Plaza Theatre

323 Horton Plaza,
San Diego, CA 92101

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Pussycat Theatres

Architects: Walter S. Keller

Previous Names: Owl Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre opened in 1913. A Robert-Morton organ was installed in the Plaza Theatre in 1920. By 1941 it was operated by Fox West Coast Theatres. In the early-1970’s, the Plaza Theatre was operated by Pussycat Theatres, who also operated the adjacent Cabrillo Theatre.

The Plaza Theatre was later known as the Owl Theatre. The building was demolished in 1982.

Contributed by Lost Memory

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

rivest266
rivest266 on April 1, 2012 at 12:40 pm

This opened on April 12th, 1913. Ad included.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on February 20, 2014 at 3:32 pm

Walter S. Keller was the architect of the Plaza Theatre, according to his page at the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Architecture Database. He also designed the Cabrillo Theatre next door.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on June 12, 2016 at 6:14 pm

Circa 1948 photo added, photo credit Steve Lewandowski.

6_steevee_9
6_steevee_9 on January 16, 2017 at 4:25 pm

The Plaza Theatre was one of the smaller theatres left over from the early part of THAT century, which of course, had Vaudeville. The same pertained for the Cabrillo Theatre next door, ALSO ON THE CITY PLAZA in Downtown San Diego. The ALLEY behind also served the LYCEUM THEATRE over on the next street, which was an obvious PLUS for Stage shows loading or unloading AT THE 3 THEATRES.If memory serves me right, this was the ONLY ALLEY DOWNTOWN, AND WAS ONLY one block long! IT WAS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PLACE for FAVORITE films, showing 3 features, changing twice a week, and “OPEN ALL NIGHT”.The Plaza had a beautiful little design containing a balcony which curved into the sides like a horseshoe. I was, and to this day I am STILL upset by the fact that they tore out and remodeled the ENTIRE PLAZA, replacing it with the most HIDEOUS MALL REPLACEMENT one could ever NOT imagine!! Lastly, I would like to add this: The Plaza in my opinion, had the most BEAUTIFUL marquee in town! I sure miss the place, along with the other theatres, especially the PALACES of YESTERYEAR…

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on May 12, 2018 at 4:16 pm

Circa 1968 photo added courtesy of Gilbert Smyle.

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