Drive-In May Go Dark for Shopping Center

Movie fans may have one last summer to catch a double feature at the Pacific 101 Drive-In.

Nationwide Theatres Corp., which owns the property, has requested a zoning change and permits to build a shopping center at the site on Telephone Road just east of the Ventura Freeway.

Nationwide is the parent company of the Pacific Theatres cinema chain.

Details about the shopping center and potential tenants still are being considered, but Home Depot is interested in the site, according to John Manavian, director of real estate development for Pacific Theatres.

Barnes & Noble also is considering relocating from its nearby location in the Poinsettia Mall on Telephone at Main Street, Manavian said. The site is attractive for retail because of its freeway access, he added.

If the project gains city approval, Manavian said his company would like to have the center completed in late 2000, in time for holiday shopping.

The site has been used for a weekend swap meet in the winter. Manavian said he expects the drive-in to show movies again this summer, possibly for the last time.