Balboa Theater donations reach $20,000

Noaki Schwartz

BALBOA -- The Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation recently

received a total of $20,000 in donations from various businesses and

individuals.

The donations were from the First American Title Insurance Co., The

Irvine Co., Alfred L. Erickson Family and Mark and Terry Markowitz.

To date, the foundation has raised more than $1.6 million that will go

toward renovating the crumbling 1927 movie house. The remaining price tag

to complete the project and launch the first season of performances is $4

million.

The foundation was formed in 1995 to transform the old theater into an

elegant 350-seat performing arts venue. However, initial estimates by the

optimistic group of community leaders turned out to be far below the

actual price of the project.

There were a number of unforeseen costs, including compliance with the

Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result, the theater must install an

elevator, wider aisles and handicapped bathroom stalls.

While the foundation had hoped to have the renovated theater open by

fall, the scheduled opening was postponed after the city planning

department said its review of the plans would take longer than

anticipated.

Still, the group of residents have shown consistent dedication in the

face of more than one setback and are now shooting for a 2001 opening.