Nestled along North Figueroa Street, the Highland Park Theater—officially known as the Highland Theatre—stands as a century-old anchor of Northeast Los Angeles. While many old movie palaces across the city fell to the wrecking ball decades ago, this 1925 landmark survived a near-century of neighborhood shifts, economic downturns, and a temporary closure before entering a high-profile preservation chapter. Understanding its journey reveals how historic neighborhood cinemas shape modern urban culture.
Opened on March 5, 1925, with a premiere attended by actress Norma Shearer, the theater was designed by noted architect Lewis Arthur Smith for local banker Clyde M. Church. Originally built to seat 1,432 patrons, it served as a premier vaudeville and silent film palace along what was then Pasadena Avenue. Over the decades, it transformed alongside the community, transitioning into a multi-screen venue before closing its doors in early 2024, just shy of its centenary. Today, thanks to a purchase by actress and director Kristen Stewart, the building is undergoing a meticulous revitalization designed to return a communal gathering space to Figueroa Street.
Architectural Heritage and Design Evolution
Architect Lewis Arthur Smith crafted the exterior and interior with a striking blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Moorish influences. One of its most distinct exterior features is the rooftop vertical sign, illuminated by more than 500 incandescent bulbs that once lit up the commercial core of Highland Park.
Inside, the original structure boasted ornate moldings, frescoes, and a grand balcony overlooking the ground-floor seating. However, the interior underwent a dramatic reconfiguration in 1983 when operators converted the grand single-screen auditorium into a triplex. This subdivision dropped the seating capacity to 465, walled off the historic stage, and covered many of the original decorative plasterwork elements behind drop ceilings and drywall. To read more about the background of this, Travel + Leisure offers an in-depth breakdown.
Despite these alterations, the bones of the 1920s palace remained intact. The City of Los Angeles recognized this cultural significance by designating it a Historic-Cultural Monument in October 1991. This designation protected the exterior facade and primary structural elements from total demolition, paving the way for future preservation efforts.
The 2024 Closure and Neighborhood Impact
By the early 2020s, independent neighborhood cinemas faced severe economic headwinds. Rising operational costs, shifts in streaming habits, and post-pandemic attendance dips strained the theater's finances. The facility's long-term operator faced an expired 99-year lease and mounting maintenance challenges.
When the theater officially went dark on February 29, 2024, screening films like Bob Marley: One Love and Dune: Part Two as its final features, it left a visible void on Figueroa Street. Highland Park had evolved into a bustling walkable district filled with indie cafes, record shops, and restaurants, but the loss of its historic cinema removed an essential anchor of nighttime foot traffic and cultural identity.
During its dark period, the venue didn't sit entirely idle. Production crews utilized the weathered marquee, box office, and stripped lobby spaces to double as a 1970s-era cinema for film projects, including Netflix's The Adventures of Cliff Booth. This sudden cinematic spotlight reminded filmmakers and locals alike of the building's raw, photogenic character.
The Kristen Stewart Revival and Modern Restoration
In February 2026, actress and director Kristen Stewart, heading an independent investor group, purchased the Highland Theatre for roughly $7 million. Echoing similar high-profile theater rescues in Los Angeles—such as Quentin Tarantino's revitalization of the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz and Netflix's restoration of the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood—Stewart's acquisition aims to restore the space as an independent community hub rather than a sterile corporate venue.
Renovation plans focus on peeling back decades of quick-fix alterations. Contractors and preservationists face the challenge of removing the 1980s triplex walls to reveal the original mezzanine and proscenium arch while updating HVAC, electrical, and projection systems to meet modern safety codes. According to interviews with architectural publications, the goal isn't to create a pristine, ultra-luxury cinema, but to preserve the building's storied patina while offering a functional space for independent film screenings, live performances, and community gatherings.
Visiting and Exploring Highland Park's Historic Core
While the theater's interior is currently closed to the general public during active construction, exploring the surrounding neighborhood offers plenty of context for architecture and film enthusiasts.
- Stroll North Figueroa Street: Take a walking tour past the theater's iconic vertical bulb sign at 5604 N. Figueroa Street. Notice the terracotta details and street-level storefronts that date back to the 1920s boom.
- Explore Local Landmarks: Pair your architectural walk with a visit to other neighborhood touchstones, such as the Highland Park Bowl, a meticulously restored 1927 vintage bowling alley located just blocks away.
- Check Community Updates: Because restoration timelines for historic buildings shift frequently, check local Los Angeles Times culture reports for announcements regarding public open houses or grand reopening dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Highland Park Theater located?
The theater is located at 5604 North Figueroa Street in the heart of the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles.
Is the theater currently open for movie screenings?
No. The cinema closed in February 2024 and is currently closed for major architectural renovations following its acquisition by new investors.
Who owns the Highland Park Theater now?
Actress and director Kristen Stewart, alongside a group of independent investors, purchased the property to restore it as a community-focused cinema and performance space.
Is the building protected by historic preservation laws?
Yes. The structure was officially designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in October 1991, protecting its architectural integrity from unauthorized demolition or drastic exterior alterations.
