COLUMBIA CITY – Nearly two years after it closed under a cloud of public drama, unpaid debts and multiple building code violations, Columbia City’s beloved cinema plans to reopen under new ownership.

New owner and instant neighborhood hero David McRae had originally planned to reopen in January 2013, but recently announced that he will do so this weekend with a “Lord of the Rings” marathon.

McRae, who has a long history in the movie business, has made numerous safety updates and improvements to comply with city codes.

On Tuesday, at the Columbia City Business Association meeting, he credited Seattle Fire Department and Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith with helping him obtain the permits necessary to reopen just in time for the holiday season.

The Ark Lodge Cinemas – located at 4816 Rainier Ave. S. – will show the entire, uncut “Lord of the Rings” trilogy starting Sat., Dec. 9, and concluding Sun., Dec. 10.

On Thurs., Dec. 14, the theater will premiere the first-run film “The Hobbit.”

Photo/Ark Lodge Cinemas