This was the view Menifee residents had from Newport Road for years during the stalled Krikorian theater project. (File photo)
The Menifee City Council has confirmed the final cost of abatement of the failed Krikorian Theater property and authorized city staff to use “any manner allowed by law” in collecting reimbursement of $420,527.25.
In a Nov. 17, 2025 letter to Showprop Menifee, the corporation originally formed for the project, the City of Menifee demanded reimbursement for the demolition cost and threatened legal action if payment wasn’t rendered. According to a city document presented to council members at their Jan. 21 meeting, owner George Krikorian “failed to submit a timely appeal request to contest the abatement costs or otherwise follow the appeal procedure, which resulted in a waiver of the right to contest the statement.”
As a result, council members last week voted unanimously to authorize collection efforts, “including through the placement of a special assessment or lien on the real property in case of delinquency.”
The item was approved without discussion as part of the consent calendar.
It has been 12 years since the City of Menifee first announced Krikorian’s plans for an entertainment complex for Menifee Town Center. The project was to include a 122,000-square-foot theater with 12 screens; a sports-themed restaurant/bar; a 22-lane bowling alley; and a 7,200-square-foot gaming area, including laser tag.
Construction on the project began in 2019, but walls of the main structure and two adjacent retail buildings were only partially complete when the onslaught of COVID-19 resulted in a loss of project funding and a work stoppage. The project site remained that way through legal battles between Kirkorian and the City until November 2024, when the City was granted legal authority to demolish the structures. Demolition began in January 2025 and was completed in November.
Despite the City’s action to clear the area, Krikorian retains ownership of the property. He has not announced any intentions to either sell the property or pursue a new project on the land. Krikorian did not respond to an inquiry from Menifee 24/7, and City Public Information Officer Phil Southard said “there are no updates on the Krikorian property at this time.”
