Repair Funds Sought for Art Deco Theater
One of the oldest buildings in Hermosa Beach has closed, and residents and city officials are scrambling to find a way to reopen the 73-year-old Bijou Cinemas.
The Art Deco theater, which opened in 1923 as a vaudeville playhouse, closed Sunday because the three-story building that houses the theater needs a seismic overhaul. The state had set a Jan. 1 deadline for the work, but none of the $1 million in repairs has been made.
Owner Joe Naughton says he is exploring ways to save the theater. The City Council adopted an ordinance earlier this month that establishes a 45-day moratorium to prevent demolition of the theater.
In addition, the council has prepared an ordinance that would give the theater historical status and has formed a committee to look into saving it.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
