Port Theater Plans Still a Secret

Anticipation is building for the completion of the Port Theater on East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, but inquiring minds must wait for the plans to be revealed.

The single-plex theater was built in 1950, showed first-run Hollywood films and later when run by Landmark Theatres showcased art house and foreign films. The theater closed in 1998. After near demolition from the city, it was sold in 2007 to Fariborz Maseeh, a Corona del Mar resident and one of Orange County's wealthiest. Maseeh purchased the infamous Portabello home in CDM last November for $34.1 million.

On Thursday, those passing by the theater were treated to a sneak peek as construction workers from Howard CDM, the Long Beach based firm in charge of the construction, removed the fence around the first-floor lobby. But the fence was put back up in no time. 

City officials said the Port Theater is expected to open later this year, but Howard CDM is working under a strict agreement not to divulge any information regarding the plans of the theater. The new Port is rumored to have a fraction of the seats of the original. However, an upscale moviegoing experience along with dining—which were also in the original plans—are to also be in place.

In a 2009 Orange County Register article, Karl Kreutziger of Howard CDM said, "The exterior of the Port Theater will be a glammed-up version its former self. At street level, there will be an all-glass entry, and outer walls will use perforated panels, mirrors and backlighting to create a dazzling effect marked by colors of plum and hot pink.

In addition to the Port, Howard CDM is also responsible for Sapphire Restaurant in Laguna Beach and the McMonigle Group offices in Newport Beach.