Sorry to see this deal fall through. Alamo Drafthouse in Dallas would be fantastic. "Why another movie theater" you ask? The Drafthouse is a draw not just because of Granada Studio Movie Grill-style eats & drinks. But also because they are movie buffs & hold special events - festivals, speakers, actors, movie premieres.Walked by the Casa Linda Theater. It's a mess. They could really use a well-matched tenant. The Alamo Drafthouse was one last year when they signed the letter of intent. In 2005, Entertainment Weekly called it "the best theater in America".
The Dallas Business Journal reported last August that, "Retrofitting the theater will cost about $1.2 million. The Austin-based company will "maintain the look and feel of the landmark," says John Martin, president of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas. "We are not bringing in a megaplex. We want to keep it cool and open to the community."
They also pointed out that, "Alamo Drafthouse also is actively scouting sites in west Frisco, where it would like to build an eight-screen prototype, said Vaughn Miller, president of Dallas-based Henry S. Miller Commercial's retail division."
Copia from the Trial Watch blog talks about how the investment group was a different management team than the Austin Drafthouse. She spoke with Karen Davis: "I cannot say how the franchise will develop their programming style there in Dallas. I do not know if they are willing to take the risks in Dallas that we do here in central Austin with our liberal demographic. I can tell you one thing. The more they hear input like yours, the more likely they will be to take such a risk. We love getting programming suggestions. Tell your friends who feel the same way to write the franchise folks."A couple of thoughts as to why the potential investors backed off - first in regards to parking - not enough spots & not enough area to really make more available without a multilevel parking garage. It's noteworthy to see just how crowded & cramped the lot is. Secondly - the theater tower & Casa Linda location are significant historical & aesthetic draws here. But perhaps the megaplex theater being finished at Northpark is too much competition for Alamo Drafthouse to handle with a charming location like Casa Linda.
Damn it. I was ready for some cool new place to hang. Casa Linda could be the new Village. Oh well, we still have Primier Video for your funky movie cravings.
ReplyDeleteIf you like the Austin Alamo Drafthouse and would like to get at least a small sampling of their unique programming, you need to check out the Addison Studio Movie Grill this Sunday night, April 16th. They are hosting Austin's Sinus Show guys (3 comedians who heckle movies ala Mystery Science Theater 3000) for 2 skewerings of Dirty Dancing. Just saw these guys at the Downtown Austin Alamo and they were INCREDIBLE - easily the hardest I have laughed in a movie ever. DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR - get to one of these 2 shows!!!! Come see how cool the Dallas movie going scene could be....
ReplyDeleteUPDATE - THE SHOWS HAVE JUST BEEN MOVED A WEEK TO SUNDAY, APRIL 23RD
ReplyDeleteDallas already has its own full service restaurant/movie theatre - The Studio Movie Grill. I know Dallas is conservative but Studio Movie Grill hosts so many cool events that the place is packed almost every night of the week. Yes, they are a haven for corporate events, but they also host the Dallas Film Series which screens some of the best independent films from Texas and around the world. Most of these screenings include filmmaker, cast and crew meet and greets followed by Q&A. Studio Movie Grill also may have the best presentation in the country. I've actually heard filmmakers say, "This is how my film was intended to be seen." There studio screenings are always packed and usually have some unique twist like the red carpet X-MEN screening or the MIAMI VICE screening with the Donzi boat parked out front and Bacardi Mojito's in the auditorium.
ReplyDeleteStudio Movie Grill is not in Dallas - it's in Addison. Dallas proper could sure use something like this, now that the Grenada has turned into a live-music venue (not that that's a bad thing, the Grenada is great!)
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