Fairfax Theater closes indefinitely

The venerable Fairfax Theater, which opened its doors in 1930, will close indefinitely after suffering major damage during the recent rainstorms.

Regency Theaters, which operates the theater, said Wednesday that it has asked the property owner to terminate its lease.

The rain damage was so extensive that it would not be economically feasible to reopen the landmark theater at Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, Regency said in a statement.

In recent years, the theater has battled against competition from neighboring theaters and problems with area parking.

The property owner, Alex Gorby, has proposed a mixed-use retail and residential project for the site. The project would preserve the theater's historic Art Deco facade, according to the statement.

--Robert J. Lopez

Photo: Gerard Molina / L.A. Times

Comments

[Born and raised in West Hollywood]

It brings me great sadness to hear about the loss of another great Hollywood Landmark. This is where I had my first date with the love of my life, my soul mate, my high school sweetheart, and the man who died at an early age of 39. I forever will miss Robert and my memories of Robert each and every time I pass this theater to remind me of my youth in 1975!

[Steven James Scott]

Well, it's true the seating was really uncomfortable, and it smelled mildewy inside, but somehow the charm of the place made up for the discomfort. Beats the megaplex anyday.

[eb]

SAVE the Fairfax Theater !

[SA]

What a shame -- great prices for movies and food which was much appreciated during this economic downturn.

[Q. Macphail]

Too bad the landlord didn't maintain the building properly enough to avoid water damage.

[DanR]

I was the kid sitting up against the ticket booth, waiting out the hours for the theater to open, just about every Saturday morning of the early 60's.

[Wonderful Memories of the Fairfax]

Another nail in the coffin of REAL movie theaters (even though the lovely Fairfax was divided into three smaller ones years ago -- it was still a pleasure to go there). Very sorry to hear this. Can't help but wonder, however, how the theater managed to survive all the rainstorms of the past several decades...except for this one. Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the developers' plans, could it? Nah!!!

[ray]

This was one of a few that had a low great price and customer service compaired to the many overrated/expensive theaters that are popping up all over. Sad to see it close.

[ty]

what happened to Robert?

[Lloyd]

DRATS! I knew something was up, I am always in the area either alone or with my brother. Well thank goodness I was able to see a few movies there last year before it closed, like the awesome European film Easy Virtue. Long live the Fairfax Theater, such memories from attending fairfax high school in the 70s.

[Ethnic Avenue]

I, for one, am glad it's closed down. I live in the neighborhood and have to deal with the "problems with area parking" on a DAILY basis. Having a bunch of theater patrons parking on my street doesn't help that problem.

[DEREK WASHINGTON]

Sucky parking and theater. Good riddance.

I do find it "convenient" that the owner has some plans just sitting around for a "mixed use" project. Too bad. I'm actually way more concerned about the other stores in that block. As an Art Dept head in my L.A. days I bought many a cheap carpet in that block.

[Daniel Wilcox]

Wow Ethnic Ave. What a grouch!

[Jim]

I certainly miss the old neighborhood around there.
As a youngster I attended baseball games at Gilmore Field and hung out at Farmers Market.

My grandmother lived on Robertson back then and so I come to the area once a year, to visit the ghosts and remember the old days.

[hawksfan2]

lived in the area for years. was worth the parking headache for 6 dollar flicks. grave departure.

[ddr]

i was there around new years and it was raining during the film i was watching and in the 4th row it was leaking so bad i had to leave. and it did smell of bad mildew really bad.