NEWPORT BEACH
The eagerly anticipated fall opening of the historic Balboa Theater has been pushed back a year because of climbing costs and lagging planning reviews.
Two weeks ago, the Balboa Theater Foundation realized that the scheduled opening would not materialize, after city staff said the review of the plans would take three more months.
Already battling mounting costs for the theater’s renovation because of Americans With Disabilities Act requirements and other unforeseen expenses, foundation members decided the scheduled opening was too ambitious.
They will now shoot for an opening date next year and will take the extra time to raise more funds. So far, the group has raised $1.4 million, but still needs an additional $3 million.
The project has been in the works since 1996, when a group of residents decided to save the crumbling landmark.
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