Curtain is ready to rise tonight on the Mission walk-in theater

Dina Zavala, who worked on the revitalization of the former drive-in theater, takes a picture of her handiwork. Dina Zavala, who worked on the revitalization of the former drive-in theater, takes a picture of her handiwork. Photo: Michael Miller / For The San Antonio Express-News Photo: Michael Miller / For The San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Curtain is ready to rise tonight on the Mission walk-in theater 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

It will be a Saturday night double feature where the old Mission Drive-In Theater used to be — but don't expect to see movies from a parked car anymore.

Nor will you be able to see them on the new outdoor screen following the ribbon-cutting for the $2.3 million Mission Marquee Plaza's grand opening. Not just yet.

The grass recently planted in the plaza's sloped amphitheater lawn can't withstand heavy foot traffic. Officials expect to be able to screen movies there in 90 to 100 days given warmer weather, said Frank Villani, the city's cultural affairs manager.

An inflatable screen will have to do for now.

The Mission Marquee Plaza, still a working title for the facility, takes up 5.7 acres at Roosevelt Avenue and UFW Boulevard.

It's adjacent to the Mission Branch Library in the shadow of Mission San José.

It's only a fraction of the 26 acres of the 1940s-era Mission Drive-In, a beloved South Side landmark bought by the city in 2007.

The plaza project included renovation of the drive-in's historic marquee, including its mural and lighting, a new movie screen and adjoining 1,700-square-foot stage, landscaping in the grassy acre in front of it, a parking lot and a two-story building with a projection room and restrooms.

“We are looking at a $2.3 million construction cost,” said Melissa Sparks of the city's office of Capital Improvement Management Services, which oversaw the project. She said design and project management will push the total cost higher.

Though the plaza won't function as a drive-in in its new incarnation, it will host films, concerts and other events in a park setting.

It's part of an ongoing preservation and neighborhood redevelopment plan at the old theater site.

The multi-use complex is expected to include retail space and housing, and a next step is to show the City Council a plan with proposed rental rates and responsibilities for maintenance and security, Villani said.

Residents who attend Saturday night's event can watch movies — the 2008 animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” followed by the 2009 J.J. Abrams' “Star Trek” — on a large inflatable screen in the playground area and field behind the library, Sparks said.

Children can use the playground. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Ice chests and picnic baskets are allowed.

The ribbon-cutting begins at 7:15 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session with several city officials who are seeking public feedback about the plaza, said DeAnne Cuellar, chief of staff for District 3 Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna.

The free movies will begin at 8 p.m., screened by Slab Cinema, an independent outdoor movie company that puts on Movies by Moonlight at HemisFair Park and other events with the city.

Because parking is limited, Cuellar said residents should car pool and arrive early. Nearby lots will charge for parking.

And if you're curious, the intricate series of irrigation pipes in front of the marquee are temporary, officials said, and will be removed once the grass there takes root.

eayala@express-news.net

Twitter: @ElaineAyala