GCC Fashion Island Cinema

This opened on December 11th, 1981. Grand opening ad posted.

Never seen a movie there.I used to go into the video arcade in the mall called “The Gold Mine” which was close to the theater entrance..I even worked at the Round Table Pizza parlor in the mall.

I worked for John Tarantino and Barbara at the Mann 6 from 82-84 prior to entering the US Army. They ran a tight ship but were very good people. If anyone knows how to get hold of either of them, please pass on the info! I’m in some of Mr. Tarantino’s pics, but dare not identify ;)
Steve Harker

Great to see these photos of the theater (photos taken by John Tarantino)

http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/2963.html

Benl

Now that I think about it, we bought some things at Montgomery Ward and had them sent to our Reno address BEFORE moving here in March if 95. So the mall was still in operation in 95. It must have been 96 0r 97 when it came down. I totally forgot about that. You say Red Robin is still operating? We were regulars at that place when it was at the original Fashion Island. There’s so much more retail going on there, than I realized.

Many thanks for the pictures of downtown Redwood City, the one shows the FOX THEATRE in the background. That was the theatre I worked at (along with other family members before me) that started my 12 year career with National General Theatres. I have so many wonderful memories of my “theatre days” with that company. Too bad Ted Mann had to come into the picture.

I understand there was problems with Syufy and Cinemark Theatres in regard to the continued operation of the original Century Theatre, after the new one opened on Broadway. Syufy must have sole ownership of the original Century, and does not want to let it go. It would seem counterproductive that there would be 2 Century Theatres in operation in the same town, and really not that far apart. Sorry to hear the tore down the UA on Veterans Blvd. That sure didn’t last very long. I think it had already closed in 95 be fore we came here.

Hey Larry,

Yes, all the big chain stories “backs” are facing HWY 92, so not to be missed.:) Target, ToysRus, Staples, Pectco, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, etc.

They have added a few new streets that goes through the old mall location.

The Home Depot is in the general area where the old part of the mall that housed Montgomery Ward, maybe a tiny bit south but very close. Also the Pier 1 Imports (the very first one ever was located in the Fashion Island Mall) is in the same parking lot as the Home Depot across the street from the ice rink. Also, right next to the ice rink is Red Robin my former employer.

The “Fashion Island Target” is not only stated on the receipts for shoppers, it’s stated on Target.com if you do a search on their store locator.

Regarding your hometown Redwood city? Lots of changed. They have done a lot of upgrading. They have a new downtown theater (as does San Mateo). The UA Theater is gone. The Century theater is really falling apart, it’s a matter of time before it closes.

Just in case you have not seen any of the new look Redwood City.

http://redwoodcitynow.com/images/century_big.jpg

http://redwoodcitynow.com/renaissance.html

P.S. I miss the old Marine World Africa USA that closed in 1986.

View link

Hey Larry,

Not a problem.

I go to the old Fashion Island Mall location often, but this past week was the first time I entered the building with the ice rink. I always knew the ice rink was original, but I didn’t know that so much of the interior was unchanged! When I saw the entrance to the ice rink, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like traveling back in time!

Also can see a lot of the old structure from inside of the new Asian buffet. It’s pretty massive. In the dining area looking up, you can see many of the old windows that let light in the mall.

Also if you shop at Target at the old Fashion Island location, the receipt says on the top, “Fashion Island Target”, not “Bridgepointe Target” I thought that was pretty cool :)

The last memory I have of Fashion Island was eating at the “Greek Isle” at the food court late 1996 or so with my girlfriend. I ran into a old childhood friend that worked at the theater also. The next time I attempted to go to Fashion Island for a bite to eat a few weeks later, there was a cyclone fence around the entire parking lot. I knew the mall was going to close, but I had no idea when. It was a pretty sad day. It’s a real shame that mall had to go. I think if the mall had a Target, ToysRus, and a big name fast food place like MCDonald’s or Burger King it would still be there today.

By the way, when the new owners took over and they had the place razed, they were debating over opening a new movie theater or a Home Depot.

As we know, Home Depot was their choice. :(

Just to think what could have been…

And here is a markings I made on the photo showing where the theater was and some of the stores.

http://models-games.com/fashionisland4.jpg

You rock Ben!
I wonder if there are any pics of the old mall itself? I haven’t been able to find anything.

Misha

Ok, the next time I go to Fashion Island/Bridgepoint, I will take some pics and post them here.

Just give me a few weeks.

By the way, I next time I go to the Japanese Buffet that is next to the ice rink, I can take pics and post them here if anyone wants to see them of the old theater location from inside the last standing part of Fashion Island mall.

I worked here from 1987~1988. The arcade was called the Gold Mine and later changed to Tilt. The moved the Ice Capades Chalet Ice Rink into its own building after the mall shut down. I made it back to the Bay Area in 2002. I would love to see some pictures of this mall from the eighties along with Hillsdale mall. A lot has changed.