Historic Placer County Theater Could Become Costco Parking Lot
PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) — A historic theater just outside of Auburn could be torn down to make way for a Costco parking lot.
The Dewitt Theater in Placer County has stood for 70 years on D Avenue. But the building that dates back to World War II is in jeopardy of being turned into a parking lot.
Hundreds of plays have happened on the stage of the theater over the years.
It first served as a place for wounded vets to see live entertainment by notable Hollywood actors such as Bob Hope. From there it became a home for popular cinema. Now it's hosted more than 400 theater productions, many featuring children.
"I don't think that's fair to all of us to be honest, because there are so many kids that go here, so many memories," said one girl. "There's a whole wall where kids have carved their names into the bricks."
Recently, Costco submitted a proposal to the county to build ona 16-acre plot of land that would involve demolishing and paving over where the theater has been for seven decades.
CBS13 reached out to Costco for answers, and they directed our questions to the county.
Placer County officials said they have permission to lease the land because there has been so much redevelopment to other buildings nearby, and that has compromised the theater's historic value.
"Auburn is very arts-oriented. It's very cultural here, and so to get rid of it really makes no sense," said Renee Berg.
Supporters say there are just too many memories to pave over.
"If it wasn't for this place, I wouldn't have known that I wanted to become an actress," the girl said..
The county says the decision on whether to lease the property could be made in February, but Costco would still need to go through the approval process, which could take 18 months.
If approved, it would be two years at the earliest before any construction would begin.