Chinese eatery makes way for theater

A mix of residential space and a movie theater known as the Laemmle Lofts will start moving forward with demolition work next month on a downtown Glendale parcel, temporarily displacing the Panda Inn restaurant that’s been a Glendale staple for more than 30 years.

The development is slated for a lot on the northwest corner of Wilson and Maryland avenues and will encompass a five-screen Laemmle Theatre, 6,000 square feet of commercial space and 42 residential units in a four-story building. The Chinese eatery will reopen as part of the development, said Rodney Khan, a consultant for the developer.

The current at-grade paid parking lot will be built upon and replaced with a 46-space subterranean lot.

A 16-month construction effort is expected to kick off in April with an opening date likely to occur in the third quarter of 2016, said Khan.

Laemmle Lofts came to a standstill in 2011 when state lawmakers dissolved redevelopment agencies throughout California.

The local branch of the agency was set to provide $1.5 million in project expenses plus an additional $1.1 million for 45 spaces of underground parking, prompting changes to the project in recent years.

Khan said he and the developer, Wilson Maryland Mixed Use LLC of Delaware, are excited that the project is starting to pick up speed.

“It’s really kind of another anchor of the arts and entertainment district along with the Alex Theatre,” Khan said.

Phil Lanzafame, the city’s economic development director, said he’s glad Panda Inn will eventually return.

“Since locating here in 1982, the Panda Inn has been an ongoing, viable restaurant adding to our variety of ethnic cuisine eateries,” Lanzafame said in an email.

The Glendale City Council approved the final design plans last May.

Art house films will be screened at the cinema once it opens, said Greg Laemmle, owner of the small theater chain, which has six locations in Los Angeles County, including one in Pasadena.