Plaza Theatre
323 Horton Plaza,
San Diego,
CA
92101
1 person favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Pussycat Theatres
Architects: Walter S. Keller
Previous Names: Owl Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Plaza Theatre opened in 1913. A Robert-Morton organ was installed in the Plaza Theatre in 1920. By 1941 it was operated by Fox West Coast Theatres. In the early-1970’s, the Plaza Theatre was operated by Pussycat Theatres, who also operated the adjacent Cabrillo Theatre.
The Plaza Theatre was later known as the Owl Theatre. The building was demolished in 1982.
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Here is a 1981 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/y2taez5
This opened on April 12th, 1913. Ad included.
Walter S. Keller was the architect of the Plaza Theatre, according to his page at the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Architecture Database. He also designed the Cabrillo Theatre next door.
Circa 1948 photo added, photo credit Steve Lewandowski.
The Plaza Theatre was one of the smaller theatres left over from the early part of THAT century, which of course, had Vaudeville. The same pertained for the Cabrillo Theatre next door, ALSO ON THE CITY PLAZA in Downtown San Diego. The ALLEY behind also served the LYCEUM THEATRE over on the next street, which was an obvious PLUS for Stage shows loading or unloading AT THE 3 THEATRES.If memory serves me right, this was the ONLY ALLEY DOWNTOWN, AND WAS ONLY one block long! IT WAS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PLACE for FAVORITE films, showing 3 features, changing twice a week, and “OPEN ALL NIGHT”.The Plaza had a beautiful little design containing a balcony which curved into the sides like a horseshoe. I was, and to this day I am STILL upset by the fact that they tore out and remodeled the ENTIRE PLAZA, replacing it with the most HIDEOUS MALL REPLACEMENT one could ever NOT imagine!! Lastly, I would like to add this: The Plaza in my opinion, had the most BEAUTIFUL marquee in town! I sure miss the place, along with the other theatres, especially the PALACES of YESTERYEAR…
Circa 1968 photo added courtesy of Gilbert Smyle.