Mayor Brown suggested seeing a movie theater downtown, i personally love that idea...it brings plenty downtown, it also entertains downtown residents. but where do you think would be the perfect spot to place it. i think that it should be along the skyway and have its own station.
Following the lead of Oklahoma City, a 16 screen theater just might work but theres not many locations where something like that would fit. LaVilla, Shipyards, Brooklyn, old JEA site...
Oh but the sweetest location would be anywhere between Adams and Bay Street, west of Lee and east of Johnson. Hey its so easy to get to you might say you could drive a bus right to it.
OCKLAWAHA
the movie theater construction boom is largely over....while a theater downtown is a good idea, it needs to be part of a larger complex (or area) that includes dining, nightlife, and retail.
As such, I would suggest that it needs to be close to the Bay Street entertainment area...at one time, there was discussion about a block along Main Street, near the library.
For some reason the LaVilla site in the location I outlined looks SO much better to me.
OCKLAWAHA
There used to be plenty of old movie theatre buildings that could have been used for single screen operations, but they were either all torn down or allowed to crumble.. too bad. Even a single screen theatre that shows limited first run movies would have been something.
Quote from: Jaimen on July 19, 2011, 01:47:17 AM
Mayor Brown suggested seeing a movie theater downtown, i personally love that idea...it brings plenty downtown, it also entertains downtown residents. but where do you think would be the perfect spot to place it. i think that it should be along the skyway and have its own station.
I think the Florida Theatre should be operated as a theatre. Lease it to a movie operator, maybe throw in some incentives. Also, while you're at it, that was the former headquarters for the Florida Theatres, Inc. chain, there is 7 stories of offices in that building that are completely vacant. It would be nice to see the City come up with some use for that dead space, preferably something arts-oriented that would draw more people downtown. Dumping it on the general office space market wouldn't work, the vacancy rates downtown are already astronomical and that would only make it worse. But letting it sit vacant isn't contributing anything either. You'd have to come up with a creative solution, but it can be done.
So that's my suggestion on how to build a theatre without spending a dime. Probably would even pay for itself.
The Florida Theatre already does some older movies from time to time, but it is still a popular venue for touring artisits. I saw BB King there and it was perfect. I am not sure how the movie theatre part and the touring part would share space and divy up the time. A movie operations needs all the showtime slots they can get to be able to make any money.
I believe a movie theater was part of the plan for Carlton Jones' Bay St Station project. Not sure if tjat project is completely dead or not.
The movie business is very tough for a single screen theatre!
I am told that the Florida Theatre is very expensive to run, and needs a lot of staff. That said, if you fill it up for one show a week (with 1,500 seats), you'd make more than many suburban screens do all week. The Tampa Theatre works like that.
Overall the movie business is scared right now... Ever-improving home theater systems and widespread video piracy make theater chains worried that no one will actually go out to the movies anymore. The new theater up by the airport has seriously under-performed (because the house that were planned nearby haven't been built yet).
There is a current proposal to use the Florida Theatre office space as an arts education center affiliated somehow with JU. Maybe Stephen can pull up the details?
I think worrying about a movie theater in DT is pointless at this time. I would like to see the administration focus more on getting basic things wrong with DT corrected and alleviated first. I know they aren't "sexy" and exciting topics but we'll get further with the redevelopment of DT than spending hundreds of millions on one trick ponies. Other than some master planning or visioning for "city-owned" land and zoning policies to prohibit sprawling autocentric site development, I'd let market and private sector decide the fate of their own properties.
I'd hate to see us repeat the pattern of killing off development on certain parcels because of a wish to hold out for a specific type of use that the market may not be ready to support without heavy subsidization (see the DT Pittsburgh links below):
Lord & Taylor exit leaves holeQuoteA major pillar of Downtown's retail revitalization hopes began an ugly fall this week.
The May Department Stores Co. announced plans to close the 125,000-square-foot Lord & Taylor store it opened less than three years ago as part of a national divestment to shed 32 underperforming locations nationwide.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2003/08/04/story1.html
Saks Fifth Avenue balks at Downtown Pittsburgh lease optionQuoteTen years ago, a subsidy-inspired boom resulted in four department stores operating in Downtown. That, however, lasted only a short time. Today, Macy's â€" which took over the Kaufmann's name in a consolidation in 2006 â€" is the only other department store Downtown.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2010/09/20/daily25.html
Department stores fight for survivalQuoteThink Kaufmann's would never entertain the idea of abandoning its landmark store in Downtown Pittsburgh? Or Lazarus wouldn't consider pulling up stakes after only five years in its shiny new Fifth Avenue location?
Think again.
Department stores are taking a beating from discounters and are fighting for their lives, says retail industry analyst Lois Huff.
In this environment, anything goes.
Quote
Under terms of a $48 million public subsidy for the Downtown Lazarus, Federated could elect to close the store after November, a similar five-year window as in the Lord & Taylor deal. It has yet to reach the $41 million in annual sales that would trigger repayment of an $18 million city loan.
It could walk away at year's end leaving the building as collateral.
Lazarus officials did not return a call for comment yesterday.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_147534.html#ixzz1SYjqKjws
Statement by New Colonist Editor Eric Miller on Closing of Downtown Pittsburgh Department StoreQuotePITTSBURGH--Federated Department Stores announced this morning that the downtown Pittsburgh Lazarus-Macy’s store will close. The announcement follows a closing announcement of the downtown Lord and Taylor store. Both stores were subsidized and part of a larger plan to reinvigorate downtown with additional redevelopment.
QuoteToday’s announcement would make it easy to want to throw in the towel and forget about the idea that Pittsburgh’s downtown activity can be on-par with that of New York or San Francisco. What both of those cities have downtown that Pittsburgh doesn’t is department stores, but it is also great numbers of residents.
Retail stores like K-Mart or Lord and Taylor naturally, economically and without subsidies locate where there is a residential population to draw from.
Moving forward, downtown Pittsburgh should move immediately to increase the number of condominiums and apartments downtown. New residential construction in the city has been met with more success in recent years than any commercial attempts. Lofts in the Strip, the Lincoln at North Shore complex and developments on the South Side are examples.
To facilitate downtown housing, the city should pursue groceries and discount retailers large and small (from Dollar General to Target), perhaps filling the Lazarus building with such a retailer in order to make daily life in downtown Pittsburgh practical and convenient.
These stores will also be a draw from other neighborhoods including those within walking distance and those connected by the East Busway or South Hills light-rail lines. Those customers will also support in some degree the remaining two department stores downtown--Sax Fifth Avenue and Kaufmann’s as well as smaller stores like Barnes and Noble and Burlington Coat factory.
For a lively downtown, housing is the answer and stores to make daily life convenient are a close second.
http://www.newcolonist.com/press.html
I agree that there are bigger fish to fry. However, a perfect site would be the parking garage that would presumeably support the convention center on the site of the old city hall (current courthouse annex). Chicago had a large municipal garage with a theatre on the ground floor. Clustering sites is a good idea IMO with the convention cneter and restaraunts and bars.
Mooneyhan's plan is to bring serious FILM INDUSTRY back to downtown Jacksonville. Sound stages, offices, a film college, premier theatre, restaurants, etc. Whether or not he can pull it off remains to be seen, but at least the vision is there for big thinking in a way that could spur jobs, creativity, national attention, etc. The Prime Osborn was one of his targets I believe for the facilities.
Mooneyhan's plan for DT....
(http://www.philebrity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/weed.jpg) (http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiMApFLlJluS_9kJk1oVrGIIGaWB26dRfy2FdTqoJKjy2KeWla&t=1)
I'd love to see a movie theater downtown, but the question is what would work there. I don't see a modern 18- or 24-screen corporate megacomplex working, and most of Jacksonville's theaters with screens in the single digits have been put out of business over the last 10 or 15 years.
Jacksonville doesn't seem to like to do anything mid-sized - it's either small and local, or it's big scale, and so we miss out on a lot. At any rate a good sized theater downtown would have the benefit of drawing people from the surrounding old city neighborhoods, who currently have to go a fair distance to the other theaters.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 10:42:07 AM
Mooneyhan's plan for DT....
(http://www.philebrity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/weed.jpg) (http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiMApFLlJluS_9kJk1oVrGIIGaWB26dRfy2FdTqoJKjy2KeWla&t=1)
Yup. It's amazing to me that some around here are still entertaining this as plausible.
A movie theater was also part of the Bay Street Station project. If that project can be resurrected, it may work. It cant be a stand alone theater though. If its included in a cluster with other things (dining, retail, etc) It could work.
Quote from: Dapperdan on July 19, 2011, 08:19:43 AM
There used to be plenty of old movie theatre buildings that could have been used for single screen operations, but they were either all torn down or allowed to crumble.. too bad. Even a single screen theatre that shows limited first run movies would have been something.
The only theatres left is the Florida Theatre and The Ritz Theatre. And the Ritz is extremely small on the inside.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on July 19, 2011, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: Jaimen on July 19, 2011, 01:47:17 AM
Mayor Brown suggested seeing a movie theater downtown, i personally love that idea...it brings plenty downtown, it also entertains downtown residents. but where do you think would be the perfect spot to place it. i think that it should be along the skyway and have its own station.
I think the Florida Theatre should be operated as a theatre. Lease it to a movie operator, maybe throw in some incentives. Also, while you're at it, that was the former headquarters for the Florida Theatres, Inc. chain, there is 7 stories of offices in that building that are completely vacant. It would be nice to see the City come up with some use for that dead space, preferably something arts-oriented that would draw more people downtown. Dumping it on the general office space market wouldn't work, the vacancy rates downtown are already astronomical and that would only make it worse. But letting it sit vacant isn't contributing anything either. You'd have to come up with a creative solution, but it can be done.
So that's my suggestion on how to build a theatre without spending a dime. Probably would even pay for itself.
Chris, the Florida theatre actually have plans to renovate some of the floors for art-oriented functions. I also think one floor is being turned into a smaller theatre. stephen can speak more to that. I cant remember the specifics.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 19, 2011, 11:31:30 AM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on July 19, 2011, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: Jaimen on July 19, 2011, 01:47:17 AM
Mayor Brown suggested seeing a movie theater downtown, i personally love that idea...it brings plenty downtown, it also entertains downtown residents. but where do you think would be the perfect spot to place it. i think that it should be along the skyway and have its own station.
I think the Florida Theatre should be operated as a theatre. Lease it to a movie operator, maybe throw in some incentives. Also, while you're at it, that was the former headquarters for the Florida Theatres, Inc. chain, there is 7 stories of offices in that building that are completely vacant. It would be nice to see the City come up with some use for that dead space, preferably something arts-oriented that would draw more people downtown. Dumping it on the general office space market wouldn't work, the vacancy rates downtown are already astronomical and that would only make it worse. But letting it sit vacant isn't contributing anything either. You'd have to come up with a creative solution, but it can be done.
So that's my suggestion on how to build a theatre without spending a dime. Probably would even pay for itself.
Chris, the Florida theatre actually have plans to renovate some of the floors for art-oriented functions. I also think one floor is being turned into a smaller theatre. stephen can speak more to that. I cant remember the specifics.
See this thread:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=11577.0
Yes.
1. Put an IMAX 3-D three screen theater at far end of The Shipyards, across from Maxwell House. (2 hours)
2. Build a Kraft Foods/Maxwell House Cafe serving sandwiches, coffee, tea.......... next door. (1 hour)
3. Offer a tour of the Maxwell House facility. (1 hour)
5. A RiverKeeper/JU joint venture : St Johns River Nature Center and Kayak Center. (2-4 hours)
6. 3 cool retired Navy Ships: Destroyer, submarine plus a rotating display. (2-4 hours)
All of this adds up to an incredibly fun day (or two) for a family that chooses to spend the day downtown. Follow up
with a Jags game or a special event at the baseball stadium or Arena and we are suddenly the coolest city in Florida.
For the record: This is my proposal for what to do with The Shipyards.
Back in the day, the Florida Theatre and Center Theatre were first run. Ditto the San Marco. Mega-plexes with lots of choices and acres of free parking is what killed them.
That said, the wonderful old Florida Theatre with it's big screen is a great place to see a movie. Provide free parking and some first run movies, market the experience of an incredible theater, and see what happens.
Yeah, way bigger fish to fry. Sounds like more of the same line of thinking, trying to bring the suburbs downtown. Sound familiar?? They'll build a replica of the exact same stuff you can get anywhere outside of town, won't provide any parking & then wonder why no one is coming.
Can any of the city leaders think of downtown as an actual downtown anymore??
Here's a theater already downtown.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jun-planetarium-grows-a-new-set-of-next-gen-projectors
Good place to show the new movie, "Cowboys and Aliens"?
Cool idea, Ralph W. An early show and then go up and view the night sky. :-)
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 19, 2011, 11:27:31 AM
A movie theater was also part of the Bay Street Station project. If that project can be resurrected, it may work. It cant be a stand alone theater though. If its included in a cluster with other things (dining, retail, etc) It could work.
Yes, where are we on that project? And the Haydon Burns library? With the Laura Trio, there's a chance to keep growing organically. My buddy and his fiancee plan to move downtown if/when his work (Everbank) moves downtown.
Quote from: peestandingup on July 19, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
Yeah, way bigger fish to fry. Sounds like more of the same line of thinking, trying to bring the suburbs downtown. Sound familiar?? They'll build a replica of the exact same stuff you can get anywhere outside of town, won't provide any parking & then wonder why no one is coming.
Can any of the city leaders think of downtown as an actual downtown anymore??
I don't think a movie theatre is "suburban."
According to wikipedia, the haydon burns project would possibly include a 4-screen movie theatre.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haydon_Burns_Library
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on July 19, 2011, 12:58:36 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on July 19, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
Yeah, way bigger fish to fry. Sounds like more of the same line of thinking, trying to bring the suburbs downtown. Sound familiar?? They'll build a replica of the exact same stuff you can get anywhere outside of town, won't provide any parking & then wonder why no one is coming.
Can any of the city leaders think of downtown as an actual downtown anymore??
I don't think a movie theatre is "suburban."
Giant multiplexes certainly are. He sounded pretty vague, but seeing that we already have a couple smaller theaters downtown, I assume that's what he's talking about.
But who knows. We're prob all just posting for nothing since he just kinda said it in passing. I'd hope he'd try to fix all the stuff that's really broken about downtown first (and there's a shit-ton of it) than worrying about where to plop a multiplex. We got those already in spades.
Not saying you couldn't do that in town, you most def could (if it were done something like the Regal in Chinatown DC). Meaning it would have to blend in with the current architecture, not look ridiculous & not go huge. But I would hope that would come later after some major restructuring instead of the "build it & they will come" half-assed attitude they've seemed to have done the last couple decades around here concerning downtown.
I don't assume he's talking about a huge megaplex. But at any rate, there aren't really any full time theaters dowtown. The ones that are there don't screen regularly; as far as that goes they're not in the league of even small theaters like the 5 Points or San Marco Theaters.
Additionally, iirc there are no theaters in any of the old city neighborhoods that have more than one screen. And "more than one screen" doesn't imply "huge megaplex". Not so long ago we had a number of neighborhood movie theaters with between 3 and 10 screens, and many other cities still do. Currently the movie options for people in these neighborhoods are limited to (a) the 5 Points and San Marco Theaters, (b) going a fair distance to go to the movies, and (c) not going.
The true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat. This is something better left for the market to handle, imo.
I have to agree with thelakelander. I am afraid for the theaters in Five Points and San Marco if a multiplex were to open in downtown Jacksonville. We need to have more density before we even think of opening such a theater. When downtown has more life, it would be a great idea. But not now.
Quote from: peestandingup on July 19, 2011, 01:44:27 PMGiant multiplexes certainly are. He sounded pretty vague, but seeing that we already have a couple smaller theaters downtown, I assume that's what he's talking about.
Many cities have excellent, mid to large theatres downtown:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/southerncalifornian/3398030968/
http://www.amctheatres.com/RiverEast/
I've been to the River East one in Chicago. The theatres are well above the ground floor, giving plenty of room for other retail at the street, plust an insane amount of parking.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 02:19:16 PM
The true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat. This is something better left for the market to handle, imo.
I think yes, with a caveat. It would probably cannibalize an existing theatre to a degree. So it's unlike Cinemark or AMC would open downtown.
I love how the late night musings of a 'new member' on a movie theater generates a 3 page thread in 12 hours but BT's post on poverty goes unnoticed.
QuoteThe true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat. This is something better left for the market to handle, imo.
What you are describing is Five Points and San Marco Theatres.
In fact, Five Points is just like Florida Theatre(tons of commercial space that can be rented out above the theatre and a theatre that serves a niche market), except Jack Shad actually does a better job of bringing good events to Five Points Theatre.
We actually have movies downtown... Movies in the Park in the Spring, Wednesdays at the Main Library and Sundays during the Summer months at Florida Theatre.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 19, 2011, 03:00:58 PM
I love how the late night musings of a 'new member' on a movie theater generates a 3 page thread in 12 hours but BT's post on poverty goes unnoticed.
+100
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 19, 2011, 03:00:58 PM
I love how the late night musings of a 'new member' on a movie theater generates a 3 page thread in 12 hours but BT's post on poverty goes unnoticed.
Everyone likes movies. No one like poverty.
Had said 'new member' opened with a post on 'Today's State of Affairs in Upper Ghana' - it might have 8 reads.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 02:19:16 PM
The true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat.
There is definitely not the market downtown for a megaplex. But a single screen San Marco/5 Points type might work in Downtown/Springfield, particularly if it served beer/wine/pizza etc. Maybe Shantytown could put up an outdoor screen!
I think our downtown could support a movie theater. Maybe not a mega-plex but maybe 6-8 screens. There are a lot of people in Riverside, Avondale, San Marco, Murray Hill etc, who don't like driving all the way out to Regal, or OP, or Tinseltown, or Regency etc. but like movies. Unfortunately, while I love the San Marco and 5-Points Theater, they usually only have one new movie per week and limited showings. A downtown theater, if the parking was available, might actually succeed. He is a link to a review of the downtown theater in Kansas City, MO. http://www.yelp.com/biz/amc-mainstreet-6-kansas-city
I'LL SAY IT AGAIN.
DOWNTOWN COULD EASILY SUPPORT AN IMAX OR IMAX 3-D THREE SCREEN COMPLEX.
ON THE WATER.
WITH ONE MOVIE FOR KIDS.
ONE MOVIE FOR ALL AGES.
ONE MOVIE FOR ADULTS.
GOSH THAT WAS EASY.
P.S THE NEAREST IMAX IS 50-60 MILES AWAY. NO CANIBALS HERE.
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJdW5VunmqPwHQlVKNw-IWb6BYYWID-TLGt-JfWEJ5Rfnn3F9cRQ) (DT TALLY)
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcREAfR8pCimXirayeRbA-LJocZp4qMLW0o52yGgSpzNDcydkfL-) (DT SAC.)
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2hXbLGsSuXU_7ou5zEVD8RU4K4tqZkgNTIZZ5r6-EZbGIcCLXsA) (DT SAN ANTONIO)
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQi_hx_cOrkCpXg6m1NwogorKvETK9obRXNmwsB0r2BjdMjREAwlQ) [DT INDIANAPOLIS (WHICH IS AT A MUSEUM)]
DOESNT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE AS BIG AS SOME OF THOSE AND IT DOESNT HAVE TO BE BUILT IN A NEW FACILITY. JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 02:19:16 PM
The true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat. This is something better left for the market to handle, imo.
I agree. Boatload of Public money to keep it afloat sounds like the USS Adams 2010-675 and the one Finance amendment. Everyone will now be pushing their big projects and the funding is coming from the $29,000,000 budget that will leverage all these projects.
The Florida Theatre
Mosh
Hayden Burns?
Movies in the Park.
Keep hitting the singles.
As someone stated earlier, a six movie theatre would do fine. Springfield, San Marco, avondale and Riverside residents would thoroughly enjoy. There is not a movie theatre anywhere near by. Geez we want so much for our DT but shot down everything thats proposed.
And who cares about going to see Sherik or Toy story in the park? I for one am not interested. As long as we think so country, we will continue to be so. (just my thoughts)
Quote from: Jaimen on July 19, 2011, 08:51:03 PM
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJdW5VunmqPwHQlVKNw-IWb6BYYWID-TLGt-JfWEJ5Rfnn3F9cRQ) (DT TALLY)
Wow even DT Tally has a movie thearte? And Tally is the country. But there is no market for it in Jacksonville? Right
I spent five years in Tallahassee. That single screen IMAX is a part of the Challenger Learning Center at Kleman Plaza, about two blocks away from the Capitol. Also, DT Tallahassee has two major state universities within a mile of it, not to mention benefiting from things (ex. state museums, etc.) that come with being the Capitol of Florida.
QuoteThe Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is a 32,000 square-foot facility located on beautiful Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee. The Center is the K-12 outreach facility of the Florida A&M University - Florida State University College of Engineering and uses aerospace as a theme to foster long-term interest in math, science, engineering and technology; create positive learning experiences; and motivate students to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. To accomplish this mission, the Challenger Learning Center features a state-of-the-art Space Mission Simulator and utilizes the immersiveness of an IMAX® 3D Theatre and the Downtown Digital Dome Theatre & Planetarium. The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is part of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education international network. For more information on Challenger national network news and resources, visit the Challenger Center for Space Science Education web site.
http://www.challengertlh.com/imax/shows.html
Imo, this is about the same as MOSH having a single screen inside its facilities, which falls in line with a statement I made earlier in this thread:
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 02:19:16 PM
The true question would be if there is a market for a theater in DT? I doubt there is a market for another megaplex in this city right now. So whatever it is would have to serve a niche, be combined within some other product or given a continuous flowing boat load of public money to keep it afloat. This is something better left for the market to handle, imo.
Tallahassee's IMAX would fall into this category.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 20, 2011, 01:27:09 AM
As someone stated earlier, a six movie theatre would do fine. Springfield, San Marco, avondale and Riverside residents would thoroughly enjoy. There is not a movie theatre anywhere near by. Geez we want so much for our DT but shot down everything thats proposed.
My point is, if there were a market for a six screen movie theater in DT, the private sector would have already proposed and developed one. My other point is that if we focus on the resolving the government controlled problems that plague downtown, you put the area in position to where private sector financed projects, such as movie theaters, would have a chance at being more viable. My last point, is that we've gone down this road before (cherry picking "sexy" projects, with no realization of how those industries work or idea of fixing downtown's real problems first) and the results have been devastating. At some point, we should try and address the real issues holding back downtown. That method works, is signficantly cheaper on the taxpayer and will lay down the foundation for market rate "sexy" projects to come along without being tube fed public subsidies to keep them afloat.
Quote from: 5 Points Theatre on July 19, 2011, 09:43:23 AM
The movie business is very tough for a single screen theatre!
I am told that the Florida Theatre is very expensive to run, and needs a lot of staff. That said, if you fill it up for one show a week (with 1,500 seats), you'd make more than many suburban screens do all week. The Tampa Theatre works like that.
Overall the movie business is scared right now... Ever-improving home theater systems and widespread video piracy make theater chains worried that no one will actually go out to the movies anymore. The new theater up by the airport has seriously under-performed (because the house that were planned nearby haven't been built yet).
^Btw, this is a quote from the one guy in the local movie business here worth repeating.
QuoteSpringfield, San Marco, avondale and Riverside residents would thoroughly enjoy. There is not a movie theatre anywhere near by.
I live in Avondale and regularly go to the Five Points Theater and San Marco Theater. To say there is not a theater anywhere nearby is incorrect.
Quote from: MusicMan on July 19, 2011, 08:13:59 PM
P.S THE NEAREST IMAX IS 50-60 MILES AWAY. NO CANIBALS HERE.
There's a 3D IMAX at Regency 24 which is about 6 miles from downtown.
All of you are still thinking inside the box - literally
I say there needs to be an open-air, drive in theater on top of one of the several parking garages downtown. All you have to provide is a retractable screen, some concessions and a projector. Easy. No remodeling, no new building. And something both nostaglic yet innovative for the city.
Quote from: cline on July 20, 2011, 08:39:57 AM
There's a 3D IMAX at Regency 24 which is about 6 miles from downtown.
That's not the REAL IMAX. It is an intimidation version of IMAX. They just slap the brand name to the theater and increased the ticket prices because it is just IMAX.
Quite shocker.... not. If you want to visit the true pure IMAX, go to Fort Lauderdale for it. They have a domed-screen with the speakers blowing in your face, your ears, your belly, your butt, your crotch, and even your feet.
- Josh
The city already does an open-air theater. It's in treaty park and is very cool. Much nicer than being on top of a parking garage (and more nostalgic IMO ;)). No remodeling, no new bulding...easy.
QuoteThat's not the REAL IMAX. It is an intimidation version of IMAX.
Do the real IMAXs know they are being "intimidated" by the fake IMAXs?
I'm aware of the movies at treaty park. I'm also aware of movies in the park at jax beach.
They're both family oriented, which is fine, but think back to your days at the drive-in.....
Not exactly for the kids, and therefore you would be able to show movies rated above pg-13.
If there's money to be made, the private sector will figure it out and cash in on it. Publicly, COJ already has it hands full with an out of control budget, policies and regulations that hamper business growth while encouraging uneconomically viable sprawl.
The city should not be in the business of ultimately deciding what the private sector should invest in and selecting specific locations for specific business uses. That's not how you revitalize a downtown or any other neighborhood. However, it is a great way to burn public money and slow creative and innovative market rate growth. Cities are organic in nature. We ought to let Jacksonville evolve on its own.
QuoteIf there's money to be made, the private sector will figure it out and cash in on it. Publicly, COJ already has it hands full with an out of control budget, policies and regulations that hamper business growth while encouraging uneconomically viable sprawl.
The city should not be in the business of ultimately deciding what the private sector should invest in and selecting specific locations for specific business uses. That's not how you revitalize a downtown or any other neighborhood. However, it is a great way to burn public money and slow creative and innovative market rate growth. Cities are organic in nature. We ought to let Jacksonville evolve on its own.
^+100
But hey, maybe we could score some 70s and 80s reel to reels from the old Playtime Drive-in (Blanding). Those would probably go over well being shown on the top of a parking garage. Probably need to make sure it isn't anywhere near a FBC building though ;)
I was actually thinking along the lines of 'The Devils Rejects' being played on top of one of the FBC garages. ;D
good grief! this is really going to make you FBC haters mad. There are already two large movie size screens inside the main sanctaury of the Church. Every Sunday is like movie time for me Downtown! :-)
Quote from: wsansewjs on July 20, 2011, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: cline on July 20, 2011, 08:39:57 AM
There's a 3D IMAX at Regency 24 which is about 6 miles from downtown.
That's not the REAL IMAX. It is an intimidation version of IMAX. They just slap the brand name to the theater and increased the ticket prices because it is just IMAX.
Quite shocker.... not. If you want to visit the true pure IMAX, go to Fort Lauderdale for it. They have a domed-screen with the speakers blowing in your face, your ears, your belly, your butt, your crotch, and even your feet.
- Josh
There are several real IMAX theatres closer, one in World Golf Village, another in Cape Canaveral. And I can't imagine Orlando doesn't have one.
http://www.floridatheatre.com/SpecialEvents/SummerMovieClassics.aspx
Movie theater in downtown.
^Again, the Florida Theatre isn't a full time movie theatre.
I don't think anybody's suggesting the city actually build or subsidize a movie theater. The argument is that one could work; clearly it would be a private enterprise (though possibly with planning and incentives from the city).
The problem, I believe, isn't that there's no market for a downtown theater, it's that there's no market for the 18+ screen megaplexes that local developers have grown accustomed to building for the last 15 years or so, and they aren't in the mood to adapt. As I said before I think there are easily enough people in the core and surrounding neighborhoods for a mid-sized theater to work somewhere in the vicinity; downtown would be preferable.
Tallahassee has a real IMAX downtown at Kleman Plaza.
Quote from: Tacachale on July 20, 2011, 10:33:02 AM
The problem, I believe, isn't that there's no market for a downtown theater, it's that there's no market for the 18+ screen megaplexes that local developers have grown accustomed to building for the last 15 years or so, and they aren't in the mood to adapt. As I said before I think there are easily enough people in the core and surrounding neighborhoods for a mid-sized theater to work somewhere in the vicinity; downtown would be preferable.
Here's a quote from a forum member who owns a movie theater in town:
Quote from: 5 Points Theatre on July 19, 2011, 09:43:23 AM
The movie business is very tough for a single screen theatre!
I am told that the Florida Theatre is very expensive to run, and needs a lot of staff. That said, if you fill it up for one show a week (with 1,500 seats), you'd make more than many suburban screens do all week. The Tampa Theatre works like that.
Overall the movie business is scared right now... Ever-improving home theater systems and widespread video piracy make theater chains worried that no one will actually go out to the movies anymore. The new theater up by the airport has seriously under-performed (because the house that were planned nearby haven't been built yet).
If there is a market for a movie theater of any kind in DT, the private sector will get it built. The city has more things to worry about then forcing the issue or educating industry professionals on how they should be designing their own facilities to maximize their profits and determining specific sites for where they're concepts should be located.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 20, 2011, 10:45:12 AM
Quote from: Tacachale on July 20, 2011, 10:33:02 AM
The problem, I believe, isn't that there's no market for a downtown theater, it's that there's no market for the 18+ screen megaplexes that local developers have grown accustomed to building for the last 15 years or so, and they aren't in the mood to adapt. As I said before I think there are easily enough people in the core and surrounding neighborhoods for a mid-sized theater to work somewhere in the vicinity; downtown would be preferable.
Here's a quote from a forum member who owns a movie theater in town:
Quote from: 5 Points Theatre on July 19, 2011, 09:43:23 AM
The movie business is very tough for a single screen theatre!
I am told that the Florida Theatre is very expensive to run, and needs a lot of staff. That said, if you fill it up for one show a week (with 1,500 seats), you'd make more than many suburban screens do all week. The Tampa Theatre works like that.
Overall the movie business is scared right now... Ever-improving home theater systems and widespread video piracy make theater chains worried that no one will actually go out to the movies anymore. The new theater up by the airport has seriously under-performed (because the house that were planned nearby haven't been built yet).
If there is a market for a movie theater of any kind in DT, the private sector will get it built. The city has more things to worry about then forcing the issue or educating industry professionals on how they should be designing their own facilities to maximize their profits and determining specific sites for where they're concepts should be located.
Never said the city should force the issue or take the lead on it; in fact I said the opposite. But I don't buy the argument that there's no market for a downtown theater simply because no one has built one yet. Mid sized theaters and downtown theaters can work, and do in other places. As 5 Points notes there are other factors at work against such a project beyond the suitability of the core as a location.
QuoteBut I don't buy the argument that there's no market for a downtown theater simply because no one has built one yet. Mid sized theaters and downtown theaters can work, and do in other places.
Well then explain why no movie theater company is rushing in to tap this insanely lucrative market that everyone seems to be overlooking. I mean, there's obviously ample parking as well as many vacant lots.
^Because for the last 15 years local developers have only built huge megaplexes, and those would probably not work downtown. Because the local market is glutted with theaters out in the suburbs. Because, as 5 Points Theatre notes, the national theater chains are in general worried about the future of their business, meaning they're less likely to want take a risk or try something new.
All of those things are beside the suitability of the urban core for a movie theater.
My only point is that mid-sized theaters and downtown theaters can work, and that it would be cool if we had one in our downtown.
I agree that downtown theaters can work in certain environments and markets.
Quote from: Tacachale on July 20, 2011, 11:09:56 AM
But I don't buy the argument that there's no market for a downtown theater simply because no one has built one yet. Mid sized theaters and downtown theaters can work, and do in other places. As 5 Points notes there are other factors at work against such a project beyond the suitability of the core as a location.
One thing at play is that we probably already have a saturated market. For a city our size, we have several theaters and the majority are intended to pull from more than the neighborhoods immediately surrounding them. Also, its been revealed by one in the industry that some of our existing facilities are already struggling. That could significantly impact a company's decision on a market, regardless of what happens to be "in or not in" a specific downtown environment. Again, from a city standpoint, its just something I wouldn't even waste time on since its beyond a municipality's control.
Would it be out of the realm of possibility to include a movie theater on the Park View Inn property? Can anyone else visualize that prospect?
I'm sticking to my guns. If we have a movie theather downtown, people will come. There are not ANY movie theatre's located near riverside, san Marco, avondale, springfield, etc etc. I am more than sure that those residents alone will make the theatre a success. Not to mention someone like me who will drive from Baymeadows to go to the movies DT just because. :D
That sounds like a market to me.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 25, 2011, 04:05:54 PM
I'm sticking to my guns. If we have a movie theather downtown, people will come. There are not ANY movie theatre's located near riverside, san Marco, avondale, springfield, etc etc. I am more than sure that those residents alone will make the theatre a success. Not to mention someone like me who will drive from Baymeadows to go to the movies DT just because. :D
That sounds like a market to me.
Except for San Marco Theatre and Five Points Theatre? ???
Very few people will drive downtown to see a movie if it's playing at a multiplex near them. Very few people drove downtown to shop at the Banana Republic and Gap at the Landing - they went to the Avenue instead.
(http://www.5pointstheatre.com/images/sized/images/uploads/silent_1-500x619.jpg)
At the 5 Points Theatre, we've done best when we've got movies that aren't showing anywhere else in town. Right now we've got Submarine (exclusively in town), two special events this week (a doc on wounded veteran athletes and another on the Sea Shepherds). Next week we'll have Tree of Life and a program with silent comedies with a live score. The week after, Beginners (exclusively) and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
When we showed more mainstream movies we didn't do as well.
The places that work downtown are the ones that are unique. I think that's why the Burrito Gallery has done so well and many of the dance clubs at the Landing struggle.
Plenty of people will go downtown to see a movie. There's no place to go see a mainstream movie right now anywhere in the urban core. There are plenty of people that arre sick of having to go to the suburbs to go to see a movie and then there are people who will go just to support it.
If there is a market to support a DT venue, some one from the private sector will step up to the plate.
Quote from: acme54321 on July 25, 2011, 04:16:23 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 25, 2011, 04:05:54 PM
I'm sticking to my guns. If we have a movie theather downtown, people will come. There are not ANY movie theatre's located near riverside, san Marco, avondale, springfield, etc etc. I am more than sure that those residents alone will make the theatre a success. Not to mention someone like me who will drive from Baymeadows to go to the movies DT just because. :D
That sounds like a market to me.
Except for San Marco Theatre and Five Points Theatre? ???
They dont play anything worth seeing LOL I have never had to desire to go to either.
I like the sound of having dinner and a movie in DT Jax and if we're not too tired, maybe a stroll along the riverwalk...sounds like a nice time in DT!!!
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 25, 2011, 04:59:33 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on July 25, 2011, 04:16:23 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on July 25, 2011, 04:05:54 PM
I'm sticking to my guns. If we have a movie theather downtown, people will come. There are not ANY movie theatre's located near riverside, san Marco, avondale, springfield, etc etc. I am more than sure that those residents alone will make the theatre a success. Not to mention someone like me who will drive from Baymeadows to go to the movies DT just because. :D
That sounds like a market to me.
Except for San Marco Theatre and Five Points Theatre? ???
They dont play anything worth seeing LOL I have never had to desire to go to either.
Ok 5 Points doesn't usually play the kind of stuff I am wanting to go see. San Marco however does. In the last few months we have been to True Grit, Hangover II, and something else there (maybe Black Swan). They only hve one movie for a couple of weeks at a time but it's generally something that is also playing in the megaplexes and usually one of the more adult movies. Now they are playing Larry Crowne, then this weekend moving to Cowboys and Aliens.
Quote from: iMarvin on July 25, 2011, 04:52:09 PM
Plenty of people will go downtown to see a movie. There's no place to go see a mainstream movie right now anywhere in the urban core.
the AMC @ Regency is about 5 miles away
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 25, 2011, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: iMarvin on July 25, 2011, 04:52:09 PM
Plenty of people will go downtown to see a movie. There's no place to go see a mainstream movie right now anywhere in the urban core.
the AMC @ Regency is about 5 miles away
But that's not the urban core. And that doesn't mean it's 5 minutes away. It's about 15-20 minutes away from any place in the urban core (except for downtown). If one got built downtown, everyone from all over the urban core would go to it. AMC would be fine because plenty of people live in the area.
What makes you think so? We had a theater district we let fall apart close and be demolished. Its a wonder the Florida Theatre is still standing. The difference between the time those Forsyth Street theaters were in their last days of operation and now is we have thousands of less people living in the urban core now and more megaplexes all around town.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on July 19, 2011, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: Jaimen on July 19, 2011, 01:47:17 AM
Mayor Brown suggested seeing a movie theater downtown, i personally love that idea...it brings plenty downtown, it also entertains downtown residents. but where do you think would be the perfect spot to place it. i think that it should be along the skyway and have its own station.
I think the Florida Theatre should be operated as a theatre. Lease it to a movie operator, maybe throw in some incentives. Also, while you're at it, that was the former headquarters for the Florida Theatres, Inc. chain, there is 7 stories of offices in that building that are completely vacant. It would be nice to see the City come up with some use for that dead space, preferably something arts-oriented that would draw more people downtown. Dumping it on the general office space market wouldn't work, the vacancy rates downtown are already astronomical and that would only make it worse. But letting it sit vacant isn't contributing anything either. You'd have to come up with a creative solution, but it can be done.
So that's my suggestion on how to build a theatre without spending a dime. Probably would even pay for itself.
The Fox plays movies every week when it does not have an event. It's fun. The Florida Theater would be wise to do the same thing (would require some sort of retrofit to allow for motion pictures I think). This week The Hangover 2 is playing, so it's not exactly first run movies. Last week week was Bridesmaids and some other movie.
The Fox draws walk ups from residents and families taking the train in almost every night and as a result there is a lot of activity in the area. Publik is one of the most popular bars on Peachtree and offers an old world style. Churchill Grounds is an upscale coffee house by day and a bar with a quiet lounge by night. Both are literally "in" the Fox building, but doors open on Peachtree.
Across the street the Livingston has become one of the most popular restaurants in central Atlanta and the Georgian Terrace offers extended stay options and convenient rooms for Fox-goers who wish to stay a night. The outdoor seating is usually full at night and in the evenings and you can witness writers and artists soaking up the atmosphere for ideas. There is an Indigo Hotel in a restored building also across the street and abundant parking for those addicted to their cars.
I think working with the Florida Theater to create a destination area downtown should be a priority. Dos Gatos is great, and perhaps someone can build a small or medium sized boutique hotel around there with a twist to create a theme for the area. It helps that the Fox was where Gone With the Wind first played and the Georgian Terrace is where Clark Gable and everyone partied afterward, and so that area has historical and cultural appeal. I think the Florida Theater needs to advertise itself in a historical and cultural context, too. Maybe the Elvis show.
The old world charm and sophistication that can come with a successfully operated theater are draws in an of themselves, and I know there is enough of a market in Jacksonville to play into that if done right.
Operating a full on urban Regal Cinemas downtown is not going to happen, nor is it a good idea, nor would it be a draw. People will not come downtown for that. Not only that, the average size of one is about 75,000 SF for 15 or so screens and it has to do at least $300 a foot in sales to justify what it would cost to acquire the land and build the damn thing. To get to $300 a foot in downtown Jacksonville, you'll pay $12 a ticket. When that movie theater closes, you're then stuck with a building that cannot be any other use, feasibly. Modern day movie theaters are the most difficult buildings to retrofit and re-use. You don't want one downtown, nor do we have the market for one, nor would you want to pay downtown movie theater ticket prices. Also, it would be trashy, attract unattended teens, and not the same people who will frequent nicer downtown late night establishments and restaurants.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on July 20, 2011, 08:58:58 AM
All of you are still thinking inside the box - literally
I say there needs to be an open-air, drive in theater on top of one of the several parking garages downtown. All you have to provide is a retractable screen, some concessions and a projector. Easy. No remodeling, no new building. And something both nostaglic yet innovative for the city.
Interesting idea.
There is still the talk of the creation and takeover of an Independent agency taking over parking revenue Downtown. There are city subsidized garages that are guaranteed a profit by MPS Metropolitan Parking Solutions. If a private entity wants to try then let them go for it.
There may be a demand or maybe not.
If they want to try then let them guarantee the 8% taxpayer return. Build the retractable screen. Will there be port o lets set up in the corner? Are there restrooms in these garages? Just asking. Where else is this done?
Wind, Rain, Heat,
If not a city owned garage a private one.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 25, 2011, 11:38:47 PM
What makes you think so? We had a theater district we let fall apart close and be demolished. Its a wonder the Florida Theatre is still standing. The difference between the time those Forsyth Street theaters were in their last days of operation and now is we have thousands of less people living in the urban core now and more megaplexes all around town.
If people in the urban core are going to movies all around town, they will go to one downtown, given that it offers the same thing as the other ones. It just has to be the movies that people want to see.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 19, 2011, 10:42:07 AM
Mooneyhan's plan for DT....
(http://www.philebrity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/weed.jpg) (http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiMApFLlJluS_9kJk1oVrGIIGaWB26dRfy2FdTqoJKjy2KeWla&t=1)
thats awesome
AMC has a theatre in downtown Fort Worth, the Palace 9. They integrated into an old, pre-exisiting building.
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=amc+palace+9+fort+worth&hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1R2TSNA_enUS362&tbm=isch&tbnid=gdYQ1n7L_34RtM:&imgrefurl=http://www.carterburgessplaza.com/amenities/category.asp%253FpropID%253D20%2526catid%253D5&docid=IdDkZVaAjBEeJM&w=300&h=225&ei=YqsuTqj0OqK80AHj2onaAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=170&vpy=184&dur=156&hovh=180&hovw=240&tx=158&ty=79&page=2&tbnh=106&tbnw=143&start=23&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:23&biw=1366&bih=527
Don't know why this couldn't be done to any one of the vacant buildings I've seen in downtown.
San Diego has a few theaters that only show foreign and independent films: http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/SanDiego/SanDiego_Frameset.htm. Other than the theater in 5 Points, there is really nothing that I know of that is offering those options. When I lived in San Diego, I went to the independent theaters as much as, if not more than, the mainstream theaters. To me, a theater showing these types of films would be a better fit for downtown, and I wouldn't have to wait to get my Pedro Almodovar fix from Netflix.
Quote from: iMarvin on July 26, 2011, 01:08:38 AM
If people in the urban core are going to movies all around town, they will go to one downtown, given that it offers the same thing as the other ones. It just has to be the movies that people want to see.
agreed...but why would a company like AMC, Cinemark, etc. build a new theater and take away market share from their existing ones (that aren't overcrowded)?
I'd say the Fort Worth example is a bad one. That AMC was a part of the Sundance Square development, which is basically an urban SJTC. To pull something off like that in DT Jax, you're going to need some type of private group swoop in and purchase over 15 blocks of DT and invest hundreds of millions into converting historic buildings and building infill into a retail/entertainment center. Right now, we can't even get the Landing working right. That's something that I wouldn't rest my downtown redevelopment dreams on happening anytime soon.
100s of millions?!?!? 15 blocks?!?!?!? are they building a movie-plex or a Transport Center?
Doesn't matter, so long as it's beige stucco.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 26, 2011, 09:01:10 AM
Quote from: iMarvin on July 26, 2011, 01:08:38 AM
If people in the urban core are going to movies all around town, they will go to one downtown, given that it offers the same thing as the other ones. It just has to be the movies that people want to see.
agreed...but why would a company like AMC, Cinemark, etc. build a new theater and take away market share from their existing ones (that aren't overcrowded)?
I don't think it would neccesarily take away that many people for the other movie theaters(s) to start suffering. AMC probably wouldn't build the one downtown, but I could see Cinemark, Regal, or Hollywood Theaters building it and their other theater still being well supported.
5 Points Theater mentioned that Hollywood Theaters is already struggling. If anything the Jax market is probably already oversaturated in mega theater segment of the industry. Anything new is simply going to cannibalize one of those company's existing developments.
Quote from: Noone on July 26, 2011, 12:43:14 AM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on July 20, 2011, 08:58:58 AM
All of you are still thinking inside the box - literally
I say there needs to be an open-air, drive in theater on top of one of the several parking garages downtown. All you have to provide is a retractable screen, some concessions and a projector. Easy. No remodeling, no new building. And something both nostaglic yet innovative for the city.
Interesting idea.
There is still the talk of the creation and takeover of an Independent agency taking over parking revenue Downtown. There are city subsidized garages that are guaranteed a profit by MPS Metropolitan Parking Solutions. If a private entity wants to try then let them go for it.
There may be a demand or maybe not.
If they want to try then let them guarantee the 8% taxpayer return. Build the retractable screen. Will there be port o lets set up in the corner? Are there restrooms in these garages? Just asking. Where else is this done?
Wind, Rain, Heat,
If not a city owned garage a private one.
Thus I inquired, why not at the Park View property? Ample parking, existing garage, connectivity etc etc! No one addressed my question. ???
Quote from: thelakelander on July 26, 2011, 09:34:27 AM
5 Points Theater mentioned that Hollywood Theaters is already struggling. If anything the Jax market is probably already oversaturated in mega theater segment of the industry. Anything new is simply going to cannibalize one of those company's existing developments.
I don't believe that but if they are struggling it's probably becuase of their prices. I live 10 minutes away but go to AMC because they're half the price of Hollywood Theaters. Nevertheless, there's been plenty of time when I went over there and the place was packed. And I don't think we have that many movie theaters. One downtown wouldn't take away business from any of the other ones.
Sorry iMarvin but none of the movie theater chains are doing well these days...which is why I mentioned at the beginning of this thread that expansion right now is pretty much off the table.
^^^So true. And cannibalization would occur if they put a theater downtown. There are tons of northsiders and urban core residents who frequent Orange Park, River City, Regency, Tinseltown, and Avenues. Even with, none of those theaters are more crowded than any theaters I have gone to anywhere else (in fact they are far less crowded).
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 26, 2011, 11:40:06 AM
Sorry iMarvin but none of the movie theater chains are doing well these days...which is why I mentioned at the beginning of this thread that expansion right now is pretty much off the table.
Quote from: simms3 on July 26, 2011, 12:21:16 PM
^^^So true. And cannibalization would occur if they put a theater downtown. There are tons of northsiders and urban core residents who frequent Orange Park, River City, Regency, Tinseltown, and Avenues. Even with, none of those theaters are more crowded than any theaters I have gone to anywhere else (in fact they are far less crowded).
A small megaplex downtown wouldn't take so much business away from the other ones that they would have to close down.
they aren't exactly flourishing anyway
but as you put it, if a new theater complex downtown wouldn't generate enough business to force any others to close, than it obviously wouldn't generate enough business to be viable.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 26, 2011, 03:51:38 PM
they aren't exactly flourishing anyway
but as you put it, if a new theater complex downtown wouldn't generate enough business to force any others to close, than it obviously wouldn't generate enough business to be viable.
Right... In a way