Shaheen Sadeghi, owner of LAB Holding, developer of the Playa del Norte commercial village in the city's North Beach, says he wants to buy and restore the Miramar Theater, which dates to 1937, and an adjacent bowling alley and use them for events, music and a restaurant. Also, his wife, Linda, provides an update on LAB's plans for the old Casino San Clemente ballroom nearby.

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The defunct Miramar Theater, a San Clemente landmark since 1937, is in escrow, with North Beach developer Shaheen Sadeghi looking to acquire and restore it.

Sadeghi says he and his wife, Linda, are in escrow to purchase the former movie theater and an adjacent former bowling alley. The two buildings occupy the 1700 block of North El Camino Real, the bowling alley facing Avenida Pico and the cinema facing Boca de la Playa.

The 73-year-old Miramar Theater building at 1700 N. El Camino Real in San Clemente is in escrow with developers Shaheen and Linda Sadeghi of LAB Holding.

PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The Sadeghis' LAB Holding is seeking city approval of a 51,000-square-foot commercial village called Playa del Norte across from the landmark Casino San Clemente ballroom at 140 W. Avenida Pico, which the Sadeghis last year purchased and began operating as a special-events venue. Most of their Playa del Norte project would occupy a North Beach parking lot now owned by the city. The City Council is expected to consider that plan July 6. The Planning Commission approved it last week.

We asked Shaheen Sadeghi about the possible acquisition of the Miramar:

Q. When does escrow close?

A. We expect this to close as soon as we have completed our due-diligence work. Not long. Having said that, we do have a substantial list of due diligence that needs to get worked out – structural work, parking, historic-restoration cost estimates and Coastal (Commission) follow-up, and financial feasibility.

Q. What's the purchase price?

A. Cannot disclose at this time.

Q. What will you do with the old movie theater and the bowling alley?

A. Our intention is to completely restore the theater and the bowling alley. Both buildings will be adaptive reuse but restored to their original integrity.

Q. When might that occur?

A. Restoration will begin immediately after the close of escrow and as soon as permits are pulled.

Q. What are some possible adaptive reuses?

A. The theater would be used for events and music. We would look at putting a garden restaurant in the bowling building. This would have greenhouse-type glass all around and lots of ivy. Both buildings would also be able to program or tenant different cultural vibes – as an example, the surf industry or a surf-heritage type of content that would work well with our surfing culture and background. We are not short of ideas, just need to make sure the logistics and financials work. The challenge(s are) many, particularly financing old (dilapidated), historical, no-tenant or income buildings

Fred Swegles