Century 16 Theaters confirmed its temporary closure starting on Sept. 24, with plans to resume operations in December under the ownership of its original builder.
This temporary closure marks the end of Cinemark’s 18-year lease over the beloved Mountain View multiplex and the subsequent return of the theater’s owners, Syufy Enterprises, the Marin-based company that first constructed the theater in 1985.
Syufy has not announced the formal details of the renovations. Though building residential and commercial developments have been previously proposed for the 16-acre site, vice president of marketing Tony Maniscalco told the Mountain View Voice that preserving the theater itself is a priority.
Lifelong Century 16 patrons like Palo Alto High School senior Kris Ibuyan are rejoicing at the news that it will not be shutting down indefinitely.
“I was really happy to find out it isn’t closing for good because it’s the only movie theater that I know and love so closely,” Ibuyan said. “I’m also really excited because when they’re reopened, it’s probably going to be better.”
The rumors regarding its potential closure had impacted Ibuyan, who has built years of memories at the theater.
“I found out from a text from my sister during class, and I was so, so sad and disappointed,” Ibuyan said. “I live in Mountain View, so I’ve been going to that theater ever since I was a baby. It is just a place that really means a lot to me.”
However, not all customers shared Ibuyan’s shock at the news. Palo Alto High School senior Loren Arcilla, who works at the Cinemark Century Redwood Downtown 20 and XD theater located in Redwood City, offered an insider’s perspective on the reality of the business.
“Honestly, I expected it,” Arcilla said. “It’s pretty deep into Mountain View and wasn’t really getting many customers.”
Unfortunately, she does not predict the renovations will shift this reality.
“I’m worried that since it’s in a more discreet area, even though they’re going to spend so much money on revamping it, they’re not gonna get much more revenue,” Arcilla said. “And then it will just be bought off again.”
By working in the Cinemark franchise, Arcilla has firsthand experience in dealing with the practical ripple effects of Century 16’s change in management.
“Now the Mountain View employees are coming to work at my theater,” Arcilla said. “It’s been hard for us to navigate because a lot of current employees are getting their hours cut.”
Despite this, Ibuyan remains optimistic about the change of hands.
“If they make an honest effort to somewhat restore the theater to its original history, I don’t see why I shouldn’t like it,” Ibuyan said. “I plan on going. I went last week. I’m going to miss it for the time it’s gone, but I’m really excited to see it again.”
