Clifford A. Balch designed the building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and it opened in 1938 as the San Clemente Theatre.

In July 1937, the San Clemente Sun announced plans for a US$75,000 movie theater commissioned by Capital Company.

[1] Crews from the Strang Brothers construction company broke ground on the project in August 1937 with an expected completion date in December.

[4] In 1969, the San Clemente Theatre underwent a $150,000 renovation project that included new seats, carpeting, concession stand, decoration, marquee, and box office, among other changes.

[6] In June 2017, the San Clemente City Council approved plans for a revitalization of the Miramar auditorium as an events center and the former bowling alley as a five-restaurant food court.