Future uncertain for Westwood's Crest Theater

The venerable Crest Theater on Westwood Boulevard, which became a city historic-cultural monument in May, is for sale because the owner says anticipated tax breaks did not come through in time. And preservationists are now concerned about the site’s future.

Owner Robert Bucksbaum said he agreed to pursue the landmark designation earlier this year after various people assured him that he would qualify for a significant reduction in property taxes under the state’s Mills Act. The problem was timing: Bucksbaum had expected the break to come through with the bill he received in early October from the Los Angeles County assessor.

But the city’s Office of Historic Resources, the office of Councilman Jack Weiss and others said they tried to make it clear that next year would be the earliest the projected 60% or so savings in property taxes would go into effect. In early October, Bucksbaum received his property tax bill for about $43,500, based on an assessed valuation of $3.5 million.

He had expected the bill to be closer to $17,000. “We tell everyone who applies that the tax relief starts in the year after the [Mills Act] contract is recorded,” said Ken Bernstein, manager of the Office of Historic Resources. “Mills Act contracts are recorded in December of each year for the following year.” Bernstein praised Bucksbaum as an “outsanding steward” of the theater and said he was disappointed to hear that it had been listed.

Under the Mills Act, owners of historic properties or properties that contribute to a historic preservation overlay zone are eligible to apply for tax relief. In exchange, they agree to adhere to historic preservation standards and put savings back into the property. Bucksbaum, a lifelong movie buff, bought the theater in 2003 for $3.2 million to save it from developers who planned to convert it into a swap meet.

Since then, he has been subsidizing the theater with proceeds from his two businesses, Reel Source and Exhibitor Relations Co., which track box office receipts. The theater, half a mile south of UCLA, features Art Deco Revival architecture and an elaborate hand-painted interior mural that portrays images from Hollywood’s Gilded Age.

Designed by architect Arthur Hawes in a Moderne style, it opened in December 1940, as a venue for live performances. Known as the UCLAN, it was financed by Frances Seymour Fonda, wife of Henry and mother of Jane and Peter. It was converted to a movie theater and, after World War II, became one of the first in Los Angeles dedicated to foreign films.

Renamed the Crest Theater, it later hosted the first Los Angeles screenings of such hits as “Dr. Strangelove,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Goodbye, Columbus.” In 1987, Pacific Theaters, then the owner, and Walt Disney Co. renovated the structure, replacing the original facade with one reminiscent of an Art Deco movie palace.

Lately, the theater has been relegated to second-run status, featuring movies that have faded from the multiplexes. Bucksbaum said he had hoped to build out the stage and offer the venue for live theater productions. Bucksbaum said his experience provided a cautionary tale for other business owners who might consider applying for landmark status.

“Most of the owners need immediate help,” he said. “Why delay?” The asking price is $4.75 million, according to Timothy L. Bower, a senior vice president with CB Richard Ellis, which is representing Bucksbaum. Bower said he has gotten “a couple of dozen calls” in the last week. Bucksbaum said he would be interested in leasing the Crest from a new owner so that he could continue to operate the theater.

-- Martha Groves

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Westwood Movie Fan]

Amazing. "The profit motive" endangers the Crest? Not exactly.
The article states clearly that it operates at a loss, and the tax bill was the last straw.

[Ohio]

Mr. Bucksbaum has done an incredible job with this property, and he has worked tirelessly to preserve this iconic theater. The activists who destroyed Westwood Village deserve credit for this latest development, as do the city folks who couldn't make an accomdoation where one is deserved. While the rest of us were busy living our lives, a handful of local activists have spent the last 20 years pursuing a no-growth agenda that has resulted in a specific plan that doesn't work and a once vibrant city center that's now on life support. It's time to develop a master plan for Westwood and adjacent areas and bring the area back to life. We could start by contributing to a Save the Crest fund in the amount of 26,500 -- the gap between what the owner expected to pay in taxes and the amount he was actually billed. Then, let's use the theater as a symbolic community meeting spot to chart a future course for Westwood. It's time for the entire community, not just the folks who make it their business to stop progress, to come together around a plan that will work and one that reflects the true will of the community.

[Jill]

This is such a shame!! As a loyal patron, I am so sad for the loss to the community. Robert has been friendly,gracious and tenacious with his attempts to keep the single screen alive!!

[Allison]

So Payam, what do you think the Westwood Crest Theatre should show. BTW I am support in keeping the theater alive.

[Nico]

Capitalism's a bummer. I love the Crest, and it seems like the owner has done all the "right" things with it, but people (admittedly, including me) don't spend enough money to keep it running as an effective business..

[AROD]

Westwood is the last bastian for single-screen movie houses in the country. I hate the multi-screen theatres - like cattle being corraled for feeding time... Something must be done to save these movie houses...

[Mary]

I'm so sad to see the Majestic Crest Theatre in trouble, the new owner has made so many significant improvements, donated the theatre for local charities and has done so much for the community. Instead of the activists spending their time pursuing the landmark they should have raised money to help save the beautiful theatre.

[DingTank]

Although i don't entirely agree with the premise that the Home owners are entirely to blame, I do believe that Westwood is a good example of people over-reaching through an improper use of government that which should be left to the business community, alone.

[Stump Barnes]

I hope the homeowner activists of Westwood are happy now. Their Westwood Specific Plan strangled the Village. The whole movie-going culture of Westwood that made it so special for so many years is all but extinct. The replacement? Dirt lots and vacant buildings. Wow, that's an improvement!

The long demise of Westwood is a excellent example of the perfect being the enemy of the good.

[Payam Minoofar]

I love the Crest Theater. I've had the pleasure of seeing a few movies there many years ago. I have had no inclination to see a movie there, however, in the past five years or so just because the mainstream fare is so awful.

I also hope that the venue doesn't survive only to dish out more schlock. When money flooded into LA, the high rents and the profit motive priced out all unique and daring art in LA, and certainly so in West LA. It will be so nice if the preservation of the Crest brings more lively art to the Westside.