Photos: What's Cinépolis? Go Inside
The luxury movie theater is already operating in Del Mar, with other sites on the books in Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Niguel.
Photos
Even though there were many compelling reasons for giving the Cinépolis Luxury Theaters the conditional use permit that it wanted, there was another element at play when planning commissioners met last week.
Enthusiasm.
In particular, the enthusiasm of city planner Nate Farnsworth for the project.
Farnsworth went to the Cinepolis Del Mar theater—currently the only Cinepolis in operation in the United States—as well as one being built in La Costa and snapped off some photos that he shared with planning commissioners at their meeting on Feb. 1. Yet even with the photo tour that he provided, "it just doesn't do justice unless you go and experience it," Farnsworth said. "This truly will be an asset to this community. This is a wonderful opportunity that the city has to consider this—and staff is very excited to present this and have the planning commission consider this."
On top of the aesthetics, Cinepolis managing director Carlos Wellman said that it should provide at least 100 additional jobs beyond what existed at Edwards Cinemas 6.
Planning commissioners gave the project approval, 5-0.
To get an idea of what's coming Rancho Santa Margarita's way and see the photos that the commissioners saw, check out the photos of the Del Mar site, which is in operation, and the La Costa site under construction which is scheduled to open Feb. 10.
There are also artist renderings of the RSM site.
"After Regal Theaters purchased Edwards, their focus has been on large megaplexes such as Foothill Ranch," said Martin Hannigan, the landlord of the building space. "We had been asking them to remodel this theater for a very long time prior to the expiration of their lease. We are extremely lucky that Cinepolis came along and decided to have one of their operations here."
The site will get a complete remodel. The CUP allows for an expansion of about 1,400 square feet, including 800 for outdoor dining, a box office that's inside and a lobby area where guests can lounge.
Although alcohol will be sold, there is a two-drink maximum per showing, and theaters that allow drinking will be off limits to minors.
The Del Mar location is the first Cinepolis in the United States, which is the 11th country that the chain has entered. Cinepolis is the fourth-largest exhibition company in the world.
Wellman said he hopes that the Rancho Santa Margarita site—likely to be the company's fourth opening in the U.S.—will be ready by the summer.
Wellman also said that employment opportunities would be coming in late May, and expects to hire many local residents, similar to what occurred at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse.
Jenny Morgenstern
4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I actually think this looks a lot better than it will be. RSM is a family friendly city and this is not a family friendly idea. If this site allows alcohol sales, kids, teens etc. are not even allowed to go. Honestly, I think it's sort of stupid.
Jenny Morgenstern
4:01 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I actually think this looks a lot better than it will be. RSM is a family friendly city and this is not a family friendly idea. If this site allows alcohol sales, kids, teens etc. are not even allowed to go. Honestly, I think it's sort of stupid.
Martin Henderson
5:53 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Jenny, alcohol sales in the movie theater will be limited to "over 21 showings." In other words, there will be kid-friendly showings and adult showings of the same movie. Kids aren't going to get away with alcohol purchases; the managing director of Cinepolis, who's well past 21, was carded on his way into an over-21 showing while giving a tour to Nate Farnsworth.
Kyle
6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I'm concerned that the ticket prices will be too high and thus deter most folks from going... Anyone know what they charge at Del Mar?
RSM Dad
6:01 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hey McCook, you always claim you know everything going on in the city but you didn't know about this? Really? And I have to chuckle about you not making political statements. Everything you say is a political statement. You are no different than the rest of the politicians.
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
6:24 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hey RSM Dad,
You are wrong. I knew of this interest by Cinepolis some time ago.
I just didn't know it was on the RSM planning commission agenda for last week.
Incidentally, I am closing in on your "hide behind alias". Got it down to three people all connected to the Old Guard of RSM Politics. They can't stand to be questioned!
Speaking of "politicians" and your connection to them! LOL I might once again refer you to Webster's Dictionary for the definition of politicians. I haven't qualified!
I will admit to being an activist from Boy Scout days.
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
6:29 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
It takes broad shoulders to get out in the public and battle for what's correct for our community and read negative comments from people who don't even have enough guts to use their real names! They want to protect their buddies. I am up to the task.
Nancy Thompson
6:57 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
looks like tickets can be as much as $19.50 each, that added with drinks and dinner could add up :(
Martin Henderson
11:20 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Cinepolis is going to make its money off "the other stuff" that it provides. Yes, you'll pay a premium ticket price, but where they make up the difference with other theaters' volume will be in the bottle of wine, or the finger foods or whatnot. A $100 date is a $100 date (I'm just making up this figure) whether it's at an upscale movie house or a concert or an evening of go-kart racing.
Judy
7:38 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Can any of those running for city council tell me how our city was formed? It was asked by someone in a previous article but there was no answer.
Glenn Acosta
6:45 am on Friday, February 10, 2012
It’s off topic but a fair question to ask a candidate running for city council. After all, governing as a city councilman requires an understanding of local government, the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act, and the rich history of the city that one intends to lead.
In 1989, a community civic association was formed. In 1995, a RSM Cityhood Committee began the cityhood process. My elected colleagues Neil Blais, Jim Thor and Gary Thompson, and countless others were involved in the city’s incorporation. From what I was told, Gary especially had a keen understanding of the incorporation process and used that knowledge to lead the required comprehensive fiscal analysis and show that incorporating RSM was financial viable and sustainable. The cityhood proponents were able to show “revenue neutrality,” which is where the revenues the new city would receive from the county after incorporation would be equal to the savings the county would attain from no longer providing services to the proposed incorporation area.
As you may be aware, I am running for city council. I want build upon what’s been achieved by my predecessors and esteemed colleagues, and help make RSM even better.
All the best,
Glenn Acosta
t barney
11:12 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
Seriously?! this is a totally off-topic question that has nothing to do with this article or anything relelvent in RSM politics. Even if someone is running for a council seat, who care's about that stuff thats in the past?! Kudos to you,Glenn, for taking the bait and answering it (good answer btw), but was it really necessary? I'm more interested in what candidates will do in the future, not stuff that happened 20 years ago. Why do you keep asking, Judy? Trying to figure out your motives here cuz it really makes no sense.
April Josephson
3:39 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Although off-topic, I do understand why Judy's question was posted here...the group that generally posts about city government has been posting here, especially several announced candidates for city council. Patch doesn't have a separate political forum as Judy suggested awhile back, so we tend to go off on tangents on this type of story.
I agree that Glenn provided a good answer. I'm looking forward to seeing his and hopefully other campaigns run with the integrity that we saw in RSM politics prior to the last election.
Back on-topic, I'm also looking forward to trying out Cinepolis when it opens.
Glenn Acosta
9:22 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
To your point, t barney, one of my main campaign points or tenets is to bring new businesses to RSM. Here’s part of my business plan:
MARKETING RSM
• Develop a city-sponsored website that showcases existing RSM businesses and their success stories. It shows that city is business-friendly. The website would essentially act as a welcome mat for new businesses.
• Include in the website a business GIS map of the city with zoning information, empty parcels, commercial buildings and spaces open for rent, and very easy-to-follow roadmap of getting a business sited and permitted in RSM. Commercial realtors could advertise at a cost and help offset the expense of running the website.
• Let’s provide useful demographics and other information in the website that businesses can readily use to see if RSM matches their business plan or the community/demographics profile that they are looking for. In other words, businesses look for certain things that they believe will make them successful.
(more to follow below)
Glenn Acosta
9:25 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
(continued)
• Let’s have the GIS map show similar businesses in the city. This may show a potential business that may have a market niche by being the only type of business in the city.
• Talk directly with those businesses that we’d like to have here. At minimum, we could get useful information to adjust our marketing strategy.
• Have a RSM business conference, where we invite targeted businesses. The city staff and the RSM Chamber of Commerce would have exhibits about the city, highlighting key things to potential businesses. Local businesses could give a speech (testimonial) about their experience and success in RSM. The Mayor would emphasize the business-friendly environment we have.
I can share the other parts of my overall business plan at some point, particularly on Chiquita Ridge. My goal is to help RSM flourish, so I don’t mind sharing my ideas in the open.
All the best,
Glenn
RSM Dad
10:12 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Glenn,
I applaud you for sharing this information with everyone now instead of "hiding it" until a political forum like McCook has said he is going to do. Tells me that you are in it for the right reasons instead of for the politics like the others.
Brad McGirr
11:19 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Nice posts Glenn, I agree with your ideas. Regarding the GIS map with zoning information, vacancies, etc., that is what the Business Attraction unit of the EDC was working on before it was put on hiatus. My wife, my son and I rode our bikes throughout the business park over two weekends taking pictures, mapping the area, etc. as part of a group whose job it was to gather all this information for the creation of a GIS map and to make recommendations to the council for zoning changes. This project also included interviewing current business owners and asking for their suggestions (Steve at Tutto Fresco probably got sick of me after a while!).
Regarding the Business Conference, this has been done as recently as last year, not just for prospective businesses, but with the existing RSM businesses. One of the lessons that I learned is that these types of gatherings are not successful unless the landlords are included. That's the problem. They often have no interest, and unfortunately in many cases find that leaving the properties vacant results in a better cash flow (tax issues).
After sitting on the PC for over a year, I've come to learn that the city has limited influence over what businesses come to RSM, certainly compared to the influence of property owners. Nonetheless, the city has streamlined the permit process, improved the website, etc., and staff does a great job getting the information out to prospective businesses.
t barney
2:15 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
What i meant about Judy's question was not just that it was off topic, but it's an irrelevent question. Who cares??
The answers given by Glenn and Brad mean more to people then how the city was formed. voters are more interested in what people want to do for the city (like what glenn said) and what people are already doing to improve the city (like what Brad said).
I could care less about a cnadidate who focuses on how the city was formed.
Judy
4:34 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Yes, what they offer for our city's future is more important than an accurate accounting of the past, but I was looking for a direct answer to a direct question. Finally, I got one. Bravo!
Dwane
7:53 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
You are way too up tight Jenny. My wife and I have 2 kids are are excited for this venue to open, especially the 21 and over showings as a place to go enjoy a night out without the kids. Besides Hannas restaurant there are no real nice upscale options in RSM to go out to for the night here. Hopefully this being successful will show investors that the mainly middle to middle upperclass demographic here is both desiring and can support more places like this here.
Gary Puto
9:51 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
How about going out with your kids instead of looking for places to leave them and get drunk. Wouldn't it be better if it was left as a more family friendly place you could take the kids.