Westwood to Lose Iconic Theaters
by Tydides on Aug 9, 2009 9:54 AM PDT
Email
PrintBumped 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.
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.
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.
50 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Man this sucks.
This would be a HUGE loss to the area. Those two theaters draw a large amount of attention to Westwood with all of the premiers, and honestly there is not much to do in the village these days other than eat and watch a movie.
“Both are city historic-cultural monuments”Does this mean that the buildings will remain, they just won’t be operating theaters anymore?
HCMs
Sideout11, a building (or monument, because they aren’t all buildings) that is a recognized Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument is somewhat protected. If no other theater chain/operator comes in to lease these buildings, there could conceivably be a different type of business that operates within them. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission has the authority to review and recommend to the city council that proposed changes that would severely change the identity of the building not be approved, but they can’t prevent anyone from totally changing the buildings, or even destroying them. Los Angeles has one of the weaker historic preservation statues of any major city. Here is a list of what it means for a building to be named a HCM.
Since these buildings are so iconic, I would expect there to be significant opposition to any radical changes to the buildings, especially the Village theater.
by Westwood Wizard on Aug 3, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow
What a shame. When touring Westwood with out of town visitors, I always made certain to hit that intersection to show off these two theaters.
The movie theater business has become tougher and tougher for a number of reasons. I think there were about 16 theaters in Westwood when I was there. I am sure there are far fewer now.
Sad
That’s where Mr. BB and I had our first date. We went to go see the re-release of “Return of the Jedi.” I went on the condition that he tape my favorite episode of “The Simpsons.” I remember looking over several times and he was reciting all of the Emperor’s lines. We went back to Sproul, watched “The Simpsons” and I returned the favor by reciting all the lines of the episode.
B2JJ, you’re right about less movie theaters. I left Westwood two years ago, and had closed a few. I don’t think people go to the movies that much anymore.
Actually the movie business is at an all-time high
..and is one of the few recession-resistant industries thriving right now. This year, total domestic box office receipts are projected to top $10 billion for the first time ever.
However, people are flocking more and more to multiplexes. It’s the large, single movie theater that’s struggling. Also, as other people have mentioned, the surrounding community in Westwood is not all that inviting these days.
Tasser has mentioned that Westwood is turning into a shopping mall. I don’t think that would necessarily be that bad of a thing in this day and age. However it needs to be something that offers more of a luxurious (even if it’s faux-luxury) experience with some ambiance- similar to what you can find at The Grove or The Americana…or even 3rd St promenade.
Sure, it would be nice if Westwood could be a true college town, with pubs and cool, cheap eateries. But this is West LA, not Ann Arbor. The Village is in need of a major overhaul.
by insomniacslounge on Aug 1, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I would take those "fake" experiences
Over a ghost town – which is what Westwood is beginning to remind me of. It’ll only get worse if the FOX neon lights go dark.
by Tydides on Aug 1, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
They just don't get it
They want the Bel-Air and Brentwood shoppers to spend their money in Westwood.
But those people see Westwood as a college town.
And the students see Westwood as a fancy-shmancy shopping mall.
Nobody wins!
How can you not take advantage of an ever-present clientele? There will ALWAYS be 18-25 yr old students around UCLA, looking for reasonably priced food, coffee shops, bars. Wouldn’t make sense to cater to them, rather than a fickle wealthy crowd that would rather go to a “hip” shopping destination? Apple should open a store there. How is there not a UCLA-themed ANYTHING in Westwood??!! A restaurant, a sports bar? Nothing! It truly boggles my mind.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
I’ve heard that the surrounding Westwood homeowners are the main reason why we don’t have more bars in Westwood — they don’t want them there. Does anyone know if there is truth to this? It seems like it ought to be a no-brainer — the two crappy bars we do have get lots of business, and Westwood is seriously dying. I counted a string of 6 empty stores in a row along Westwood Blvd. last week! If someone actually put a decent college bar on Westwood Blvd., I can’t see how it wouldn’t be a success. Maloney’s lower floor smells like a high school locker room and their soundtrack is forever stuck on the same three AC/DC songs, yet they pack the place on a regular basis.
by gradstudentbruin on Aug 10, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Somebody will step in and take over.
Of that I am extremely confidant. Most likely Fox Studios or something.
But, I think this is a great opportunity to discuss Westwood Village as being an integral part of the UCLA experience. The fact that you have 30,000 students streaming through every day before you even look into traditional foot traffic should make this a vibrant open air shopping experience. However, the amounts being asked by owners just to lease a commercial space is what makes it prohibitive to open a business in Westwood. (I looked into the matter once.) This is why the only things to do in Westwood are eat and well, eat. What else can guarantee you the sheer volume in repeat business.
If you will take the time to look back when we all lamented the loss of Buck Fitty, here was a perfect example of a business that operated out of thimble sized building and sold sandwiches all day long; and yet the prices kept going up until you wondered why they called it Buck Fitty.
The same iconic status of these theaters will be what ultimately protects and preserves these theaters. But, that doesn’t mean that Westwood will stay the same.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
I fear it won't be a part of the experience much longer
Not the way things are going now. I don’t necessarily have a problem with eating establishments in Westwood. I think that’s a type of business that encourages the college town atmosphere. Maybe it’s simply too much to ask to maintain that kind of atmosphere in the middle of a city like Los Angeles, but the businesses that are leaving or have left; bars, theaters, etc. are the ones that Westwood needs back.
One thing:
I never understood why there was no night club in Westwood. It makes so much sense! When I was there, I remember there was some sort of municipal code prohibiting it. I even remember somebody, a restaurant, tried to make room for dancing and they got shut down for it.
reminds me of ‘Footloose’
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
There was one
I can’t remember the name…it was at the top floor of this building in a restaurant that turned into a club at night. Same restaurant where Jim Harrick took recruits to a steak and lobster dinner…Nestor, do you remember?
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Monty's
Before the building on Glendon was remodeled, I think the restaurant had a sign at the top.
by truebluebruin on Aug 3, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Yup!
That’s it! That’s where I found out Tori Spelling was a snobby bitch. As if it was a secret.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Tsk tsk
Just because she wouldn’t give you a kiss when you were single? I mean, Joe Namath with all his starpower couldn’t even get a kiss on national TV when he asked.
Kidding!
Maybe if Tasser had used carried a couple of lumps of sugar
or done his Mr. Ed imitation he might have gotten to first base with the lovely and talented what’s her name.
I just threw up in my mouth a little
Kissing her? For the love of all that is holy, that’s SICK!
No no no. We had just finished shooting a couple of episodes of 90210 (they hired the UCLA rowing team as extras), and she was all sweet and nice in front of the directors. The next day, she treated us as if we were commoners. The nerve! It’s one thing if she was pretty, but that girl has NO redeeming qualities! So bad that even her father cut her out of his will. That says volumes.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Don't sugarcoat it
Tell us what you really think! :)
On a more redeeming note, did you appear in any episodes? I freely admit that I used to watch the show with the sound off (a la Fox71). Frankly, there were some fairly attractive people in that show and I didn’t mind (literally and only) watching the show just to check out some good looking girls.
Yes sir
We appeared in Season 7, episodes 8 (“The things we do for love”) and 9 (“Loser take all”).
I earned more money in 3 days of shooting than in two weeks at my job then…and we mostly sad around and ate the catered food…unfortunately I didn’t get the one speaking part they offered…would have made even more!
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
That is very, very cool
That is some great trivia, seriously. Who here knew that you guys were in two episodes?
Great story!
Yeah
we were on Steve’s crew, the one he put together with his fraternity brothers to challenge the actual rowing team, whose captain Dick was now dating Clare and rubbing it in poor Steve’s face.
And, I sh%t you not, they had him rub oil on himself so he would look muscular on TV in his tank top. HIGH-larious! He was a fun guy though, much nicer than that other witch.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Wow
Those were the first two landmarks I remember taking note of on my first walk down to Westwood from the dorms. This is very tough news.
Once upon a time
Can it be forty years ago—dinner at Mario’s, a movie at the Village, a beer at Mom’s?
Things change, but I hope the Village and the Bruin are still showing movies forty years from now.
Dinner at Mario's was too expensive
But you knew you were in love (or at least serious like) if you took your date to La Barbara’s for pizza. (Wilshire and Barrington or something like that.) La Barbara’s remains way out in front of anyone else in my memory for pizza. Sort of like Bryant’s for barbecue.
Artichoke Spaghetti from Mario's
was one of my all time favorite foods as a kid, I believe it was the first place my parents took me out to eat as a kid even, my mom loved it during her days as a Bruin
O.A.
Inconcievable that the Villiage theater will close its doors...
I worked there in late 60’s.Had dinner with Gene Klein (Owner of SanDiego Chargers) at Marios. His nephew and I both worked at the Villiage theater. Over the years many places have closed (Hamburger Hamlet, Chatams Resturaunt, Ships etc…)all have great memories of a “Villiage” that was much more quaint back in the day. They will never be forgotten, only missed.
by GogetemBruins on Aug 4, 2009 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions
What's next?
Diddy Reese?
They have already turned Westwood into a friggin’ shopping mall, with stores like Ann Taylor. WTF?! Clearly they are not targetting the student population anymore. As college towns go, it really has very little college feel anymore. It’s disgusting., full of chain stores. It should be full of restaurants and bars with open air seating, not Banana Republic.
Grade: FAIL.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Good riddance! Can't get rid of Banana Republic or Bebe!
Where else should all the sorority girls go for their SOP black dress?!? :)
B.F.
hard time believeing
there are so many people that live in westwood, you would think that the Village would be better off than most.
Go Bruins.
Don't it always seem to go...
…that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone…
I hope Regal or AMC take over those theatres and keep them going. Those are still the social/ non-drinking heart of Westwood, as far as I’m concerned.
I took pictures of guys like Schwarzenegger, Laurence Fishburne, and Matthew Perry at premieres down there.
We — ahem, some overzealous and rowdy fans — overturned a KIIS-FIM van there.
Man, oh man…
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
So Sad
I love those wonderful, classic, iconic theatres. They are the character and the soul.
Damn. I hope you are right, Mexi, that some company will step in and take over.
(I remember seeing “An American Werewolf In London,” I think, at The Village, and the esteemed “Night of The Comet” at The Bruin. And I think one of them did “overflow” screening for the premiere of E.T. Sigh.)
Love My Bruins
There's an overseeing organization...
I can’t remember the exact name, but it was like “Friends of Westwood” or something like that. I don’t know how this works, but they seem to have a deciding hand in what type of shops can go into Westwood Village. IIRC, this organization is mostly chaired by wealthy locals living in Bel Air. They want Westwood to be more of a trendy 3rd St. Promenade, and less like a college town. This is why the number of bars is limited and we don’t have a dance club. I think this severely limits the potential of Westwood’s success. They are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Thanks
This answers my question above.
by gradstudentbruin on Aug 10, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I sat on the sidewalk all day in the spring of 1979
to see a sneak preview of “Apocalypse Now” at the Bruin Theater. I was an undergraduate film student at UCLA and this was the film event of the year, since everyone had been reading about the movie for literally half a decade. That night, as the line grew ever longer, celebrities started arriving. Coppola (M.F.A. ‘67) rode up across the street at the Village Theater, parked his car, walked across towards us, and a cop quickly wrote him a ticket. He shrugged and everyone laughed. The movie was a sensation, and I’ll never forget that experience. As a member of Hollywood Heritage, I certainly hope they can save these two theaters – if in fact they are facing demolition. Definitely a part of going to UCLA – it’s where you would often go on a Friday or Saturday night..!
That's friggin' depressing
I understand that Westwood might need an overhaul for some, but there are some things that should be considered sacred. I don’t know how I’d feel visiting campus and Westwood and no longer seeing those two theaters. Honestly, the thought of it kinda leaves me feeling a little empty. Hope Diddi Reese never leaves!
Seriously though, I think the commercial rent in Westwood has got to come down. I have tried since 2001 to open a spot for gumbo and beignets in the Village, but could never afford the rent. I’ve talked to a few alums in retail and they complain about the same thing. Nothing would make us more happy than to return and contribute to the vitality of Westwood by doing business for and in the UCLA community. It’s the environment and atmosphere we know best. We know what the students want. We know what the residents want. We know what the professionals that work in Westwood want. And above all, this is where our hearts want to be. Personally, IMHO, I think alumni who want to do business in the Village are lot more emotionally invested into Westwood as opposed to these big chains that are able to afford the rent. I just hope I’m still able to recognize Westwood in 10 years.
by tommybruin on Aug 3, 2009 6:11 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Has Westwood Ever Really Recovered
from some gang-banging incidents that occured 10-15 years ago?
I’m rarely in the village these days, but it seems like every time I am, there’s not much foot traffic out and about.
As for restaurants I miss — Monty’s, Mario’s, Yesterdays, Alices, Chuck’s Steak House, Bratskeller, Jason’s falafels, HH and Charthouse all come to mind. There was also a disco over by lot 32 whose name escapes me.
Oh, Man..Monty's
My then-boyfriend used to play live music at Monty’s every Friday and Saturday night. He played the guitar and keyboards, and his best friend played the drums….what memories….
Love My Bruins
Actually
It was over 20 years ago, when they used to close Westwood off to cars and allowed only pedestrians. I think a drunk driver hit and killed some people and that was the end of that, if I remember correctly.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
It was just before the Olympics began
I was in Westwood catching a movie (not at one of the 2 theaters in this thread), and a car jumped the curb and mowed down quite a few people.
Bob O. (Signholder #3)
My thoughts on the gang shooting as "the reason"
It seems really oversimplified to me to point to one incident as the explanation for why Westwood Village isn’t the destination that it used to be. It just doesn’t really pass the smell test with me that if it wasn’t for one shooting, the Village would still be a vibrant retail/entertainment area. I’m not saying that it wasn’t a contributing factor, but it just seems too easy to point to one incident.
by Westwood Wizard on Aug 10, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, it was a gang shooting if I remember correctly...
It’s vaguely outlined in this website I just found:
http://www.seeing-stars.com/shop/westwood.shtml
… and Westwood never recovered. It was THE place to be on the weekend days and Friday and Saturday nights. It’s not even close to that now. It’s just a shame. We all see the potential of what the Village could be. I think a few bad seeds made the overseers a little gun-shy when it comes to business that attracts young people.
by solidgoldsound on Aug 6, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
You are 100% correct...
Back when I first started going there in the 60’s, The Village was THE place to go. Many things contributed to the demise, but the gang shooting was THE thing that sent Westwood plummeting. I literally know people who never went there again after that happened. It freaked people out. With rap music and gang bangers so much a part of the popular culture now, it may be hard for the younger ones of you to understand who devastating this was to the “regular people” who used to hang out in Westwood. Of course, it was overblown and it’s not like it’s any safer to go to 3rd Street, but once people made up their minds, that was it. Personally, I thought Westwood was going downhill for a long time before. High rents drove out all the cool independent book stores and record stores that used to give the Village its flavor. The chain stores and tthe gang shooting just quickened the demise. I think it’s a tragedy. Westwood was literally my favorite place to go in the entire city when I was a kid. It was electric. 3rd Street and the Farmer’s Market Mall are nothing compared to that. Anyway, life goes on.
THE FOX VILLAGE THEATRE
do you kow that the FOX THEATRE was built by 20thCentury Fox Studios, so that William Fox, the founder of Fox Studios, could see the tower of the theatre from his offices on the Fox lot. THE VILLAGE THEATRE IS A CULTURAL LANDMARK…and was my favorite movie theatre while i attended UCLA back in the late 60’s, early 70’s…
by bruincheerleader on Aug 9, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions
fox theatre
My first quarrter at UCLA in 1985 on a friday night show I sat behind Reggie Miller and Date who was out with Jack Haley and Stacey Songgirl. That was an awesome sight for a newbie freshmen. Made it feel like UCLA was a community. I miss the big theater experience. But I have heard the the village is dying for 20 years.
i watched pearl harbor at the bruin. And that made it watchable! man, i blame it on the westwood homeowners… i live near cal now, and berkeley is pretty expensive, but the atmosphere is still there. i guess brentwood is in another stratopshere though. i guess its just a different crowd of rich people.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bruins Nation
Related FanShots on Bruins Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
