Reseda Theatre
18443 Sherman Way,
Los Angeles,
CA
91335
18443 Sherman Way,
Los Angeles,
CA
91335
9 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 50 of 53 comments
Here is an article about Reseda, Ca and a “high-tech neighborhood improvement project” from the Los Angeles Daily news dated 10/29/08
http://origin.dailynews.com/news/ci_7316692
One of the hopes of the plan is the restoration of the Reseda Theater for use as a nightclub or other business.
The links below contain several pictures of the “distressed” inside of the theatre taken in 2005 can be found at the below link. It looks to be in pretty dismal shape from these photos
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As a child I lived in Northridge in the early 1950s and my Saturday ritual was a trip to “The Reseda Theatre” no matter what was playing. I saw my first 3D film, “The House of Wax” at The Reseda. I have fond memories of those Saturdays. It would be great if the theatre could be restored.
I was driving by rather quickly. I will take another look when I’m in the area.
So the renovation is off?
It’s closed and available. I drove by it last month.
So what’s the status of this theatre now?
Here is the ad that I tried to post last October, from the Van Nuys News:
http://tinyurl.com/2dofrl
Yes, around that time it played spanish language films.
LA Times on 3/15/81 advertises “Cine Reseda” as a Spanish language theater. Address is given as 1844 S. Sherman Way, which is obviously wrong as Sherman Way goes east and west. I’m reasonably certain that this is an AKA for the Reseda Theater.
Since my links have expired, here is a color postcard showing the Reseda Theater:
http://tinyurl.com/ypa33o
Here is a more contemporary photo of the marquee:
http://tinyurl.com/ywxlwc
I was born on June 21, 1951 the date on the above post. Moved to near the Van Nuys Airport at about the age of 5 and started going to the Reseda Theater, the only theater anywhere around in the then unpopulated S.F.V.
The days blockbusters of the day like Bambi would produce lines around the block. Probably saw Mr. McGoo goes skiing about a thousand times in that theater.
Before heading ito the theater, we would stop by the Save On down the block to buy 3 candy bars for 25 cents, then on to the double feature.
After the movie(s) we would go over to the Big Donut next door (now a gas station) for donuts and orange soda. Boy was I pissed off when they tore down the giant donut.
For a long time I have phantasized that if I were rich I would buy the Reseda Theater and turn it into a revival theater like the Nuart in S.M.
The Reseda Theater is one of the truly historic places in the SFV. I am pleased to see that the Community Redevelopment Agency is going to preserve the theater and turn it once again into a place to and have fun.
Rezeda. (KMS)
From the Valley News, June 21, 1951:
Alden Brinham, a theater manager of 31 years experience, has become active head of the Reseda Theatre, 18445 Sherman Way, coming here from management of the 101 Drive-in Theater in Ventura. Owners Henry Kern and Bud Grensbach are suspending their active participation in the picture house, as Kern plans an extensive tour of Europe starting this month and Grensbach will be associated with a motion picture studio. Manager Brinham, who also has managed theaters in Santa Monica, Toledo, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa,, and Massilon, Ohioâ€"where he was established for 16 yearsâ€"states that some of his plans for local operation already are in effect. He stressed particularly that a juvenile officer and policeman will be on duty as usher and ticket-taker. “We wish to assure parents of the absolute safety of their children from any harm while in Reseda Theater,” he emphasized.
Here is a 1950 newspaper ad:
http://tinyurl.com/ydx9gp
I am currently looking for any Old Theatres in which to lease or possibly buy in Reseda, Van Nuys, Hollywood or North Hollywood. It has been my Long life Dream to renevate and own my own Theatre/ Venue. Please e-mail me at or call me at 310-597-9398 if youo live here!! Thanks.Rick
P.S. If you also live in the areas in which I am looking and want to help please contact me as well!!
City OKs Reseda Theater remodel
BY BRAD A. GREENBERG, Staff Writer
Dreams of the dilapidated Reseda Theater being reborn as a community theater and trendy nightclub are a little closer to reality.
The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency bought the run-down theater two years ago for $1.3 million. The City Council on Friday approved an $8.7 million plan to deed the long-abandoned building to the CIM Group, developer and operator of the Hollywood & Highland Center.
“The Sherman Way corridor is desperately in need of improvement,” said Councilman Dennis Zine, whose district includes Reseda. “This will be the major spark for that corridor – and it’s long overdue.”
Reseda, once considered a hub of the Valley, has long been a community in need of rebuilding. The redevelopment agency has identified the Reseda Theater as the linchpin of change on Sherman Way.
Construction should begin in six to eight months, said Leslie Lambert, regional redevelopment director. The agency is chipping in $4.35 million, which will be paid back during the next 25 years through a profit-sharing agreement. The project is expected to generate $3.6 million in tax revenues during that time.
The $8.7 million price tag includes the construction of a parking lot and the cost of purchasing an adjacent store and converting it into a restaurant.
“We looked at the costs very carefully and we thought
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they were reasonable,“ Lambert said.
The 8,500-square-foot theater will be designed to accommodate theatrical shows, dancing and community events. It will be managed by TheatreDreams, which runs the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and the Chicago Theatre.
Built in 1948, the Reseda Theater had four decades of success as a popular moviehouse.
Vacant since 1988, it has at times been a den of vagrants.
By renovating the theater, officials hope more companies will want to do business in Reseda and more money will come into the community.
Such a model worked in the wake of the Northridge Earthquake when the city spent $3 million renovating the Madrid Theater. That marked the beginning of Canoga Park’s transformation from crime-plagued community to All-America City.
There was an article in Sunday’s Daily News yesterday:
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_3476484
Here is a link with some photos:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/13062.html
Here is a color postcard from the Oviatt collection:
View link
So the Cody was the San Fernando. Thanks.
This info is intended to be a tiny piece of a time-line:
In the May 1932 “Official Telephone Directory, #29, San Fernando Telephone and Telegraph Company” the only Theatre listed is the Rennie which was at 214 North Maclay, San Fernando.
In January 1946, three theatres were listed:
Rennie, 204 North Maclay, San Fernando
San Fernando, 303 South Brand Blvd., San Fernando
Town Theatre 107 South Maclay, San Fernando
Here is another Valley theater called the Cody, in San Fernando. I don’t know if the theater is listed here under another name. The picture is from the Oviatt Library Digital Collection:
View link
From the Oviatt Library Digital Collection:
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The Council office for this district just announced plans to seek a new use for this space that has been empty since 1988.
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd3/cd3lett1.htm
Click on the March, 2005 “Zine Line”
Kirby,
What did you have in mind?
Hardy
Hardy,
We should get in touch!
Kirby Pringle
I worked at the Reseda Theater as an usher, Assistant Manager, and Fri. night “bouncer” in 1967-1968. Many fond memories of the place and of co-workers. I still drive by the place every now and then… a shame to see it shut-down!