Photos: What's Cinépolis? Go Inside

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.