CARLSBAD — A group of local investors and enthusiasts has purchased the historic Carlsbad Theatre.
The theater opened in February 1927 with a showing of “It,” directed by Clarence Badger. Clara Bow starred as the film’s “it girl” in the movie that popularized the phrase, defining “it” as the “quality possessed by some which draws all others with its magnetic force.”
That movie, like all films released before Aug. 1, 1927, was ineligible for the first Academy Awards, held in 1929.
Carlsbad Theatre LLC, the new ownership group led by Kipp Gstettenbauer, announced plans in a news release to return the building to its former glory as a gathering place for the community and entertainment.
The theater has been without programming since 2019 and has been for sale for most of that time.
“This building has been sitting empty for far too long, and we want to change that,” Gstettenbauer said.
Early plans include a restaurant and bar with live entertainment, according to the release.
Save the Carlsbad Theatre formed in 2023 to explore ways to preserve the theater’s iconic facade and other cultural elements. Group organizers Nate Larson and Ken Kebow wrote a letter that year to the City Council highlighting its community value and the building’s condition.
Carlsbad Theatre LLC said it plans to work with the community, including the Carlsbad Community Theatre and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s Village Clubhouse on Roosevelt Street.
The release thanked the city for its ongoing conversations and assistance. Next steps include securing the necessary permits and identifying a tenant to build out the space. Final plans remain a work in progress.
“Our goal is to bring real energy back to this corner of the Village — a place where people can grab dinner, have a drink and catch a show, all under one roof — and honor the historicity of the building,” Gstettenbauer said. “We know how much this theater means to the community, and we’re looking forward to working with the community as we define what comes next.”
City Manager Geoff Patnoe told The Coast News in an email that staff had already been exploring ways to preserve the theater at the City Council’s direction.
“It is promising that the new owners are considering a potential use that aligns with the desires of many in the community and I believe the unanimous vote by the council in July in support of the theatre helped those discussions,” Patnoe said.
