The plaza around the lion fountain has been quiet and uninhabited for more than a year, and the announcement that ArcLight Theaters will not be re-opening means that quiet will continue.
“After shutting our doors more than a year ago, today we must share the difficult and sad news that Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theater locations.” The statement from Decurion Corporation was posted online to PacificTheatres.com. “This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward.”
Downtown Business Association President Darrel Menthe was blunt in his perspective. “The loss of a premiere movie theater is a body blow to the Heart of Screenland.” The Culver City owned property had been sold to ArcLight during the last downturn, the financial crash of 2008-2009, and brought some much needed income to the General Fund at the time. Menthe felt that a rebound was inevitable.”The location is too good to remain vacant for long. I would expect the space to be reopened as a movie theater again, along with many of the Arclight’s best properties.”
Decurion thanked their employees and patrons in their statement on the website. “To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you.”
Mayor Alex Fisch offered “Our great collection of restaurants and our people-first approach to public space during the pandemic has made downtown a huge draw, but losing the theater as an anchor still hurts. We will be exploring what the city can do to keep movies rolling.”
Judith Martin-Straw
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