New Business Announcement
Date: 2016-01-26 Type: Special Meeting
Quick Summary
The speaker reported that the city now owns the downtown theater building and that O’Neill’s played a key role in securing the property. The Clark Theater group agreed to stay, build a first-class theater with modern equipment and amenities, and sign a lease. Alternatives to relocate the theater were discussed but the preference expressed was to retain a functioning theater on the downtown square.
Key Decisions
- City owns the downtown theater building (ownership stated).
- Clark Theater group agreed to remain in Andalusia, to build a first-class theater with modern equipment and amenities, and to sign a lease with the city.
- O’Neill’s facilitated the transfer/handling of the building (described as magnanimous).
Notable Discussion
- Consideration was given to building a new theater at the edge of town, but the speaker emphasized keeping the downtown theater active.
- Planned renovation features mentioned: recliner and stadium seating, digital picture and sound, and fully redesigned lobby, restrooms, and movie house.
- The renovated theater is expected to show the latest movies under contractual arrangements.
Action Items
- Execute/sign lease with the Clark Theater group (agreement to sign was reported).
- Proceed with renovation/build-out of the downtown theater to include modern seating, digital picture and sound, and redesigned lobby/restrooms (per the Clark group’s agreement).
- Maintain the theater location on the downtown square rather than relocating to the town edge (expressed preference).