Laemmle Newhall Construction on Track During Takeover Talk

Construction of the newest Laemmle Theatres location in Old Town Newhall will continue despite rumors that the Santa Monica-based arthouse cinema chain may have new owners. According to the Santa Clarita Signal, Greg Laemmle, president of the family-owned business, refused to comment on the sale rumors, but he confirmed that everything is on schedule for Laemmle Newhall. The project broke ground last October and promises a two-story, seven-screen facility with 500 seats at the corner of Lyons and Railroad avenues. According to Deadline Hollywood, the Laemmle chain is courting potential buyers although it remains unclear whether a sale would involve all of its locations or the entire 41-screen enterprise. The chain, which focuses on independent films, shorts and documentaries, has its roots with Max Laemmle in 1938, and continues to span three generations of ownership and management, including Max’s son Robert, and Robert’s son, Greg, currently operating the business. Robert’s father Max and uncle Kurt were cousins of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle. Not including the Newhall venue, there are currently nine Laemmle Theatres: Town Center 5 in Encino, Noho 7 in North Hollywood, the Playhouse 7 in Pasadena, Claremont 5 in Claremont, Ahrya Fine Arts in Los Angeles, the Glendale, Santa Monica Film Center and The Royal in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills Music Hall. Despite some rain delay earlier this year, Laemmle Newhall construction has progressed quickly. It is scheduled to open in 2020. Serrano Development Group is building it.