Operating inside the restored 1945 Loma Theatre in Point Loma, Barnes & Noble occupies a Streamline Moderne landmark designed by architect S. Charles Lee, whose theater portfolio includes Hollywood's Tower Theatre. The conversion preserved the original art-deco ceiling murals, neon marquee, and blade sign while replacing the 1,188-seat auditorium with bookshelves, creating a browsing environment distinct from the genre-focused inventory at nearby Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore. A children's section and toy department fill the former balcony mezzanine, and weekly PJ Storytime and seasonal LEGO build events drive family traffic to the 3150 Rosecrans Place location. The same retail corridor connects to creative supplies at Blick Art Materials, broadening the destination draw for students and educators shopping both stores in a single trip. The highest-demand programming involves ticketed author signings where nationally touring writers present under the theater's original hand-painted mural ceiling.