February 22, 2022
(TROY, MI – February 22, 2022) Emagine Entertainment, Inc., an innovator in luxury theaters, is delighted to announce that its affiliate, Dandiprat Holdings LLC, has initiated processes to remodel and upgrade 4 former Goodrich theaters with the goal of turning them into state-of-the-art movie palaces. The theaters are located in Kochville Twp., Michigan; Batavia, Illinois; Portage, Indiana; and Noblesville, Indiana. Completion of the aggregate $22 million-dollar remodeling projects at those venues is slated for late 2022. The 4 facilities, leased from Spirit Realty Capital, Inc., were placed under Emagine’s management in September 2020 following the bankruptcy of Goodrich Quality Theaters, Inc. earlier that year. Three of the 4 venues reopened last summer as governmental restrictions imposed on movie theaters due to Covid-19 were lifted, and the supply of first-run feature films returned. The 2 Indiana facilities will remain operational throughout construction as one half of each building will be cordoned off at a time for work to proceed. The renovation of the Saginaw venue is nearly complete. Emagine designs each of its theaters to provide luxury, upscale features and amenities that raise the bar on out-of-home entertainment. When completed, these 4 theaters will showcase why Emagine is one of the nation’s leading innovators in motion picture exhibition.
Now fortified with detailed construction plans and the financial resources to move forward, Emagine is poised to fulfill its goal of enhancing the moviegoing experience for guests in all 4 markets. Paul Glantz, Emagine’s Chairman noted, “All 4 of these theaters were good performers for the former operator. We will turn them into great theaters — facilities that guests will love based on all the enhancements we have planned.” Specifics about the venues and details of the upgrades planned for each location follow.
Quality 10 Powered by Emagine – 3250 Kabobel Dr., Kochville Twp., MI 48604
Located in Saginaw County, Michigan, where Emagine (then Cinema Hollywood) got its start in 1997, the Quality 10 is well-known to Emagine leadership. Opened as a brand-new movie theater in 2014, the venue was a virulent competitor to Emagine’s Birch Run facility. When the opportunity arose to operate the theater, Emagine’s leadership wasted no time in pursuing it. Of the 4 venues leased from Spirit, the Quality 10 was in the best shape. Nonetheless, it has already received a nearly $1.0 million dollar makeover of the lobby and concession operation. The improvements include new ticketing kiosks, 4 new Coke Freestyle®machines, and 3 self-serve frozen carbonated beverage dispensers. Highlights of the renovation include a full-service bar and a brick pizza oven. Future improvements include several laser-enhanced projector rebuilds and additional interior signage.
Emagine is delighted that it had the privilege of recruiting Wendi Knarr as the facility’s General Manager. Wendi did an exemplary job of operating the venue under previous management, and she possesses a substantial amount of institutional knowledge, both about the community and venue itself. Trevor Baker, Emagine’s COO, noted, “We are fortunate to have a proven leader, like Wendi, at the helm of this important venue.”
Emagine Batavia (formerly the Randall 15 IMAX®) – 550 N. Randall Rd., Batavia IL 60510
Originally opened in 1994, the Batavia facility is in dire need of a complete makeover, and thus, it was deemed unacceptable to reopen in its current state by Emagine’s leadership. Much like the near miracle Emagine performed with a decrepit former theater in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Emagine Batavia will be virtually unrecognizable when the renovations are complete. The venue is slated to be gutted from wall-to-wall throughout for the multi-million-dollar project. Everything from the lobby to the restrooms will be new. All the current auditoriums will receive new risers suitable for heated recliners and Emagine’s famous first row “cuddle chairs.” Every auditorium will be outfitted with new state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, including 100% high brightness laser projectors. Finally, 4 outdated auditoriums will be demolished to make room for a Super EMAX, designed to be the largest Cinemascope® screen in the State of Illinois. Measuring 94-feet wide, the screen will be lit with convergent dual laser projectors complemented by a 64-Channel Dolby Atmos® sound system.
In commenting on the venue, Anthony LaVerde, Emagine’s CEO noted, “We love the Batavia/Kane County marketplace, and we believe that when our renovations are completed, the venue will be a stellar addition to the community. We look forward to working with Batavia’s municipal officials to get our construction underway soon.”
Emagine Noblesville (formerly the Hamilton 16 IMAX® GDX) – 13825 Norell Rd., Noblesville IN, 46060
The renovations taking place at Emagine Noblesville started on January 10, 2022. The planned improvements at the venue (originally opened in 2007), include but are not limited to, an enhanced concession stand offering brick oven fresh-made pizza, a relocated and improved bar, and new ticketing kiosks. Every auditorium will be revamped to feature heated recliners, cuddle chairs, new floor coverings and updated décor. Two new 18-seat screening rooms will be added to the facility’s mezzanine level, which will be ideal for hosting birthday parties and private events. When the facility is completed, it will offer approximately 1,450 luxury seats, less than half of the current configuration.
Emagine is proud to announce that Mitch Ross, the venue’s General Manager under prior ownership, has been retained to serve in that capacity for Emagine. Mitch is a talented and creative leader who possesses a keen understanding of the Hamilton County marketplace. Trevor Baker, Emagine’s COO, noted, “We are delighted to have retained a proven leader, in Mitch, to take Emagine Noblesville to its full potential.”
Emagine Portage (formerly the Portage 16 IMAX® GDX) – 6550 American Way, Portage IN, 46368
Emagine Portage has a bit of a head start in the form of brand recognition compared to its sister venue in Noblesville, Indiana. Some residents of Porter County have found occasion to travel west for entertainment, and in doing so, many have discovered the beautiful Emagine theater located in Frankfort, IL. Thus, many prospective guests in Northern Indiana have some insight into what they can expect when their theater is complete.
The renovation of Emagine Portage began on February 1, 2022. Planned improvements at the venue (originally opened in 2008), are identical to those slated for Noblesville. They include an enhanced concession stand offering brick oven fresh-made pizza, a relocated and improved bar, and new ticketing kiosks. Likewise, every auditorium will be revamped to feature heated recliners, cuddle chairs, new floor coverings and updated décor. A new 18-seat screening room will be added to the facility’s mezzanine level, which will be ideal for hosting birthday parties and private events. When the facility is completed, it will offer approximately 1,430 luxury seats, less than half of the current configuration.
Emagine is pleased to announce that Kevin Morgan, the venue’s General Manager under prior ownership, along with his entire team of theater managers, has been retained to serve in their respective capacities for Emagine. Kevin and his team are outstanding leaders dedicated to serving the Porter County marketplace. Trevor Baker, Emagine’s COO, noted, “Kevin is a terrific General Manager. We are confident that he and his team will ensure that Emagine Portage achieves acclaim as the finest theater in the area.”
For additional information about Emagine, to see a complete list of showtimes, purchase tickets, etc., please visit https://www.emagine-entertainment.com.
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