San Pedro’s historic Warner Grand Theatre is set to close sometime early next year for major renovations that will take about two years to complete — and keep the theater shuttered throughout that time.
The closure, planned for more than two years, has been significantly delayed, with the theater originally expected to close for the work in January 2022.
But when it does close, it will be missed.
A community gathering and “send-off” is planned for 8 p.m. June 10 at the historic theater for an early farewell party. It will feature the Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash and attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite rock star.
Single tickets are available from $27.50 to $67 with a premium package going for $105 that includes premium seating, a private no-host upper lobby bar and post-concert dessert reception to meet the band.
A pre-event party can be included on top of all that for a $170 “rock star” ticket package. Tickets are available at grandvision.org.
The event will also celebrate the theater’s history and its future.
The theater closure has been discussed and on the books for years but has taken much longer than anticipated.
A lengthy plan-check process is still ongoing with Los Angeles, with documents currently under review, according to information provided by Mary Nemick, a spokesperson for the city’s Public Works Department.
The first phase of work, Nemick said in an email, will include installing an elevator and elevator lift for those with disabilities, restroom upgrades, a new guest lounge and terrace space on the mezzanine, and heating, air-conditioning, lighting and fire system upgrades.
Also planned are renovations and restorations of various historic elements in the theater. Those will include historic ceilings, walls, columns, pilasters, flooring, railings and other elements, with more possibly to be identified and included.
The concession service will also be expanded to upstairs an other areas to help eliminate wait times. Currently, there is only a concession stand in the main lobby.
Other improvements planned in later phases will include seismic retrofitting and auditorium upgrades.
Funding for the first phase is in place and will come from the city’s General Fund and the Municipal Improvement Corporation of Los Angeles, an independent nonprofit foundation, Nemick said, but the rest still needs to be identified.
Costs are still being figured out, but a consultant who is working with the Grand Annex, a nearby theater venue that’s helping with the Warner Grand renovation, said estimates most recently were around $15 million.
But the consultant, photographer and former 15th District City Council spokesperson Branimir Kvartuc, now of Branimir & Associates in downtown Los Angeles, said costs are still tentative.
The theater improvements, he said, are designed to boost the appeal of turning the art deco movie palace, 478 W. Sixth St., into an A-list venue.
The movie theater opened Jan. 20, 1931, and was purchased for $1.2 million by Los Angeles to prevent its possible closure and ultimate demise in 1996.
The 2-year-long shuttering of the theater, meanwhile, is sending some of the regular program sponsors scrambling to make alternative plans.
“I’ve been working on it for months,” said Stephanie Mardesich, who has developed and sponsored the Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival for two decades at the Warner Grand.
Potential venues she’s exploring for different parts of the weekend-long program presented in the spring include the Battleship USS Iowa, Mary Star of the Sea High School — for the school-participation component, “Read the Book, See the Movie” — the Harbor Area YWCA, or even some of the area’s larger restaurants for the short film features.
“We’re staying downtown,” she said of plans for the overall location. “We are a downtown (San Pedro) event and we’ll find a way to do it.”
Another film festival, the San Pedro International Film Festival, also presents its show at the Warner Grand every year.
Other popular events held annually at the theater are live holiday presentations of “The Nutcracker” by the San Pedro City Ballet and the Golden State Pops Orchestra’s popular holiday concert. Youth theater groups and special film and stage events also rely on the theater throughout the year.
The Grand Annex — a 150-seat cabaret venue run by Grand Vision Foundation that raises money and supports the Warner Grand Theatre restoration efforts — is making plans to provide some of the needed performance space in the theater’s absence. The annex is located 434 W. Sixth St. near the Warner Grand.
“The Grand Annex is going to try to absorb as much as possible,” Kvartuc said, and is looking to add space to its venue in order to also grow its brand.
But another nearby business — which operates in a storefront that is physically connected to the theater and is also overseen by the city — may be looking at a more challenging situation.
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The Sacred Grounds Coffee House, 468 W. Sixth St., will need to close, Nemick said. Going forward, once renovations are complete, Kvartuc said, the city is looking to put the space out to bid.
Relocating, said owner David Lynch, is problematic because of what would be a major cost for the small, hometown business.
An online Save Sacred Grounds petition has been launched to keep the popular spot open, so far gathering more than 2,600 signatures. The coffee house has long been a downtown staple with a local vibe.
As San Pedro undergoes rapid changes, with new development and mid-rise buildings going up quickly over the past few years, some concern has grown that the port town’s feel and atmosphere could start to change too much.
“Help save this cultural icon (Sacred Grounds), and ensure it is preserved for future generations,” the Change.org petition reads. “This community meeting space has provided free Christmas dinners and other special community events open to all. Not to mention a great cup of coffee.”