LODI, Calif. — It's a genuine blast from the past, a time capsule from 1950. The Sunset Theatre in Lodi is now under new management, and with it, comes new renovations from the iconic landmark.
Terry Clark is the former pest control company owner turned vintage theater renovator who took on the Sunset Theatre project. Next week, after Clark is submitting plans to the city to turn it into a new entertainment venue.
"It's an icon of Lodi. It's one of the few buildings that's recognizable from three blocks away," Clark told ABC10. "People remember this building. And, I remember from when I was a child."
For the past 22 years, Clark watched the old lady of the cinema and bygone era sit empty and dilapidated. So, at the end of last year he made it his own.
Located on busy West Lodi Avenue, over the years, Clark says it has been broken into, walls have been vandalized and metal of any kind was stolen for scrap.
But it still has the original projection equipment, seats, curtains and concession stand complete with red, diamond-designed leather exterior.
But, along with the theater and an old bakery next door, Clark plans to turn it all into an entertainment venue for big and local acts alike, along with a restaurant and bar next door.
"I didn't want to have a movie theater," Clark said. "I wanted to have a performing arts center, a place where people can come and make memories together."
If all goes as planned, Clark wants to have rock legend John Fogerty as the opening act to sing his Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 hit song, "Stuck in Lodi."
He also wants just about anyone in the community who has a need to show off their artistic abilities to showcase their talents here.
"I've offered it up to the Boys & Girls Club of Lodi. I've offered it up to people assisting Lodi Shelter, free of charge," Clark said. "Just leave it like you found it and have your fundraiser here."
The majority of the original seats will be torn out except for a few to remain in the last row as a throwback to when couples cozied up on a date.
Clark estimates it will cost him around $5 million to renovate in two years time.
He admitted it will be awhile before he recoups his investment, but he said he's not in it for the money. Instead, Clark said he is doing it all to give back to a community that has given so much to him.
"In maybe 25 years, I'll get my money back out of it, but that's not why I'm doing it," Clark said. "This is just from my heart — from my heart."
Follow the conversation on Facebook with Kurt Rivera.
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