Port Theater adds new sign

Workers have installed a new sign on the historic Port Theater in Corona del Mar.

Renovation of the mid-century movie house began about three years ago. City officials in September said that the owner, Newport Beach investment manager Fariborz Maseeh, planned to open before the close of the year.

The theater, however, appears to need more work. Maseeh did not return a request for comment.

If it opens soon, the roughly 250-seat single-screen venue could host some special screenings for the annual Newport Beach Film Festival, which begins in April, festival Chief Executive Gregg Schwenk said.

The sign installed this week adds the word “new,” indicating it may be called the “New Port Theater.”

— Mike Reicher

Twitter: @mreicher