic theatres are repositories of memories and meaning. LAHTF protects and preserves the few remaining theatres constructed during the first half of the 20th Century. We are determined to ensure that these extraordinary theatres will endure and entertain for generations to come. Join with us. Your contributions and participation makes the LAHTF possible.

The LAHTF Board of Directors includes historians, preservationists, designers, performers, and community stakeholders. Click the button below to learn more about the individuals who form the current Board of Directors and Leadership of LAHTF.

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The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Our Tax ID is 95-4164089.

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The strength of LAHTF is founded on our volunteer base. There are so many ways to help, from an hour or two a week at home, doing research on a favorite theatre, to becoming an usher or an experienced docent leading theatre tours during our ALL ABOUT Tours. All are welcome.  We will provide all the necessary training and information,  and best of all, you get to work with great people in beautiful historic theatres!

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We offer 5 Membership levels, from the most affordable $35 Basic and the $60 Household level for a family as large as 6, up to the Artist level ($100-$499). The Producer level includes all contribution levels above $500.  Each level offers an increased variety of Member Benefits and all include discounts on LAHTF events and merchandise.   Members who join at $1000 or more are entered into the exclusive Marquee Club, which includes invitations to private functions for Club members only. Click the botton to join online or mail a check to "Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation"   PO BOX 79172,  Los Angeles, California 90079

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