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Westwood to Lose Iconic Theaters

Bumped as this thread keep churning out memories. GO BRUINS. - N

LA Times reports that Mann Theaters does not intend to renew its lease on two Westwood landmarks: The Village and Bruin theaters on Broxton Ave.

Preservationists are also bracing for the potential loss of the village's two most architecturally distinctive theaters: the Village and Bruin, which date from the 1930s. Encino-based Mann Theatres has given notice that it intends not to renew its leases on the Broxton Avenue theaters -- one Spanish Mission style with the famed neon-lighted Fox tower, the other Art Moderne with a distinctive wraparound marquee. Both are city historic-cultural monuments.

Traditions come and go. The quick turnover of a tradition like Undie Run (and maybe Midnight Yell) should give us a better appreciation for other institutions that withstand the test of time and unite Bruins of all ages and generations. More after the jump.

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Mann Village

In retrospect, the decision shouldn't be shocking. After all, the turnover and vacancy rate in Westwood is horrendous. Neighboring theaters have dropped like flies in recent years, a couple closing even in my short time at UCLA. But shocked I am, because these theaters were the big ones, and they seemed to be so ingrained in the fabric of the village that it was unimaginable to think that they wouldn't be there.

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Mann Bruin

Perhaps more importantly, what can be done to reverse the accelerating decline of Westwood Village? It would be easy to blame the economy, but truth is that the Village seemed to be in trouble even before the recession hit. The canary in the coal mine moment is long past. The miners are now dying off.

Well, if this is goodbye, then thanks for the memories. You made a lot of really bad movies just a little more watchable.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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