Rick Caruso, the shopping mall developer tapped to renovate Palisades Village on Swarthmore Avenue in Pacific Palisades, announced last week that the old Bay Theatre will now be operated by Cinépolis USA.

The movie house company has theaters scattered throughout Southern California including Laguna Niguel, Pico Rivera, and Westlake Village. 

The new luxury cineplex will still keep its original name as well as its huge marquee sign. However, the vintage theater will be revamped to include five screens, approximately 40-to-60 comfy leather reclining seats, and in-seat call buttons for food and bar service.

The Bay Theatre was originally designed by noted movie theater architect S. Charles Lee. When it first opened in 1948, it was always busy as the only theater in Pacific Palisades. However, after it closed in 1978, it was turned into a hardware store.

Caruso aims to create a mixed-use center while preserving the history of the neighborhood. The new Pacific Palisades Village, as well as the Bay Theatre by Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, will open next summer.