Newly Renovated El Capitan Entertainment Centre Honored As a Historic Hollywood Landmark

Newly Renovated El Capitan Entertainment Centre Honored As a Historic Hollywood Landmark

The El Capitan Entertainment Centre, located at 6840 Hollywood Blvd. adjacent to the legendary El Capitan Theatre, has undergone an extensive renovation and was honored as a Historic Hollywood Landmark at official ceremonies, April 9, 2002. Los Angeles Councilmember Eric Garcetti (City of Los Angeles District 13) was on hand to officiate and dedicate a special plaque (Cultural Monument No. 227), as invited guests celebrated the grand re-opening of this architectural and cultural landmark, a 1921 Neoclassical Greek Revival style building designed by John C. Austin (who also designed L.A. City Hall).

Among the latest renovations that have been made to The El Capitan Entertainment Centre: new flooring and carpeting have been added in various locations and the wooden ballroom floor has been repaired; the building exterior has been cleaned and new lighting added; all doors in the facility have been repaired or replaced; restrooms have been restored with new plumbing; new kitchen equipment has been added; extensive electrical upgrades have been completed and an additional 200 tons of air conditioning has been installed.

Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant, L.A. Councilmember Eric Garcetti and General Manager of the El Capitan Theatre Ed Collins

Commenting on the announcement, Lylle Breier, senior vice president, worldwide special events, for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, said, "We are so proud to be a part of Hollywood history and to be playing a continuing role in the revitalization of this historic area of Los Angeles. The El Capitan Theatre and the El Capitan Entertainment Centre have a long and rich association with great entertainment and this new renovation makes the facility better than ever. We have some exciting future plans for the Centre and we think moviegoers will enjoy visiting and having the kind of interactive experience we're able to provide in this wonderful and historic building."

The El Capitan Entertainment Centre was originally built in 1921 as the home of the Hollywood Chapter of the Freemasons. It was at that Masonic Temple that the memorial service was held for filmmaking pioneer D. W. Griffith following his death in 1948. Additionally, such major stars as Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Bob Hope, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis filmed or held events there. Disney's association with the building began in 1995, when it was turned into the "Toy Story Fun House" as an added entertainment attraction for the Toy Story engagement next door. Three years later, in 1998, Disney bought the structure and has subsequently used it to create an imaginative entertainment destination to give guests a sense of the legendary glamour of Hollywood. Among the major Disney films that have utilized the El Capitan Entertainment Centre for themed entertainment events have been A Bug's Life, Dinosaur, Toy Story 2, 102 Dalmatians, and Monsters, Inc. Additionally, the Centre has hosted such other industry celebrations as the 60th anniversary party for Citizen Kane, the KABC telecast of "An Evening with Oscar" in conjunction with the 74th Annual Academy Awards, AFI opening night 2000, the 100th episode party for "The Drew Carey Show," as well as parties and premieres for films, records and other product roll-outs.

--Posted April 9, 2002

Formatted: LaughingPlace.com
Source: Buena Vista Pictures Marketing Press Release