Asuza Pacific University and R&R Signs of Glendora, Calif., are working together to restore the landmark marquee of Azusa Foothill Drive-In on Route 66 in Asuza, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
According to Rice, about one-eighth of the sign’s 500 bulbs glowed during a Jan. 24 test lighting, and those that did light were either dim or flickering.
The Los Angeles Conservancy nominated the drive-in property for landmark status Aug. 1, 2001, while the 17-acre site was still in escrow. Foothill was the last remaining drive-in movie theater on Route 66 west of Oklahoma.
The drive-in was placed on the California Historical Landmark Registry after the private evangelical college paid $6.1 million for it in the summer of 2001.
APU officials disagreed with the listing but did agree to spend $50,000 to refurbish it. Now it is used for campus announcements in English and Spanish.
It’s hoped the restoration efforts will begin in earnest by May and be finished by the end of the year.