La Reina Theater

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La Reina Theater
La Reina Theater, Sherman Oaks.jpg
The structure in 2008
La Reina Theater
Address14626 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks
Coordinates 34°09′05″N118°27′09″W / 34.1515°N 118.4526°W / 34.1515; -118.4526
Type Movie theater
Capacity 875
Construction
Built1937-38
ClosedApril 4, 1986
Architect S. Charles Lee
DesignatedFebruary 15, 1985
Reference no.290

La Reina Theatre was a historic movie theater located at 14626 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, California.

Contents

History

La Reina Theatre was designed for Fox West Coast Theaters by S. Charles Lee, [1] an architect known for numerous theaters throughout southern California. Built in 1937–38, [2] the theater sat 875 [3] and the cost of construction was $60,000 ($1.34 million in 2024). [4]

The theater was designated Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #290 on February 15, 1985. [5] In doing so, the city blocked a developer's plan to raze the building and replace it with a shopping center. [6]

The theater closed on April 4, 1986. Its final operator was Mann Theatres and its final screening was a private double feature of The Robe and There's No Business Like Show Business , attended by 300 visitors. The theater's last public screening was Police Academy 3 the day prior. [7]

The theater's tower and vertical sign were removed due to damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The facade, marquee, entrance, terrazzo and box office remain, while the auditorium was demolished and a retail building built in its place. [1]

Architecture and design

La Reina Theater featured a streamline moderne design with terrazo decorations and a neon exterior. It was considered "a mini-movie palace" and "one of the most beautiful theaters in the San Fernando Valley." [8]

The theater's auditorium was simplified compared to other theaters of the time; it featured pared down artwork instead of ornate embellishments. [9]

References

  1. 1 2 Gabel, William. "La Reina Theatre". Cinema Treasures . Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  2. ↑ "La Reina Theater". Los Angeles Public Library Digital Collections. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  3. ↑ Klunder, Jan; Nielsen, John (January 4, 1985). "La Reina Theatre : Developer's Ax Poised Over Landmark Movie House". Los Angeles Times .
  4. ↑ "Permit Requested For New Theater". Los Angeles Times . September 12, 1937.
  5. ↑ "Historical Cultural Monuments List" (PDF). City of Los Angeles . Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  6. ↑ Simon, Richard (March 7, 1985). "1-Year Reprieve for La Reina : Theater in Sherman Oaks Wins Monument Status". Los Angeles Times .
  7. ↑ Smith, Doug (April 6, 1986). "Long-Reigning La Reina Meets Downfall With Flair". Los Angeles Times .
  8. ↑ Wanamaker, Marc (2011). Images of America — San Fernando Valley. Arcadia Publishing. p. 63. ISBN   978-0-7385-7157-7.
  9. ↑ Cooper, Suzanne Tarbell; Hall, Amy Ronnebeck; Wanamaker, Marc (2008). Images of America – Theatres in Los Angeles. Arcadia Publishing. p. 103. ISBN   978-0-7385-5579-9.
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