The Village/Bruin area is an active area in Westwood, that area would make the most sense if ever anyone decides to build again. It will never be like it was in the 70’s and 80’s, but I think it has possibilities still. The studios really seem to like the Village and Bruin for Premieres; which is good because it keeps them open for business. If there was a 5 plex around those 2 theatres they could play a film in the Village for 2 weeks or so, then move it over to one of the smaller theatres. Kind of like what is done with Grauman’s Chinese and Cinerama Dome.
I never said Raze the Bruin. Currently with the loss of the United Artist Triplex, Mann Westwood, Plaza, and soon National they have the seats to build some type of Multiplex in Westwood. There was taking of Mann opening a Stadium seat 5 plex behind the Bruin a couple years ago. The seat cap is easy to fill to have new screens in Westwood. I’m not taking abouut a Monster-Plex, more like a Chinese 6 type add-on.
I may try to catch Rescue Dawn sometime this weekend. It is a shame that it got to this point that the National is hanging on by a thread. There was a time it was considered one of the most valuable theatres in Los Angeles. I wish AMC Century 15 would suddenly get unpopular and ditto the Grove. Those 2 theatre complexes are awful, but ‘The Sheep’ flock to them instead of the big Palaces.
The Festival and Regent are nice size screens and auditoriums, and are nice theatres to show Indie and Smaller non-blockbuster films. They fit into the ‘Village’ mode quite well.
The Avco is a lost cause. It became a nothing theatre when they split the big house in half.
I wonder if Pacific would consider taking over the Village and Bruin if Mann decides not to renew. I really cannot help but think that Westwood may have a resurgence of some sort in a couple of years. With the massive Condo complex being built on old Plaza theatre site there will be a new population there. Pacific could build a stadium seating Arclight plex next to (behind) the Village. They could use the Village as an Anchor like they do with the Dome. That little intersection could be a hot spot. If some big retailers move into the Village and they build some parking structures it could work.
I went opening weekend to see PARIS, JE T'AIME at the National, even though I live in walking distance to Sunset 5 where it was also playing. There were about 100 or so people for the Saturday Night showing I went to see.
Hey, I know Barton. I worked with him at the Village for 2 years. Used to see him all the time around Westwood. Does he still live in Westwood? I’ve been once to the National so far with the new Management, I saw “Paris, Je T’aime” opening Saturday night. My apartment is in walking distance to Sunset 5 (where it was playing) and I drove to patronize the National.
I worked at the Village one year with Harry Francis, and another with Mr. Haines. It was a blast working back then. The Westwood theatres were the “it” theatres back then. I was hoping for a comeback for Westwood and the National would stay.
Banana Republic? With ALL THE EMPTY spaces in Westwood now they have to tear down the National to put a crappy store that will last only a year?
I went to Saturday’s 8:00 showing of “Paris, Je T’aime” (even though I live in walking distance from Sunset 5 where it is also showing). It was a nice crowd, probably around 100 or so patrons. It was very casual, they used the bottom lobby as a waiting area instead of a line outside. The staff was friendly and very non-corporate. It reminded me of a Leammle theatre instead of a former Mann. They showed trailers for upcoming MGM titles “Death at a Funeral” and “Charlie Bartlett” which they also have one sheets hanging up for. I’m guessing they will show both films this Summer and they both look like good films. Hopefully they will draw nice crowds amongst the blockbusters that will dominate the screens in Westwood. “Paris, Je T’aime” was a very good film and I recommend it for anybody looking for something not so ordinary.
“Paris, Je T’aime” has been booked at the National begining today. Sounds interesting. I may go tomorrow to see it even though it is in walking distance from me at the Sunset 5. Since the National days are still numbered I will have to go as much as I can. Has anybody been there since the re-opening?
Dragonslayer did open at the Avco. MANN did not have a theatre in Westwood to book it into. The National had Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Village (where I was working during that Summer) had Superman II, the Bruin had S.O.B. and the Regent had Stripes. MANN did not have the Plaza yet at that time. Laemmle ran the Plaza until September 1981. It was one of the rare times the Avco showed a Paramount film, MANN’s biggest suppliers were Warner and Paramount.
Perhaps “Simms Entertainment” is going to lease the theatre, with Mann acting as a booking agent, and retaining the MANN name. Maybe MANN found a partner for the costs of running the theatre. Whatever the case, it is great it is coming back. There is plenty of film product coming this Summer, and the National should be ‘well booked’.
The National really did not need much renovation. But I really think new seats were in order. Also something needed to be done to the dirty ceiling, a fresh outside paint job, and a new sign.
As far as an extensive renovation, I do not think a big overhaul was needed. Back in 2002 they were planning to do a major overhaul, but they changed their minds. Probably because what they had planned was too expensive, and I think the asbestos had to be removed and was costly.
I think Mann theatres owned the National back when Ted Mann owned the chain. Simms Entertainment? I hope it is true that it stays open as a movie theatre. Maybe they could put some money into getting new seats. It would be weird it not being a “Mann” theatre, but I am all for it being utilized as a working movie theatre.
I think Landmark will keep it running. But I wonder if the zoning will change that The Landmark 12 will count as a Westwood screen and will play day/date with Century City. They may start booking the Disney product in the Landmark 12; Mall theatres are more suited for that type of film.
I don’t know if anyone remembers. But giant murals were painted on the back of The Loyola (a once Mann theatre in Westchester, Ca.) of films playing exclusively in Westwood. They had one for “Dog Day Afternoon” painted with EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT NOW PLAYING at MANN NATIONAL, Westwood.
I grew up in Santa Monica during the 70’s and early 80’s. The only way to see First Run films then was to go to Westwood. My Saturdays were spent taking the bus there to see a new film. The National was always impressive to me even back then. The design was sleek and modern; the lobby took you upstairs to this HUGE comfortable auditorium that did not have one bad seat.
My first sighting EVER seeing the National was when “The Mackintosh Man” was showing. I remember thinking how cool the marquee was; the big expressive sign made you already that you were in for something special. I worked at the Mann Village from 1980 to early 1983; Both theatres were considered the “it” theatres in L.A. County. Studios fought over bookings, but ultimately Paramount and Warner always won out.
In the 70’s my bus visits took me to see such gems as “The Bad News Bears”, “Islands in the Stream”, “Heaven Can Wait”, “Superman”, “Big Wednesday” and the underrated “The Big Bus”.
The early 80’s it was all about “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. A bunch of us from the Village “snuck in” opening night (when they had a sold out crowd). Back then we all had friends at all the MANN theatres in the Westwood. Getting in on opening nights were tough, but somehow we all managed to get in. During the 80’s it was mainly Paramount’s premiere theatre (Warner usually had the Village).
The 90’s brought competition with Century City and Santa Monica delivering first run films. Trendy was not Westwood any longer. Crowds rather sit in a small character-less theatre. There was no appreciation for a theatre like the National. Sadly MANN felt it was not in the best interest to keep the theatre going; you could see them losing interest over the years. Last year (2006) they managed to book “The Da Vinci Code” and an expansion run of “Brokeback Mountain”; but the bookings otherwise consisted of the films no one else really wanted. My last visit was February 17th for “Music & Lyrics”. I’m glad I made it, but am sad I no longer am able to see a film at this great theatre ever again.
Some notable films that played first run at the National in the 70’s include “Dog Day Afternoon”, “The Wind & the Lion”, “The Front”, “Starting Over”, “The Fortune”, “Bobby Deerfield”, “Sorcerer”, “Bound For Glory”, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”, “The Godfather” and “The Exorcist”
The 80’s: “Reds”, “Beverly Hills Cop”, “The Untouchables”, “Rain Man”, “Top Gun”, “Crocodile Dundee”, “Brainstorm”, “Star 80”, “Footloose”, “Empire of the Sun”, “Greystoke”, “Black Rain”,
and all the Indiana Jones Films.
The 90’s: All the Jack Ryan Thrillers, “Wayne’s World”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Mission:Impossible”, “Days of Thunder”, “The Talented Mr Ripley”, “The First Wives Club”, “In & Out”, “Boogie Nights”, “Entrapment”, “Star Trek:First Contact”, “Runaway Bride”. Face/Off", “Saving Pvt. Ryan”.
Since 2000: “The Italian Job”, “What Women Want”, “S.W.A.T.”, “Gangs Of New York”, “School of Rock”, “Brokeback Mountain”, “The Da Vinci Code”, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory”, “March of the Penguins”, “Mean Girls”, “Closer”, “The Manchurian Candidate.”
It may be gone. But obviously and thankfully I have fond memories.
I was wondering myself and was thinking about making a visit this weekend. It sounds like a short term agreement has been made but would imagine the National’s days are numbered. Mann has been trying to build a Stadium seating Multiplex in Westwood for a while. If they succeed in that they will probably drop the National and the Festival and keep the Village and Bruin. They could make money on the National if they booked more premieres there, but I guess most studios want the Village and Bruin. I could never understand why they let the National get so run down. They could have at least put new more comfortable seats in it. I’m happy it will be around a bit longer; it is a great theatre and last of its kind.
I was wondering myself and was thinking about making a visit this weekend. It sounds like a short term agreement has been made but would imagine the National’s days are numbered. Mann has been trying to build a Stadium seating Multiplex in Westwood for a while. If they succeed in that they will probably drop the National and the Festival and keep the Village and Bruin. They could make money on the National if they booked more premieres there, but I guess most studios want the Village and Bruin. I could never understand why they let the National get so run down. They could have at least put new more comfortable seats in it. I’m happy it will be around a bit longer; it is a great theatre and last of its kind.
It appears The National will be open in July. Two premieres are scheduled; “Little Man” July 6 and “You Me and Dupree” July 10th. I believe it will cease as a Mann Theatre end of July. I’m not sure if the Regent Entertainment rumor is true or not, but there is talk they are interested in taking over the National lease.
Marked Mann: Theater chain won’t renew National lease.
Source: Los Angeles Business Journal: Feb 6, 2006 issue
Author(s): Riley-Katz, Anne
Mann Theaters will not renew its lease on the landmark Mann National Theatre, continuing its exodus from Westwood.
The National, the last single-screen theater built in Los Angeles, was the site of numerous glitzy film premieres since its opening in 1970.
After exiting the National, Mann will be left with only three one-screen theaters: the Village, Bruin and the smaller Festival theater.
“The lease is coming to an end, and they were looking to raise the rent,” said Mann Theaters Chief Executive Peter Dobson. “We just can’t afford the money they want.”
Simms Commercial Development, which manages the property, declined comment.
The Mann chain, co-owned by Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Studios and Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros., will exit in August from the 1,107-seat venue. Mann previously abandoned the four-screen Westwood Theatre complex in 2001, which was replaced with a Whole Foods Market, and subsequently left the Regent and Plaza theaters.
“At one point, Mann controlled all 10 screens in Westwood Village proper,” said Steve Sann, a longtime Westwood business owner, real estate consultant and partner in the Nine Thirty Restaurant at Westwood’s W Hotel.
The first premiere at the theater was in 1970, when “The Boys in the Band” bowed. Since then, it’s been the site of scores of high-profile Hollywood film debuts, including “The Exorcist,” “Indiana Jones” and “Spider-Man.”
Westwood was once dominated by large, single-screen theaters. But the advent of stadium-seating cineplexes and competition from the ArcLight in Hollywood, Century Theaters' new 15-screen flagship operation in Century City and The Bridge all cut into attendance.
Mann executives had hoped to keep the classic picture palace. “We looked at renovating the theater or turning it into four screens and none of the business models worked,” Dobson said.
One plan discussed in 2004 called for Mann to be the anchor tenant of a five-screen theater project in a $60 million, mixed-use development on Broxton and Le Conte avenues. That project, however, recently stalled when the development partners filed lawsuits against each other. The reported price of renovating the National at the time was about $5 million.
Overhauling the National could be expensive due to required seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, asbestos removal and other improvements. Parking and traffic concerns and lack of retail appeal also have made Westwood less appealing to theatergoers.
Sources said one potential tenant would be Westwood-based Regent Entertainment, which occupies the penthouse floor of the KB Homes building at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. Regent is the world’s largest independent distributor of television movies …
Mann National in Westwood Village, California. Mann is not renewing the lease as of July 2006. It is a grand theatre built in the late 60’s Early 70’s.
The Village/Bruin area is an active area in Westwood, that area would make the most sense if ever anyone decides to build again. It will never be like it was in the 70’s and 80’s, but I think it has possibilities still. The studios really seem to like the Village and Bruin for Premieres; which is good because it keeps them open for business. If there was a 5 plex around those 2 theatres they could play a film in the Village for 2 weeks or so, then move it over to one of the smaller theatres. Kind of like what is done with Grauman’s Chinese and Cinerama Dome.
I never said Raze the Bruin. Currently with the loss of the United Artist Triplex, Mann Westwood, Plaza, and soon National they have the seats to build some type of Multiplex in Westwood. There was taking of Mann opening a Stadium seat 5 plex behind the Bruin a couple years ago. The seat cap is easy to fill to have new screens in Westwood. I’m not taking abouut a Monster-Plex, more like a Chinese 6 type add-on.
I may try to catch Rescue Dawn sometime this weekend. It is a shame that it got to this point that the National is hanging on by a thread. There was a time it was considered one of the most valuable theatres in Los Angeles. I wish AMC Century 15 would suddenly get unpopular and ditto the Grove. Those 2 theatre complexes are awful, but ‘The Sheep’ flock to them instead of the big Palaces.
The Festival and Regent are nice size screens and auditoriums, and are nice theatres to show Indie and Smaller non-blockbuster films. They fit into the ‘Village’ mode quite well.
The Avco is a lost cause. It became a nothing theatre when they split the big house in half.
I wonder if Pacific would consider taking over the Village and Bruin if Mann decides not to renew. I really cannot help but think that Westwood may have a resurgence of some sort in a couple of years. With the massive Condo complex being built on old Plaza theatre site there will be a new population there. Pacific could build a stadium seating Arclight plex next to (behind) the Village. They could use the Village as an Anchor like they do with the Dome. That little intersection could be a hot spot. If some big retailers move into the Village and they build some parking structures it could work.
I went opening weekend to see PARIS, JE T'AIME at the National, even though I live in walking distance to Sunset 5 where it was also playing. There were about 100 or so people for the Saturday Night showing I went to see.
Is it yes or no that the National only has six more months left? There seems to be conflicting reports.
Hey, I know Barton. I worked with him at the Village for 2 years. Used to see him all the time around Westwood. Does he still live in Westwood? I’ve been once to the National so far with the new Management, I saw “Paris, Je T’aime” opening Saturday night. My apartment is in walking distance to Sunset 5 (where it was playing) and I drove to patronize the National.
I worked at the Village one year with Harry Francis, and another with Mr. Haines. It was a blast working back then. The Westwood theatres were the “it” theatres back then. I was hoping for a comeback for Westwood and the National would stay.
Banana Republic? With ALL THE EMPTY spaces in Westwood now they have to tear down the National to put a crappy store that will last only a year?
I went to Saturday’s 8:00 showing of “Paris, Je T’aime” (even though I live in walking distance from Sunset 5 where it is also showing). It was a nice crowd, probably around 100 or so patrons. It was very casual, they used the bottom lobby as a waiting area instead of a line outside. The staff was friendly and very non-corporate. It reminded me of a Leammle theatre instead of a former Mann. They showed trailers for upcoming MGM titles “Death at a Funeral” and “Charlie Bartlett” which they also have one sheets hanging up for. I’m guessing they will show both films this Summer and they both look like good films. Hopefully they will draw nice crowds amongst the blockbusters that will dominate the screens in Westwood. “Paris, Je T’aime” was a very good film and I recommend it for anybody looking for something not so ordinary.
“Paris, Je T’aime” has been booked at the National begining today. Sounds interesting. I may go tomorrow to see it even though it is in walking distance from me at the Sunset 5. Since the National days are still numbered I will have to go as much as I can. Has anybody been there since the re-opening?
Dragonslayer did open at the Avco. MANN did not have a theatre in Westwood to book it into. The National had Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Village (where I was working during that Summer) had Superman II, the Bruin had S.O.B. and the Regent had Stripes. MANN did not have the Plaza yet at that time. Laemmle ran the Plaza until September 1981. It was one of the rare times the Avco showed a Paramount film, MANN’s biggest suppliers were Warner and Paramount.
Wow! Very nice. Hopefully he will be able to book it with some blockbusters for the summer.
Perhaps “Simms Entertainment” is going to lease the theatre, with Mann acting as a booking agent, and retaining the MANN name. Maybe MANN found a partner for the costs of running the theatre. Whatever the case, it is great it is coming back. There is plenty of film product coming this Summer, and the National should be ‘well booked’.
The National really did not need much renovation. But I really think new seats were in order. Also something needed to be done to the dirty ceiling, a fresh outside paint job, and a new sign.
As far as an extensive renovation, I do not think a big overhaul was needed. Back in 2002 they were planning to do a major overhaul, but they changed their minds. Probably because what they had planned was too expensive, and I think the asbestos had to be removed and was costly.
I think Mann theatres owned the National back when Ted Mann owned the chain. Simms Entertainment? I hope it is true that it stays open as a movie theatre. Maybe they could put some money into getting new seats. It would be weird it not being a “Mann” theatre, but I am all for it being utilized as a working movie theatre.
I think Landmark will keep it running. But I wonder if the zoning will change that The Landmark 12 will count as a Westwood screen and will play day/date with Century City. They may start booking the Disney product in the Landmark 12; Mall theatres are more suited for that type of film.
I don’t know if anyone remembers. But giant murals were painted on the back of The Loyola (a once Mann theatre in Westchester, Ca.) of films playing exclusively in Westwood. They had one for “Dog Day Afternoon” painted with EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT NOW PLAYING at MANN NATIONAL, Westwood.
I read about Regent from an article on AllBusiness.com last year when Mann first talked about closing it.
I grew up in Santa Monica during the 70’s and early 80’s. The only way to see First Run films then was to go to Westwood. My Saturdays were spent taking the bus there to see a new film. The National was always impressive to me even back then. The design was sleek and modern; the lobby took you upstairs to this HUGE comfortable auditorium that did not have one bad seat.
My first sighting EVER seeing the National was when “The Mackintosh Man” was showing. I remember thinking how cool the marquee was; the big expressive sign made you already that you were in for something special. I worked at the Mann Village from 1980 to early 1983; Both theatres were considered the “it” theatres in L.A. County. Studios fought over bookings, but ultimately Paramount and Warner always won out.
In the 70’s my bus visits took me to see such gems as “The Bad News Bears”, “Islands in the Stream”, “Heaven Can Wait”, “Superman”, “Big Wednesday” and the underrated “The Big Bus”.
The early 80’s it was all about “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. A bunch of us from the Village “snuck in” opening night (when they had a sold out crowd). Back then we all had friends at all the MANN theatres in the Westwood. Getting in on opening nights were tough, but somehow we all managed to get in. During the 80’s it was mainly Paramount’s premiere theatre (Warner usually had the Village).
The 90’s brought competition with Century City and Santa Monica delivering first run films. Trendy was not Westwood any longer. Crowds rather sit in a small character-less theatre. There was no appreciation for a theatre like the National. Sadly MANN felt it was not in the best interest to keep the theatre going; you could see them losing interest over the years. Last year (2006) they managed to book “The Da Vinci Code” and an expansion run of “Brokeback Mountain”; but the bookings otherwise consisted of the films no one else really wanted. My last visit was February 17th for “Music & Lyrics”. I’m glad I made it, but am sad I no longer am able to see a film at this great theatre ever again.
Some notable films that played first run at the National in the 70’s include “Dog Day Afternoon”, “The Wind & the Lion”, “The Front”, “Starting Over”, “The Fortune”, “Bobby Deerfield”, “Sorcerer”, “Bound For Glory”, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”, “The Godfather” and “The Exorcist”
The 80’s: “Reds”, “Beverly Hills Cop”, “The Untouchables”, “Rain Man”, “Top Gun”, “Crocodile Dundee”, “Brainstorm”, “Star 80”, “Footloose”, “Empire of the Sun”, “Greystoke”, “Black Rain”,
and all the Indiana Jones Films.
The 90’s: All the Jack Ryan Thrillers, “Wayne’s World”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Mission:Impossible”, “Days of Thunder”, “The Talented Mr Ripley”, “The First Wives Club”, “In & Out”, “Boogie Nights”, “Entrapment”, “Star Trek:First Contact”, “Runaway Bride”. Face/Off", “Saving Pvt. Ryan”.
Since 2000: “The Italian Job”, “What Women Want”, “S.W.A.T.”, “Gangs Of New York”, “School of Rock”, “Brokeback Mountain”, “The Da Vinci Code”, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory”, “March of the Penguins”, “Mean Girls”, “Closer”, “The Manchurian Candidate.”
It may be gone. But obviously and thankfully I have fond memories.
Laemmle closed The Fairfax last week. This is the message of the Laemmle website.
After five years and a thousand and one good foreign, independent and art movies (or thereabouts)
Laemmle Theatres reluctantly announces we are ending our tenancy at the historic Fairfax Theatre.
Sincere thanks to all our Fairfax customers for their loyal patronage.
I was wondering myself and was thinking about making a visit this weekend. It sounds like a short term agreement has been made but would imagine the National’s days are numbered. Mann has been trying to build a Stadium seating Multiplex in Westwood for a while. If they succeed in that they will probably drop the National and the Festival and keep the Village and Bruin. They could make money on the National if they booked more premieres there, but I guess most studios want the Village and Bruin. I could never understand why they let the National get so run down. They could have at least put new more comfortable seats in it. I’m happy it will be around a bit longer; it is a great theatre and last of its kind.
I was wondering myself and was thinking about making a visit this weekend. It sounds like a short term agreement has been made but would imagine the National’s days are numbered. Mann has been trying to build a Stadium seating Multiplex in Westwood for a while. If they succeed in that they will probably drop the National and the Festival and keep the Village and Bruin. They could make money on the National if they booked more premieres there, but I guess most studios want the Village and Bruin. I could never understand why they let the National get so run down. They could have at least put new more comfortable seats in it. I’m happy it will be around a bit longer; it is a great theatre and last of its kind.
It appears The National will be open in July. Two premieres are scheduled; “Little Man” July 6 and “You Me and Dupree” July 10th. I believe it will cease as a Mann Theatre end of July. I’m not sure if the Regent Entertainment rumor is true or not, but there is talk they are interested in taking over the National lease.
ANOTHER ARTICLE REGARDING THE NATIONAL:
Marked Mann: Theater chain won’t renew National lease.
Source: Los Angeles Business Journal: Feb 6, 2006 issue
Author(s): Riley-Katz, Anne
Mann Theaters will not renew its lease on the landmark Mann National Theatre, continuing its exodus from Westwood.
The National, the last single-screen theater built in Los Angeles, was the site of numerous glitzy film premieres since its opening in 1970.
After exiting the National, Mann will be left with only three one-screen theaters: the Village, Bruin and the smaller Festival theater.
“The lease is coming to an end, and they were looking to raise the rent,” said Mann Theaters Chief Executive Peter Dobson. “We just can’t afford the money they want.”
Simms Commercial Development, which manages the property, declined comment.
The Mann chain, co-owned by Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Studios and Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros., will exit in August from the 1,107-seat venue. Mann previously abandoned the four-screen Westwood Theatre complex in 2001, which was replaced with a Whole Foods Market, and subsequently left the Regent and Plaza theaters.
“At one point, Mann controlled all 10 screens in Westwood Village proper,” said Steve Sann, a longtime Westwood business owner, real estate consultant and partner in the Nine Thirty Restaurant at Westwood’s W Hotel.
The first premiere at the theater was in 1970, when “The Boys in the Band” bowed. Since then, it’s been the site of scores of high-profile Hollywood film debuts, including “The Exorcist,” “Indiana Jones” and “Spider-Man.”
Westwood was once dominated by large, single-screen theaters. But the advent of stadium-seating cineplexes and competition from the ArcLight in Hollywood, Century Theaters' new 15-screen flagship operation in Century City and The Bridge all cut into attendance.
Mann executives had hoped to keep the classic picture palace. “We looked at renovating the theater or turning it into four screens and none of the business models worked,” Dobson said.
One plan discussed in 2004 called for Mann to be the anchor tenant of a five-screen theater project in a $60 million, mixed-use development on Broxton and Le Conte avenues. That project, however, recently stalled when the development partners filed lawsuits against each other. The reported price of renovating the National at the time was about $5 million.
Overhauling the National could be expensive due to required seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, asbestos removal and other improvements. Parking and traffic concerns and lack of retail appeal also have made Westwood less appealing to theatergoers.
Sources said one potential tenant would be Westwood-based Regent Entertainment, which occupies the penthouse floor of the KB Homes building at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. Regent is the world’s largest independent distributor of television movies …
Mann National in Westwood Village, California. Mann is not renewing the lease as of July 2006. It is a grand theatre built in the late 60’s Early 70’s.