Concern over future of WWII-era Aero Theatre
The future of the historic Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue will never be secure as long as it’s not a city landmark.
That’s according to 11-year operator Chris Allen, who said he doesn’t understand why the 1939 art deco building hasn’t been landmarked.
Allen, whose stepmother bought the theater in 1979 and sold it to Jim Rosenfeld in 1996, questioned Rosenfeld’s motives for not landmarking the property.
“He’s a developer,” said Allen, who struggled last year to meet his $10,000 monthly rent. “That’s his job, that’s what he’s supposed to do — he’s supposed to maximize money per square foot on the buildings that he has. There’s nothing different about the Aero. It’s just another building.”
American Cinematheque, a non-profit organization that runs the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, recently signed a 10-year lease to take over operation of the Aero in less than two weeks.
Rosenfeld, who brokered the deal after years of searching for the right tenant, has told the Daily Press he is committed to preserving the historical value of the building — making landmark status unnecessary.
“I'm a preservationist at heart,” said Rosenfeld, who also serves on the city’s Landmark Commission. “Sometimes voluntary preservation is even better.”
Rosenfeld said he was against landmarking the property because it would add a layer of bureaucracy to the theater and thereby deter potential renters.
“There is no need for it, fortunately,” he said. “Ironically, it would hurt, not help, the process.”
Landmark commissioners said they are content with Rosenfeld’s guarantee and have no plans to pursue landmark status for the movie house.
“It clearly qualifies for landmark,” said Landmark Commission Chair Ruthann Lehrer. “We didn’t pursue designation because at this time it doesn’t appear to be necessary. This is an owner completely devoted to preserving the building.”
Lehrer added that landmark designation is done on an individual basis and that such a status is not always the best way to protect a neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
“It’s not necessary to treat every situation the same way,” she said. “You have to be flexible and take many different variables into account.
“I guess you just have to go with your best judgment.”
But Allen and others who have followed the plight of the movie house questioned Rosenfeld’s role as landmark commissioner.
“It gets back to what’s the point of the commission,” Allen said. “If all you need is a verbal agreement, then there really is no need for the commission.”
Commissioner Roger Genser said the larger issue surrounding the Aero Theatre doesn’t concern the Landmarks Commission at all. The high cost of rent along Montana Avenue makes it hard for a movie theater to compete with boutiques and restaurants, a fact he said has some residents concerned.
“I don’t think the building’s in any danger of being demolished,” Genser said. “But what’s happened with so many theaters of that nature is they’ve turned into men’s clothing stores or shoe stores... and the thing is, (the Landmarks Commission) doesn’t control that.”
“I don’t think the building’s in any danger of being demolished. But what’s happened with so many theaters of that nature is they’ve turned into men’s clothing stores or shoe stores.” — — ROGER GENSER Landmarks commissioner
Even though the Aero Theatre is not currently landmarked, a demolition request for any building over 40 years old must be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission. If the building were given a landmark status, either tenants or the owner would have to seek official approval for more minor upgrades and remodels.
Commissioners said they were happy to do as Rosenfeld requested as long as the building was preserved.
“We don’t want to force landmarking on anybody,” said Landmarks Commissioner Nina Fresco. “The Landmarks Commission is not out to get control over buildings and houses and properties.”
Fresco said the eyes of the community were on the Aero and the commission would discuss landmark status in the future if it became an issue.
“If we feel that it is on jeopardy then we will landmark it,” she said.
Meanwhile, a resigned Allen — who ran up $38,000 in personal debt trying to keep the Aero afloat — said that ultimately “it’s all politics” and added he was just glad the theater would continue for now to screen movies.
After a last-ditch April 12 fundraiser to try and recoup some of his lost money, Allen said he plans to rework his resume and start looking for a new job.
“I only had 11 years,” he said. “If I had another 11, I’d turn it around.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 2, 2003. Read the original PDF.