After 22 years of deterioration, the Reseda Theater site will be a new force in the Valley’s entertainment and business community. 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield took a huge step toward revitalizing the Reseda Theater site with a measure instructing city departments to proceed with an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement for the redevelopment of the site. Following an RFP process, Thomas Safran and Associates (TSA) was selected as the best candidate for this location. TSA’s proposal includes a brand new mixed-use development consisting of a multi-screen Laemmle Reseda Theater with affordable housing.

“The decline of the Reseda Theater mirrors the loss of the street life and culture in Reseda, but with this opportunity we can turn this location into the top flight entertainment and quality housing destination that Reseda deserves.” said Blumenfield. “This is a great step in my ‘Reseda Rising’ initiative, rethinking and rebuilding Reseda to make it the best it can be.”

Recognizing the challenges presented by the dissolution of the Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA), Councilmember Blumenfield created his “Reseda Rising” effort to develop a community vision for Reseda. Taking advantage of former CRA properties as catalytic opportunity sites, Blumenfield is returning Reseda to its former glory as a center for entertainment and small business.

TSA has developed over 6,000 units of luxury, affordable and mixed-use rental housing in Southern California over 40 years. They are committed to providing superior design, maintaining their properties to the highest standards, and enriching the lives of the people who reside in their buildings.

Laemmle Theaters, in business for over 75 years and synonymous with great independent, foreign and art house cinema, has demonstrated a long commitment to being an artistic resource and gathering place for the Los Angeles community. Laemmle provides unique cinematic experiences, such as one-night screenings, premieres, and Academy qualifications in addition to standard movie-going, and the Laemmle Art in the Arthouse program showcases the work of local artists in theater lobbies.

The Reseda Theater, built in 1948, sits in the heart of the Reseda Commercial District along Sherman Way. It has been vacant for over 22 years and has experienced significant deterioration. Blumenfield ensured that the Reseda Theater marquee, which is an iconic landmark, will be restored as part of the project.

Blumenfield’s measure authorizes City Departments to negotiate and delve into details of the proposed project to ensure it is financially viable and a good use of the site. This motion requires City Council approval, and is anticipated to be heard later this summer.

Blumenfield stated, “I am proud to have such great partners in Thomas Safran and Associates and Laemmle Theaters helping make this vision a reality. This new development will make Reseda a hub for arts and culture once again.”

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