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San Diego Movie Theatres

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Spreckels Theatre
San Diego, CA
The Spreckels Theatre opened in 1912 with vaudeville and live performances. In 1922, the theatre was converted for movies. In the 1970s, the Spreckels returned to live performances. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

California Theatre
San Diego, CA

2010:
2014:
The California Theatre was built in 1927. It closed in 1977 and was used for concerts a few times until around 1988. It had been restored at that time but closed again in 1990. It has been vacant since then. The marquee was falling down and was removed around 2011. There are plans to demolish the building and replace it with a new one. When completed, it will be known as The Overture with stores, restaurants, and housing. A "California" blade sign will be recreated and installed on the corner. For more, see this website. [2010 photos thanks Gregory May] [map]

North Park Theatre
San Diego, CA		 Ken Cinema
San Diego, CA
The North Park Theatre opened in 1929. It closed in 1989. The theatre reopened in 2005 as a live performance venue. In 2010, a replica of the original blade sign was installed. The building now houses the Observatory North Park live entertainment venue and the West Coast Tavern. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4. [map]

The Ken Cinema opened in 1912. The building was remodeled by S. Charles Lee in 1947. It was restored in 1975 and featured independent and classic films. The theatre closed in 2020. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [photos thanks Gregory May] [map]

Guild Theatre
San Diego, CA		 Balboa Theatre
San Diego, CA
The Guild Theatre was built in 1913 as the Hillcrest Theatre. It was renamed the Guild Theatre in the 1950s. The theatre closed in 1997. In 2002, the theatre was demolished and rebuilt. It is unclear if the facade was preserved or if it is a replica. The building now houses a restaurant. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Balboa Theatre opened in 1924. It closed in 1985 and was purchased by the City. It was restored and reopened in 2008 as a live performance venue. The sign is a replica of the original. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

former Egyptian Theatre
San Diego, CA
The Egyptian Theatre was built in 1923. In 1954, it was remodeled and renamed the Capri Theatre. It was later renamed the Park Theatre. It closed in 1997. In 2003, the theatre was demolished. This part of the facade was saved and serves and the entrance to a condo development. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

former Casino Theatre
San Diego, CA
The Casino Theatre opened around 1913. It was remodeled in the 1930s to its current look. The building has housed the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop since at least 2007. The marquee sign was adapted. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Loma Theatre
San Diego, CA
The Loma Theatre was designed by S. Charles Lee and opened in 1945. The theatre closed in 1987 as was converted into a Bookstar book store. It is now a Barnes & Noble but the Bookstar letters remain. Some of the theatre's interior has been preserved. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

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