Laguna Cinemas Prepares For Sequel Showcasing Electric Vehicles

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — It opened in 1934. The New Lynn Theater has served as a stage for Vaudeville. It's held premiers and opening nights as the South Coast Cinemas.

Since 2015, the building has sat empty and waiting for new life to be breathed into the historic structure.

A concept project, proposed by Irvine-based Rivian, may be just what Laguna Beach needs for the next chapter in our storied history.

One week ago, Rivian's senior director told planning commissioners that buying the theater is part of the plan to adapt and reuse existing structures to tell the story of their progressive electric vehicles.

The building’s interior will be carefully updated, as many of the finishes were either
not original or have not survived the theater’s transitions, but several signature interior details will be restored, said Denise Cherry, Senior Director of Facilities Design at Rivian.

“The community in Laguna has a deep artistic history and a strong love of
nature. This Rivian space will continue the town’s long tradition of connecting people
to the arts and the outdoors," Cherry said.

Rivian expects to open 10 retail locations by the end of 2021. Rivian locations will
feature test drives, vehicle delivery experiences, deep dives into vehicle
customization options, places for kids to play and explore, access to staff with deep
product expertise, and location-appropriate merchandise. Those who prefer not to
visit a Rivian location can preorder a vehicle anytime at rivian.com.

According to planning commissioner Jorg Dubin, he has "long believed that the theater would serve the community best by being a multi-use venue for music, lectures, live poetry, and dance. I believe the concept is innovative and achieves many of the stated goals."

Rivian would reduce the theater to 130 seats, transform screening rooms, and build and lobby area into space for community-focused programs and education.

Inside the lobby, two electric vehicles would be on display. There, visitors can learn about the electric vehicle manufacturer and its mission of sustainability.

The minds at Rivian see the revived theater area to "become a centralized meeting spot in the downtown area," they say. The theater portion would be maintained for screening movies, live entertainment, lectures, and educational programs for Laguna Schools.

The building's footprint will not change, and the mission would be focused on "connecting people to the arts and the outdoors," Denise Cherry, senior director of Rivian, says.