PROTECT - PRESERVE - RESTORE - SUSTAIN
The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation (LAHTF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, restoring and sustaining the operation of Southern California’s historic theatres.
Help Save and Use Los Angeles’ Great Historic Theatres
Learn what you can do to help the LAHTF and local communities save historic theatres. Your participation can be instrumental in preserving these important landmarks. Our goal is to insure that every historic theatre structure in the region has the best protection available under the law. More than 20 theatres have been landmarked by the LAHTF. Many more need this protection. You can help!
LAHTF Achievements
Founded in 1987 by the creators of the LA Conservancy's first Last Remaining Seats series and officially registered by the State of California in 1988, the LAHTF is chartered to address the complex challenges of theatre preservation - including ownership, management, programming, preservation, education and advocacy.
Our many achievements include active participation in broad-based campaigns to save and restore the El Capitan, Alex, Grauman’s Egyptian, United Artists, Warner Grand San Pedro, Golden Gate, Belasco, Raymond and the Mayan - among many others.
The dynamic leadership of Councilmember Jose Huizar along with the participation of the LAHTF and other groups and individuals brings a sharp new focus to the revitalization of the Broadway Historic Theatre District. Revitalizing Broadway is finally a high priority. Check out Huizar’s Bringing Back Broadway initiative at bringingbackbroadway.com. The LAHTF recently celebrated a new milestone in Broadway’s revival - the re-opening of the 100 year-old Palace Theatre (landmarked by the LAHTF). Phase I of its restoration is now complete. Plans for a re-activated United Artists will soon be made public. A Broadway Streetcar is also on track. These encouraging developments are made possible by your support and involvement. Much more remains to be done. The challenges are daunting, but you can make a difference. Help bring back Broadway!
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Photo Courtsey of Bill Counter
Single Screen Theatres in Crisis
More Los Angeles historic theatres are imperiled than at any time since the Great Depression. After the efforts of the LAHTF and Friends of the Fairfax to landmark the theatre failed, the Fairfax faces complete demolition of its interior-leaving only the façade. Plans are for the gutted theatre to be replaced by condominiums and parking. Thanks to the efforts of the LAHTF and other groups, the Golden Gate, now in deplorable condition due to lax code enforcement and owner neglect, will survive to possibly show movies again. It is to be converted into a drugstore. This adaptive re-use is reversible. The conversion will stabilize and display much of the remaining historic fabric. The long-closed Inglewood Fox continues to deteriorate even as the community attempts to save it. The Roxie, Cameo and Arcade are in deplorable condition. These, and even more complex and daunting challenges lie ahead.
Sometimes, there’s good news. The most famous movie palace in the world – Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – is under the management of two visionary Hollywood producers, who intend to restore the theatre to its rightful prominence. More premieres are held at the Chinese than ever before. The Village and Bruin in Westwood found new life under the management of Regency Theatres. The Saban (Fox Wilshire) is undergoing restoration and once again draws crowds to Wilshire Blvd. The Fox Riverside and Fox Pomona are restored and feature live performances and movies. Great things are in store for Broadway’s United Artists.
Remember, the best way to save a historic theatre is to use it.
Always make historic stages and screens your first choice for entertainment.
YOUR SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
How Volunteers Can Help Save Los Angeles Historic Theatres
LAHTF All About… Docu-Tours Volunteers are needed to help the LAHTF plan and conduct these tours.
LAHTF’s Landmarking Crew prepares nominations to secure Cultural Heritage Monument and National Register designation for Southern California’s historic theatres.
LAHTF Theatre Watch volunteers monitor vacant and endangered theatre structures to prevent illegal alterations and demolition.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the LAHTF. Take a moment to contact us to learn how you can become an active participant in saving and using L.A.’s historic theatres. Contact us at: info@lahtf.org
Who Should Support LAHTF? Why?
All of the achievements and challenges listed above and what’s sure to be more to come grow from a large and diverse membership and support base. Whether you wish to become actively involved in our many activities, volunteer, attend meetings, tours and special events or simply want to become better informed, we encourage you to join our Contact list to learn more and make a contribution today. Your support for the LAHTF makes all we do possible.
Contact LAHTF and find out what you can do!
LAHTF All About… Docu-Tours
LAHTF All About… Documentary tours, held bi-monthly, begin with comprehensive presentations by theatre historian Ed Kelsey and preservation updates. Recently recognized by L.A. Magazine as the Best of L.A., these unique one-of-a-kind immersive experiences take the public behind-the-scenes for an insider’s look at L.A.’s magnificent theatres. All About tours provide insight on the importance of preserving historic theatres and telling their stories.
Photo Courtsey of Wendell Benedetti
