First it was Regency's Belk, now AMC?- Atlantic North could add theater

[spuwho]

I can't imagine there's really demand for a theater in that location. It's less than 5 miles from both Regal and AMC, meaning neither company would build there (and the AMC at Regency is going to be really hard to compete with). And it's not far enough from Tinseltown for Cinemark to want to get in on it. The only other major chain with a foothold in the metro area that I can think of is Epic, and they'd have a hard time competing with those larger theaters if they only have 12 screens.

The article says its not Epic and that the site meets distance reqirements and that its a national chain.

Since the only national operators not in Jacksonville are Harkins and Marcus, I am going out on a limb a little. Of the three theaters, all have had extensive remodeling except one.

Regal Beach Boulevard

My take is that Regal is looking to close Beach Boulevard and move to Atlantic North.

Killashee is currently trying to redevelop that property on Beach and the recent tear down of Golden Corral was a start.

Me thinks the "negotiation" is simple competition between Killashee and Sleiman for Regal.

I have no proof of it, its just an educated guss.

[JaxJersey-licious]

I'm going to be a little more blunt about the possible "strategy" for opening a multiplex so close to AMC Regency. Chris Rock had a stand-up segment years ago how every major city has a mall the white people go to and the mall the white people used to go to. I don't doubt that the possibility of the shiny new theater taking some AMC customers concerned about the increasing presence of minorities there hasn't crossed the mind of the people planning to build the new theater and Sleiman in his push to get a theater on his property. And that's a shame because I really like the changes AMC did to it's Regency theater - if only the new place was located closer to Hodges or the Beaches to take the place of the outdated one down on Beach Blvd.

[spuwho]

I'm going to be a little more blunt about the possible "strategy" for opening a multiplex so close to AMC Regency. Chris Rock had a stand-up segment years ago how every major city has a mall the white people go to and the mall the white people used to go to. I don't doubt that the possibility of the shiny new theater taking some AMC customers concerned about the increasing presence of minorities there hasn't crossed the mind of the people planning to build the new theater and Sleiman in his push to get a theater on his property. And that's a shame because I really like the changes AMC did to it's Regency theater - if only the new place was located closer to Hodges or the Beaches to take the place of the outdated one down on Beach Blvd.

I love Chris Rock but race is a non-issue here.  It was the presence of armed security guards pacing inside the theater and having security follow me through a parking lot.  If a theater needs that much security in this day and age and I have less imposing choices, then I will take them. I am there to be entertained, not looking over my shoulder in the bathroom. Such a visible showing of weaponry does not extend confidence in the venue, in fact it leads to less.

[Tacachale]

I can't imagine there's really demand for a theater in that location. It's less than 5 miles from both Regal and AMC, meaning neither company would build there (and the AMC at Regency is going to be really hard to compete with). And it's not far enough from Tinseltown for Cinemark to want to get in on it. The only other major chain with a foothold in the metro area that I can think of is Epic, and they'd have a hard time competing with those larger theaters if they only have 12 screens.

The article says its not Epic and that the site meets distance reqirements and that its a national chain.

Since the only national operators not in Jacksonville are Harkins and Marcus, I am going out on a limb a little. Of the three theaters, all have had extensive remodeling except one.

Regal Beach Boulevard

My take is that Regal is looking to close Beach Boulevard and move to Atlantic North.

Killashee is currently trying to redevelop that property on Beach and the recent tear down of Golden Corral was a start.

Me thinks the "negotiation" is simple competition between Killashee and Sleiman for Regal.

I have no proof of it, its just an educated guss.

That's an interesting thought. That Regal hasn't been seriously updated in years, even though the Phillips Highway one has. Regal did well after it opened and the Beaches theaters went out of business, but my understanding is that Tinseltown took a lot out it. It's bigger and more convenient for people on the Southside, which has exploded since then. And honestly Regal's not really all that convenient from the Beach either.

[tufsu1]

I'm going to be a little more blunt about the possible "strategy" for opening a multiplex so close to AMC Regency. Chris Rock had a stand-up segment years ago how every major city has a mall the white people go to and the mall the white people used to go to. I don't doubt that the possibility of the shiny new theater taking some AMC customers concerned about the increasing presence of minorities there hasn't crossed the mind of the people planning to build the new theater and Sleiman in his push to get a theater on his property. And that's a shame because I really like the changes AMC did to it's Regency theater - if only the new place was located closer to Hodges or the Beaches to take the place of the outdated one down on Beach Blvd.

I love Chris Rock but race is a non-issue here. 

correct.  If safety is the big concern, I would note that Regency has not had the problems that Orange Park or River City theaters have.

[JaxJersey-licious]

I'm going to be a little more blunt about the possible "strategy" for opening a multiplex so close to AMC Regency. Chris Rock had a stand-up segment years ago how every major city has a mall the white people go to and the mall the white people used to go to. I don't doubt that the possibility of the shiny new theater taking some AMC customers concerned about the increasing presence of minorities there hasn't crossed the mind of the people planning to build the new theater and Sleiman in his push to get a theater on his property. And that's a shame because I really like the changes AMC did to it's Regency theater - if only the new place was located closer to Hodges or the Beaches to take the place of the outdated one down on Beach Blvd.

I love Chris Rock but race is a non-issue here.  It was the presence of armed security guards pacing inside the theater and having security follow me through a parking lot.  If a theater needs that much security in this day and age and I have less imposing choices, then I will take them. I am there to be entertained, not looking over my shoulder in the bathroom. Such a visible showing of weaponry does not extend confidence in the venue, in fact it leads to less.

Well if you're looking for a less-Orwellian movie going experience, Toney Sleiman's got just the place for you...

Seriously, I'm not saying Toney Sleiman or the owners of the proposed theater are racists and I have no doubt they would welcome anyone that would patronize their new place. But there are some people that have perception issues with the Regency theater. I even get this reaction from some of my friends, "You sure that movie isn't playing some other place" or "That place has changed a lot since you lived here" comments were not uncommon.

As wrong and unfounded as these perceptions about Regency (plus keep in mind the new theater could have the same demographics and just as many security issues Regency currently has), if these perceptions are enough to have you attending movies again or drive the extra miles to Sleiman's new place, the new owners will not refuse to take their money. 

I'm sure those newer theaters on Fleming Island benefited from customers that felt the same way about AMC Orange Park.

[southsider1015]

I, for one, am excited.  Not sure about the suburban sprawl comment.  Does commerical really add to sprawl?

why?  Is the movie theater at Regency (with 100% reserved recliner stadium seating) not good enough for you?

That said, seems to me a new theater at Atlantic/Kernan might hurt the Regal theater on Beach more than AMC.

Sure, Regency is decent.  But a little competition or  extra supply couldn't hurt.  Vacant land serves zero purpose, no? 

It's nice to see new development in this area.  FDOT is adding thousands of dollars in landscaping along Beach and Atlantic. Tamaya is still selling well from what I hear.

Ain't your cup of tea?  Mad that it's not going downtown?  I wonder why?  Demographics, perhaps?  Money? 

So many haters. 

[spuwho]

I can't imagine there's really demand for a theater in that location. It's less than 5 miles from both Regal and AMC, meaning neither company would build there (and the AMC at Regency is going to be really hard to compete with). And it's not far enough from Tinseltown for Cinemark to want to get in on it. The only other major chain with a foothold in the metro area that I can think of is Epic, and they'd have a hard time competing with those larger theaters if they only have 12 screens.

The article says its not Epic and that the site meets distance reqirements and that its a national chain.

Since the only national operators not in Jacksonville are Harkins and Marcus, I am going out on a limb a little. Of the three theaters, all have had extensive remodeling except one.

Regal Beach Boulevard

My take is that Regal is looking to close Beach Boulevard and move to Atlantic North.

Killashee is currently trying to redevelop that property on Beach and the recent tear down of Golden Corral was a start.

Me thinks the "negotiation" is simple competition between Killashee and Sleiman for Regal.

I have no proof of it, its just an educated guss.

That's an interesting thought. That Regal hasn't been seriously updated in years, even though the Phillips Highway one has. Regal did well after it opened and the Beaches theaters went out of business, but my understanding is that Tinseltown took a lot out it. It's bigger and more convenient for people on the Southside, which has exploded since then. And honestly Regal's not really all that convenient from the Beach either.

I brought up the "Regal to Atlantic North" idea with some business friends and they said Regal Beach Boulevard gets alot of traffic from Atlantic Beach down to Ponte Vedra.  They said if Regal plans to build in Nocatee (and its just a matter of time before someone does they said) then it would be logical to push their current "Beach" footprint north and leave Ponte Vedra customers to a new locale in Nocatee.

Personally I thought that kind of broached Regal Avenues too much and that any new property would be farther south on 210 & St John's Parkway.

[Tacachale]

I, for one, am excited.  Not sure about the suburban sprawl comment.  Does commerical really add to sprawl?

why?  Is the movie theater at Regency (with 100% reserved recliner stadium seating) not good enough for you?

That said, seems to me a new theater at Atlantic/Kernan might hurt the Regal theater on Beach more than AMC.

Sure, Regency is decent.  But a little competition or  extra supply couldn't hurt.  Vacant land serves zero purpose, no? 

It's nice to see new development in this area.  FDOT is adding thousands of dollars in landscaping along Beach and Atlantic. Tamaya is still selling well from what I hear.

Ain't your cup of tea?  Mad that it's not going downtown?  I wonder why?  Demographics, perhaps?  Money? 

So many haters.

LOL, yeah, we should totally focus on developing all those "vacant" greenfields instead of infilling. Got to feed the beast.

Isn't this the development that the city gave Sleiman $11 million in mobility credits for, because he was buddies with the mayor? I imagine Sleiman was already committed to developing this spot, but the government subsidies for suburban sprawl and lack of planning likely have a lot to do with the form it takes.

[Tacachale]

I can't imagine there's really demand for a theater in that location. It's less than 5 miles from both Regal and AMC, meaning neither company would build there (and the AMC at Regency is going to be really hard to compete with). And it's not far enough from Tinseltown for Cinemark to want to get in on it. The only other major chain with a foothold in the metro area that I can think of is Epic, and they'd have a hard time competing with those larger theaters if they only have 12 screens.

The article says its not Epic and that the site meets distance reqirements and that its a national chain.

Since the only national operators not in Jacksonville are Harkins and Marcus, I am going out on a limb a little. Of the three theaters, all have had extensive remodeling except one.

Regal Beach Boulevard

My take is that Regal is looking to close Beach Boulevard and move to Atlantic North.

Killashee is currently trying to redevelop that property on Beach and the recent tear down of Golden Corral was a start.

Me thinks the "negotiation" is simple competition between Killashee and Sleiman for Regal.

I have no proof of it, its just an educated guss.

That's an interesting thought. That Regal hasn't been seriously updated in years, even though the Phillips Highway one has. Regal did well after it opened and the Beaches theaters went out of business, but my understanding is that Tinseltown took a lot out it. It's bigger and more convenient for people on the Southside, which has exploded since then. And honestly Regal's not really all that convenient from the Beach either.

I brought up the "Regal to Atlantic North" idea with some business friends and they said Regal Beach Boulevard gets alot of traffic from Atlantic Beach down to Ponte Vedra.  They said if Regal plans to build in Nocatee (and its just a matter of time before someone does they said) then it would be logical to push their current "Beach" footprint north and leave Ponte Vedra customers to a new locale in Nocatee.

Personally I thought that kind of broached Regal Avenues too much and that any new property would be farther south on 210 & St John's Parkway.

So, I asked around with some people who would know, and I think you may really be on to something. Apparently Regal has been resisting the Beach Boulevard theater's requests to renovate and add new features, although they've renovated the Avenues location and they continue to assure employees that their jobs are safe.

Apparently the theater is losing business to competitors and the chain of command is well aware. The location does most of its business from the Beach and the "West Beaches" area. But they've never had a good strategy to compete for Southside residents, and the location may be a deterrent. Maybe having a smaller theater at Atlantic and Kernan would improve their prospects. I know from San Marco we very rarely go there, and honestly when we lived in Ponte Vedra we didn't go there more than Tinseltown. But it's still a lot of real estate to lose. But maybe having a smaller but more up to date theater would make it worth while, especially if they're looking at another theater in St. Johns. AMC Regency reduced their capacity but is apparently killing it with profits.

[thelakelander]

Isn't this the development that the city gave Sleiman $11 million in mobility credits for, because he was buddies with the mayor? I imagine Sleiman was already committed to developing this spot, but the government subsidies for suburban sprawl and lack of planning likely have a lot to do with the form it takes.

Yes. There was a commitment to develop this property well before the mobility plan and Atlantic/Kernan interchange improvements.

[thelakelander]

Regal's theater on Beach is the only one in town I've never been too. I'm a Southsider. Tinseltown and the Avenues are closer. From my location at JTB and I-95, Regency is easier to get to as well.

[tufsu1]

I, for one, am excited.  Not sure about the suburban sprawl comment.  Does commerical really add to sprawl?

why?  Is the movie theater at Regency (with 100% reserved recliner stadium seating) not good enough for you?

That said, seems to me a new theater at Atlantic/Kernan might hurt the Regal theater on Beach more than AMC.

Sure, Regency is decent.  But a little competition or  extra supply couldn't hurt.  Vacant land serves zero purpose, no? 

umm..the property wasn't "vacant" until Sleiman cut all the trees down.  Plus, we have plenty vacant commercial/retail space already...why build more?

as for your downtown comment....no.  I live downtown but don't think a megaplex is necessarily appropriate for the core.  Plus, we have two really cool small theaters in the surrounding neighborhoods.

and FDOT spending thousands on landscaping?  Ooh, I am so impressed.  I'm sure these corridors will look beautiful, and people will come from all over the world and take photos of them!

[Tacachale]

I, for one, am excited.  Not sure about the suburban sprawl comment.  Does commerical really add to sprawl?

why?  Is the movie theater at Regency (with 100% reserved recliner stadium seating) not good enough for you?

That said, seems to me a new theater at Atlantic/Kernan might hurt the Regal theater on Beach more than AMC.

Sure, Regency is decent.  But a little competition or  extra supply couldn't hurt.  Vacant land serves zero purpose, no? 

umm..the property wasn't "vacant" until Sleiman cut all the trees down.  Plus, we have plenty vacant commercial/retail space already...why build more?

as for your downtown comment....no.  I live downtown but don't think a megaplex is necessarily appropriate for the core.  Plus, we have two really cool small theaters in the surrounding neighborhoods.

and FDOT spending thousands on landscaping?  Ooh, I am so impressed.  I'm sure these corridors will look beautiful, and people will come from all over the world and take photos of them!

Ha!

[southsider1015]

Ah, two small cool theaters huh.  Theres just nothing like watching The Revenant on a 1960s screen, right?

What a joke. 

Honestly, your posts stink of jealously.  You'll never admit it, though of course.  You're dieing to see redevelopment in your communities, and when another one looks to add new development, you cant seem to find anything positive to say.  Meanwhile, the Southside community is excited to see the development built out.

Maybe it's the attitudes of downtown that are preventing any decent and effective development there.