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Author
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Topic: South Coast Plaza Theatre Visit
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Christopher Crouch
Member
Posts: 292
From: Anaheim, CA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted September 26, 2007 04:50 AM
I stopped by the South Coast Plaza Theatre (Costa Mesa, CA.) this afternoon. While the exterior's state is no mystery, I'd wondered what the interior currently looks like for some time (the windows have been blacked out since 2000). Fortunately, a small opening and my long arms allowed for a couple of lobby pictures.
Sadly, the lobby is little more than a long abandoned remodel project. Most of the ceiling is removed, the concession area is stripped down to the studs, walls are bare plaster, and electrical conduit hangs loose everywhere. Not gutted, but basically stripped down to the point where major work would be needed to bring it back to any acceptable form. From the heavy layer of dust and debris, I'm guessing this is all the remnants of Edwards' pre bankrupcy plans for a remodel to a dinner/movie venue.
About the only hint of the theatre's past was an old popper, sitting beside the skeletonized concession area.
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Christopher Crouch
Member
Posts: 292
From: Anaheim, CA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted March 14, 2008 02:05 AM
Well, the day has finally come. They are in the process of razing the entire complex. I stopped by and took some pictures today (3/14).
The original theatre is well in to the process of being demolished. Basically, the walls and framework are up, but the interior is a pile of rubble. The Plaza III is still intact, but they are in the early stages of gutting.
While the South Coast Plaza theatre had already been somewhat stripped, prior to demolition, I was surprised to see that the Plaza III had been left virtually "operations ready". The concession stand still had it's poppers, coke towers, menu boards, etc. The auditorium still had it's screen, curtains, seating, speakers, etc. I suspect the projectors had still been in place. It almost looked like Edwards had just locked the doors and walked away. Sadly, most of these items were in the process of beeing ripped out and piled as trash.
So, if anyone would like a "last glimpse" of this formerly top notch venue, stop by pretty soon. If you go to the top floor of the neighboring parking structure, there is a good view of the South Coast Plaza theatre (the roof is almost completely removed). The Plaza III's doors are open, providing a decent view of the interior.
Sad, I had always held out the hope that someone would step in and save at least one of the buildings.
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