Closed since October 2001, the Cinema 21 on Chestnut Street will rise like a phoenix from the flames (and in an entirely new light).

The model — hashed out by the property owner, the Marina Merchants Association and the Neighborhood Theater Foundation — uses ground-floor retail as an engine to partially finance the upper-level theaters. In this case a 9,200-square-foot Walgreens will bring in enough rent that the two theaters are not under as much financial pressure, according to Miller.

Two thumbs up. Way up.
· Cinema 21 “Biography” [Cinema Treasures]
· Show will go on at Marina District theater [Examiner]