The Last Drive-in Picture Show

Movies at De Anza to keep rolling after all
'Power center' plan for drive-in's site fails to materialize
By Christie Smythe
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
The four screens at Tucson's De Anza Drive-In are safe from wrecking crews for
now.
A developer has dropped plans to purchase the property at 1401 S. Alvernon Way
and turn it into a retail center.
Previously, Evergreen Development Co. hoped to turn the theater into a 20-acre
"power center" called De Anza Crossings, according to project marketing
materials.
Gregg Alpert, Evergreen managing principal, said the development company could
not reach "terms that were acceptable" with the theater's owner, Los
Angeles-based De Anza Land and Leisure Corp.
Alpert said he had no deals with future tenants, but "there was definitely
interest in the site."
He said he may try to acquire the property in the future when retailers feel
more open to expanding.
"Our business is not an easy business, and these are challenging economic
times," he said.
In response to news of Evergreen's plan to buy the property, some Tucson
residents formed a campaign to try to save the theater, which is Tucson's last
drive-in.
Stacy Paisley Peckham, a real estate agent who launched Saveourdeanza.org, said
she has been in contact with the theater's owners and has discussed ways to make
the theater more profitable.
Peckham said the owners told her Monday that the deal was on and mentioned the
possibility of making the theater site into a "family fun center," perhaps
featuring some of the popular giant creatures from the now-closed Magic Carpet
Golf, 6125 E. Speedway.
"I was thrilled," Peckham said.
Alpert was also impressed by the outpouring of support for the theater.
He said that if Evergreen makes another play for the property, he wants to "work
with the community," and might consider relocating the theater.
Teri Oldknow, senior vice president of the De Anza Land and Leisure Corp., said
it's too soon to determine what will happen with the theater, although for now
"the drive-in is here to stay."
● Contact reporter Christie Smythe at 434-4083 or csmythe@azstarnet.com.

| www.azstarnet.com ®

Published: 06.14.2008
All content copyright © 1999-2008 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire
services and suppliers and may not be republished without permission. All rights
reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents
of this service without the expressed written consent of Arizona Daily Star or
AzStarNet is prohibited.