The plaza owner says the movie theater will not be back in business until late July, although he promises a state-of-the art theater.
By Jonathan Friedman / Assistant Editor
By the end of the summer, the businesses of the Cross Creek Plaza could be back in business, but with an improved look.
Steve Soboroff, owner of the plaza that suffered through a fire last April causing the closure of several businesses, said this week that some businesses could open as soon as next month, while others will be ready for customers by late July.
Soboroff said Bay Cities Beauty Supply and Fast Frame could be ready for a late May opening. Malibu Eye Center, Soboroff said, could be open by June.
Soboroff said Casa Escobar, Ben & Jerry’s and the New Malibu Theater would probably not be open until late July. But he said those businesses will have several improved changes, including the movie theater becoming a state-of-the-art place of entertainment.
“The bad news is that it won’t be open for the start of the summer season,” Soboroff said. “But the good news is it’s going to be a phenomenal theater.”
Soboroff said the quality of the seats and the sound system and projectors will be far better than what was there before. He said even the popcorn will be superior.
Soboroff admitted his projections on when the businesses will open could be wrong, noting he has been wrong several times before.
Soboroff had said last year that several businesses would be open by the end of 2005. He later predicted a February opening and then said they could be ready for business in the spring.
The April 17 fire last year damaged or destroyed nearly a third of the Cross Creek Plaza and six vehicles parked in the area.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department determined last May that an electrical malfunction in the second building was the cause of the blaze.