The Cinemagic Theater opened in 1913 as the Palm Theater. It is still operating today as a local, single screen theater focused on showing arthouse and indie films, with the occasional blockbuster. Since its opening, it has gone through numerous name changes and shifts in ownership. It was renamed the Hawthorne Theater in 1915, the Star Hawthorne in 1931, the Zephyr Theater in 1937, the Plaza Theater in 1938, the Fine Arts Theater in 1957, the Columbia Theater in 1987, and finally renamed the Cinemagic in 1991. In 1977, Randy Finley, who operated the Seven Gables chain, acquired the Fine Arts Theater. The Seven Gables was a theater chain exhibiting independent, foreign and cult films in the Pacific Northwest. Gary Fine reopened the theater, followed by Chuck Nakavasil in 2013, followed by Ryan Frakes and Nicholas Kuechler in 2021. In my research, I will be focusing on the transition of the theater from the 1930's to the 1950's.
There is limited evidence surrounding the shift between theaters while in the same location. I am interested in why and how Cinemagic changed name and ownership so many times. I grew up near the theater and have visited countless times. The theater has a unique, quaint atmosphere, it is clear that everyone involved with Cinemagic has a deep love for cinema. I am astounded by the theater's resilience, most theaters would not have stayed open continuously in the same location since 1913. I am hoping to find more evidence on how the physical theater has been remodeled, how it interacted with the Portland community and why the theater's ownership changed so frequently.
