Preservationists in San Jose battling to save one of the city's domed theaters are bracing for their first skirmish next week.
The Century 21 Theatre is the oldest of the cluster of space-age buildings on Winchester Boulevard. All are planned for eventual demolition now that their lease is up.
But, a move to save at least one building has gained ground, with nearly 4,000 signatures on an online petition.
Next Thursday, the Historic Landmarks Commission will meet to consider the theater's future.
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“I believe that the Landmarks Commission is gonna be favorable toward landmarking it,” said the San Jose Preservation Action Council’s Brian Grayson. “But that's just the beginning of the process. Ultimately, there'll be a series of public hearings and [there will] be an opportunity for the city council to discuss and make a final decision on it
Activists hope the Century 21 Theatre can be incorporated into whatever new development is built, and that it will continue to be used as a movie theater.