Vogue Theatre

The Vogue Theatre was designed by San Diego architect Frank Hope, Jr. Begun in September 1944, it was not completed until January 1945 because of construction shortages during WWII. The Chula Vista Star-News produced a program listing the opening film - Tomorrow is Forever and ads congratulating the owner for building the theater. The program is in the John Rojas Local History Room in the Chula Vista Public Library - Civic Center Branch. I was the local history librarian who found the program. Susan Painter

Here is a recent photo of the Vogue theater.

In an article dated Saturday, 7-22-06, by San Diego Union-Tribune staff writer Tanya Mannes, the Vogue has closed its doors after 60 years of continous operation in downtown Chula Vista. Owners Bill and Esther Upham sold the property for $1.55 million after struggling to break even for several years as a single-screen venue. (The buyer was not identified because the sale hasn't closed yet, and there is no info regarding future plans for the theater.)

Mannes' story featured some nostalgic memories of local residents. The landmark was a favorite and will be missed. Everyone seemed to love its special blend of "perfect popcorn."

It was mentioned that the Vogue was built by Thomas Huntington in 1945. (He may not have been the architect listed in the credits above.)

Ticket price for the final triple bill last Thursday cost $3.50: "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," "Over the Hedge" and "Poseidon." (Fewer than 50 people attended.)

On Friday, the marquee read: "Opened 1945, Closed 2006. That's all, folks."

[Sorta reminds me of the old Queen song, "Another One Bites the Dust."]

Here is a recent photo of the Vogue Theater. As BrooklynJim posted above, this theater is now closed.

"A tip of the Hatlo hat," as they used to say 'way back when, Lost Memory. Very large thanks for finding the closing marquee pic, plus a link to the U-T story in its entirety!

My friend, who used to be deeply involved in community theater activities, told me that OnStage Productions tried numerous times to lease space there (unsuccessfully), as their miniscule playhouse nearby on Third barely seats 100 attendees. Perhaps they'll have better luck, depending on future plans of the Vogue's new owners.

It was like one stop shopping BrooklynJim. The Union-Tribune article came with the photo as a free bonus. :)

Here is an undated photo from the Chula Vista Library:
http://tinyurl.com/jdpv7

Ysterday, May3, Iwas driving past the Vogue, and saw a banner on both sides of the marquee: Coming soon the New Vogue.

Will we be able to see films, once again, in this historic theater?

The sign still says "Coming soon - the New Vogue", and the windows are covered over with paper...but I haven't really seen any activity going on there. Maybe I can check with the chamber of Commerce or the city fathers...
It would be great to have it back.

News item from April 2007. It doesn't appear that the Vogue has reopened as of yet.

The historic Vogue Theatre, a 7,130-square-foot retail building at 226-230 Third Ave., in Chula Vista 91910, has been sold for $1.45 million.

Here is a 1983 photo:
http://snipurl.com/gjyts

The Vogue Theatre in Chula Vista is for sale.
Please contact Carey Pastor of Coldwell Banker Commercial for details
(951) 252-9027.

Price is $1.15 million. Theater is 7,130 sq feet. You can see some pictures of the interior and exterior here. It's a single screen. Very nice, but again, you have to come up with about $10,000 a month just to cover the loan/mortgage, etc.