Cove Theatre

such a cool website packed with history information from a bygone day...

this theater was closed in 2002

The Cove Theater is gone, the building converted to high-end retail space on trendy Girard Ave. The facade of the building has been modernized, the brick removed.

I was blessed to have worked at the Cove until its final days. I miss it and Spencer Wilson very much. Sad that even though it's not a theatre anymore there is not an ounce of history left standing at 7730 Girard Avenue anymore.

The Cove Theater had 500 seats. Here is a 70's photo of the Cove:
http://sandiegohistory.org/collections/theaters/images/cove1977.jpg

Here is a link with photos taken by the former manager. He gives the closing date as January 16, 2003:
http://members.cox.net/flealick/Cove/

Here is an article on the demise of the Cove:
http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=C010203

CLosing down the Cove Theatre was the biggest mistake ever made. This place was a classic and a landmark. Generation after generation worked their at their first job and the dedication of Spencer Wilson can never be seen again anywhere.
This truly was a piece of History and will always remain in my heart!

Ken MC, you've linked to a photo of myself! Mike Myers took those pictures within days of the theatre's closing.

Here is some information from December of 2002.

Here is a 1963 photo of the Cove, before the lobby was extended:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3035896297/

Does anyone know the name of the documentary film that was shown in the 70's? that was about a retired LA fire captain and his family that sailed to Cocos island. It was shown at the La Jolla Cove theatre.

Cardiffrfc, perhaps you may recognize the title here, if they happen to have it:
https://www.createspace.com/Customer/VideoShopCategory.jsp?id=25
I'll continue to look for the name.

Monika, Is there any way to get a list of the titles shown at the theatre from say 1983 to 1988?

I may have those dates in one of the Cove's ledgers that I have. I will look and get back to you either way.

This theater was a true gem. To bad its gone. At least we still have the Ken and the La Paloma.

Cardiffrfc, I was unable to find the listings you are looking for. I am unsure if the records from 1983-1988 are available at all. You may try to contact the Landmark Theatres home office in Los Angeles, it's a stretch but maybe someone there would be willing to help you.

Posting to get this theatre back on my "notifications" list....

Monika, from the link that you posted of the 1963 of the exterior compared to a recent photo, there was a drastic face lift done on the Cove at one time. Sort of like the old exterior a little more than the new.

The lobby was expanded, marble foyer added, and mens and women's rooms added just inside the (new) front doors. The 1963 photo shows window frames on the second floor, that is actually the wall of the projection booth. After the renovation and addition of the two adjacent storefronts a hallway to an above apartment space was added between the booth and the new marquee.

The Cove's lobby after the renovation, and until it closed and was destroyed, was wood and mirror paneled and not that appealing. I agree, Chuck, that the original was nicer. The need for a larger concession space was likely the impetus for the "modern" expansion.

Thanks Monika, I saw the photo of the auditorium and it really looked great. What did they do with the auditorium when it closed. Did they level it for retail? I hate seeing these beautiful old theatres go.

They did level it for retail, and made sure that in no way did it resemble the place where a theatre may have once stood. It became a very stark and airy furniture store. The roof (which was barely there anyway!) was replaced with skylights and the floor leveled and done in wood. I have a photograph of it somewhere, not on the computer unfortunately.

I did, however, upload a couple lobby and entrance photographs to my Flickr page, inspired by this discussion: http://www.flickr.com/achangeinscenerymovies

Who ever was behind closing down the La Jolla Cove Theatre should be arrested and in prison. La Jolla will never be the same again!

monika, your comments sound like you worked or ran this theatre. i have some questions for you about the history of the theatre and its closing for a project that i am working on. if you would mind emailing me at jesgru06@yahoo.com, i would be appreciative.