Does anyone remember when Cinema Drive actually had a cinema? Mann Theatre used to be the premier date-night destination for our entertainment-starved valley in the early days before cityhood. Times sure have changed.
Cinema Drive is located in the heart of Santa Clarita, between two main thoroughfares, Valencia Boulevard and Bouquet Canyon Road and it boasts a unique blend of well-known and small businesses.
Back in the early days of Valencia’s growth, Cinema Drive dead-ended at Hollywood Court. It was not until the early 90s that Newhall Land extended the street all the way through to Bouquet Canyon Road.
The first prominent business to locate on the street was Trader Joe’s, followed by the Entertainment Complex and Val Surf. A bunch of eateries sprang up too, like Maria’s Kitchen, which is today Karma Indian Restaurant and Fat Burger, which is now the Fugazi Woodfire Pizza, Freshworks California Grill and StoneFire Grill. It’s not uncommon to see fire trucks parked in front of StoneFire waiting to pick up tri-tip, ribs, pizza and salad to bring back to their buddies at the firehouse.
The mixed-use Cinema Park complex, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, has an interesting history. In 1992, a “For Sale” sign posted by Newhall Land at the corner of the newly completed Cinema Drive led a group of idealistic small-business entrepreneurs to entertain the possibility of becoming their own landlords.
The group formed a partnership. Some partners stayed, some dropped out, some new ones were added along the way. Frustrations were numerous, the meetings were many and cash was always scarce. Trying to get a commercial loan was almost impossible. But perseverance finally paid off and the small group was on a roll.
This dedicated group commissioned award-winning architect Jack Hollander to create a building in which they could take pride. The result is the sophisticated Cinema Park, which stands at the corner of Bouquet and Cinema Drives. It exudes casual European elegance with its massive use of granite and glass and boasts the only brass-crowned revolving door in Santa Clarita.
Since the center is partly tenant-owned, the owners look upon the other tenants as fellow teammates. If there is a service or product one tenant at Cinema Park can provide, the other tenants will approach them first. Cinema Park currently has 23 tenants and they all work together to ensure their success.
In 2002, the merchants of Cinema Park spearheaded a street-wide, all-weekend sidewalk spectacular sale. The event benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, plus several other worthy charities. This event put Cinema Drive on the map and was a huge benefit to the recipients.
During recent years, Cinema Drive has added several new centers. The old Mann 10 Theatres has become The Church on the Way, possibly to the dismay of the Friday night theatergoers, but definitely to the delight of its Sunday congregation. More power to you, Cinema Drive.