Are there really no movie theaters in downtown?

Is there any news for one?

I don't see why one can't be built in one of these new complexes like Mary Brickell Village or at Midtown Miami.

As of now there isn't a large Muvico-type of movie theatre in Downtown, no, but the retail project "Met Square" has plans for a large move theatre in its complex. However, it's not sure when or if they'll start construction. Besides that, the smaller Olympia Theatre (Gusman Center) shows many films almost daily, and is a beautiful place. The Arsht Center has many plays, operas, musicals, concerts, etc. I agree though, Downtown does need a large, run of the mill movie theatre.

I recall reading somewhere that Met Square was going to break ground around the time Met 2 was completed. But I recall reading a lot of things over the past few years, so don't quote me on that. We all know that Met Square will rock when it's done and fill a giant void of entertainment missing in downtown Miami--namely a giant movie theater.

Okay, supposedly what was said by the "sales lady" was that as soon as MET2 is done, they will move there operation to MET2 and clear the lot for METSquare and begin construction. Is that really going to happen... who knows? But we really need METSquare!

Besides that, the smaller Olympia Theatre (Gusman Center) shows many films almost daily, and is a beautiful place.
Almost daily??? Almost never is more like it.
The Gusman is the Main Venue for the Miami International Film Festival in March, but other than that, not many if any films in any other month.
I agree though, Downtown does need a large, run of the mill movie theatre. I disagree.
18 screens at Lincoln Road Theatre is exactly 4.3 miles from Met.
16 screens at Cocowalk are exactly 4.7 miles from Met.

Of all the people that live or work in downtown, I've never heard one say that downtown needs a run of the mill movie theatre. Want maybe, but enough to support another run of the mill multi-screen theatre.

If the Grove, and South Beach have a movie theatre, it's about time Downtown get one.

Wasn't the next phase of development of Midtown that entertainment block, which included a movie theater?

18 screens at Lincoln Road Theatre is exactly 4.3 miles from Met.
16 screens at Cocowalk are exactly 4.7 miles from Met.

Of all the people that live or work in downtown, I've never heard one say that downtown needs a run of the mill movie theatre. Want maybe, but enough to support another run of the mill multi-screen theatre.

Are you kidding me?! How on earth do you expect Miami to promote a walkable environment for its city dwellers if they have to walk/bike 4-5 miles in the oppressive South Florida heat just to catch the latest blockbuster film?!

Here in Boston we've got a Regal 13 theater right next to Fenway Park and an AMC 19 theater across the street from Boston Common... those two theaters are just over two miles from each other and continue to see excellent business throughout the weekdays and weekends because they satisfy market demand and are extremely accessible for city people--next to "T" stops, close to where they live, and located downtown.

A fact I've neglected to make widely known on this forum is that my passion for skyscrapers is matched only by my interest in movies and the box office. As carefully and considerately as I've studied the development patterns for regions around the world, I've committed to gaining equal knowledge about the movie industry and trying to understand the trends amongst moviegoers around the country. Movie theaters are a meeting place--they are community centers that unify people of every age, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation for 2 to 3 hours in a large space where they can share a common interest and experience: movies! Movies bring people together, no matter where the theater is, and they are a boon for economic growth in a densely-populated, downtown atmosphere.

Nobody is saying they should build a 30-plex movie theater at Met Square. Even a modest 10 or 12 screen theater would be excellent for downtown.

If the Grove, and South Beach have a movie theatre, it's about time Downtown get one.
Kevin, that is what you said about Chili's.

Are you kidding me?! How on earth do you expect Miami to promote a walkable environment for its city dwellers if they have to walk/bike 4-5 miles in the oppressive South Florida heat just to catch the latest blockbuster film?!
Answer to question #1.
No, not kidding you. A run of the mill movie theatre (as Kevin calls it) is a want more than a need.

Answer to question #2.
Um...they promote a walkable environment for it's city dwellers without a movie theatre...for now.

Your knowledge of Boston and Boston movie theatres is fantastic, but with all due respect, history tells us, that before South Beach had the Lincoln Theatre, South Beach thrived as a walkable environment without a multiplex. It seems almost impossible, right? Research it, I don't make this stuff up.

I agree, people congregate at movie theatres, fair enough.
I live and work downtown, and with everything that goes on here, there is no time or desire for me to see a movie, especially the latest blockbuster. Of course, that is just me and people like me. If I lived in a cold climate, or the suburbs that don't have beaches, performing arts centers, American Airlines Arenas, I might watch more movies and my bowling average would be high.

Today, it was 80 degrees with only a few clouds, there was a boat parade on the Miami River, an art show, and a Food, Fashion, Wine festival from Tuscany...
Trust me on this one, not many Downtowners were pissed that they were outside today instead of in the Multiplex catching the latest Vampire movie.

Kevin, that is what you said about Chili's.

Could you look that up for me please? Thanks! Either way, a second Chili's would certainly be absolutely smashing in Downtown!

Your knowledge of Boston and Boston movie theatres is fantastic, but with all due respect, history tells us, that before South Beach had the Lincoln Theatre, South Beach thrived as a walkable environment without a multiplex. It seems almost impossible, right? Research it, I don't make this stuff up.

I agree, people congregate at movie theatres, fair enough.
I live and work downtown, and with everything that goes on here, there is no time or desire for me to see a movie, especially the latest blockbuster. Of course, that is just me and people like me. If I lived in a cold climate, or the suburbs that don't have beaches, performing arts centers, American Airlines Arenas, I might watch more movies and my bowling average would be high.

Today, it was 80 degrees with only a few clouds, there was a boat parade on the Miami River, an art show, and a Food, Fashion, Wine festival from Tuscany...
Trust me on this one, not many Downtowners were pissed that they were outside today instead of in the Multiplex catching the latest Vampire movie.

This is conjecture, not history. Cinema is an art form and Miami downtown is most definitely lacking if it does not have a full scale multiplex. If South Beach weren't lacking one they wouldn't have built one. The reason there is not one downtown is because a major theater has not shown confidence that downtown Miami can support one. Downtown Orlando's new multiplex is doing well, and seems to have caught on with the locals, but it would not have happened had the City not had the insight to lure in a theater owner and assume some of the risk for the first few years. For them, it has already paid off.

This is conjecture, not history.
What are you referring to this comment?
before South Beach had the Lincoln Theatre, South Beach thrived as a walkable environment without a multiplex
I lived here before the Lincoln Theatre. Fact.
Before the Lincoln Theatre, South Beach thrived as a walkable environment. Fact.
We WANTed a theatre, but didn't NEED one as a condition to being a walkable community. Fact, not conjecture.

It has been years since visiting downtown Orlando, congratulations on the downtown multi-plex movie theatre. Wasn't there a theatre in that Church Street Station project that bombed?

In the last three weeks, the culture/entertainment in the Downtown Miami is the International Book Fair (one of the largest in the world), the New World Symphony performance of Ode to Joy, the boat parade (these were yachts and sailboats and have nothing on those groovy Orlando paddle swans!!!), the art festival on the waterfront, a Miami Heat game, a farewell to the mayor party, and a few charity events. But without the Multiplex, we are stuck with those things, plays, concerts, but no vampire movies (we have to roadtrip 4.7 miles).

The movie theatre is coming to downtown Miami and that will be nice. It will not require a tax payer subsidy for any amount of years like the downtown Orlando multiplex that you mentioned.

Miami World Center should have a IMAX. That would be spectacular.

Answer to question #1.
No, not kidding you. A run of the mill movie theatre (as Kevin calls it) is a want more than a need.

Answer to question #2.
Um...they promote a walkable environment for it's city dwellers without a movie theatre...for now.

I agree, people congregate at movie theatres, fair enough.
I live and work downtown, and with everything that goes on here, there is no time or desire for me to see a movie, especially the latest blockbuster. Of course, that is just me and people like me. If I lived in a cold climate, or the suburbs that don't have beaches, performing arts centers, American Airlines Arenas, I might watch more movies and my bowling average would be high.

Today, it was 80 degrees with only a few clouds, there was a boat parade on the Miami River, an art show, and a Food, Fashion, Wine festival from Tuscany...
Trust me on this one, not many Downtowners were pissed that they were outside today instead of in the Multiplex catching the latest Vampire movie.

Seems to be arguing for argument's sake. Fact is, not everybody who lives in downtown can afford to spend each weekend at events at the PAC and/or AAA. And without viable/convenient transit options to take us the 4.5 miles, a downtown movie theatre would be extremely conducive to transforming Miami into a more walkable/urban environment.

Roark, not a single one of us has said that a city would be any less walkable without a movie theater. You're right, nobody has "needed" a theater, but they certainly do "want" one.

Having a downtown theater would not only compliment the amenities available to Miamians, but also would compliment the walkable nature of downtown. For example, look at the successes of movie theaters at other downtowns in South Florida: the Muvico (Cinemark?) Parisian at City Place in West Palm Beach, Sunrise Cinemas at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Sunrise Cinemas at Riverfront in Fort Lauderdale* (*though Riverfront was a failure, the movie theater generally saw/sees good business), the Lincoln Theater in Miami Beach.

The fewer places residents have to drive to, the better it is for downtown and the rest of the city.

And 1772, I agree--an IMAX would be awesome there! Although I wonder if an IMAX would do well/better at the new science museum.

What are you referring to this comment?

Your claim that a movie theater is a want, not a need. It may not be your need, Roark, however Jane Jacobs' urban wisdom tells us that a walkable urban environment boosts a variety of options that contribute to it's success. So while you are a member of an elite few who don't have time for vampire flicks, I could easily argue that it is much more a need for the typical urban dweller than a performance of Ode to Joy.


I lived here before the Lincoln Theatre. Fact.
Before the Lincoln Theatre, South Beach thrived as a walkable environment. Fact.
We WANTed a theatre, but didn't NEED one as a condition to being a walkable community. Fact, not conjecture.


Let's not argue semantics here but instead agree that South Beach is a better walkable environment with the movie theater than without it.


It has been years since visiting downtown Orlando, congratulations on the downtown multi-plex movie theatre. Wasn't there a theatre in that Church Street Station project that bombed?


No.


In the last three weeks, the culture/entertainment in the Downtown Miami is the International Book Fair (one of the largest in the world), the New World Symphony performance of Ode to Joy, the boat parade (these were yachts and sailboats and have nothing on those groovy Orlando paddle swans!!!), the art festival on the waterfront, a Miami Heat game, a farewell to the mayor party, and a few charity events. But without the Multiplex, we are stuck with those things, plays, concerts, but no vampire movies (we have to roadtrip 4.7 miles).


I'm not interested in cultural elitism. I live in Boston and can easily go toe-to-toe with you on events that mark my calendar. I can also walk to a movie theater.


The movie theatre is coming to downtown Miami and that will be nice. It will not require a tax payer subsidy for any amount of years like the downtown Orlando multiplex that you mentioned.

It's a rousing success.

Could you look that up for me please? Thanks! Either way, a second Chili's would certainly be absolutely smashing in Downtown!
Spend a little more time in Downtown...there has been a Chilli's at 401 Biscayne Boulevard for years. A little taste of the suburbs right in the Central Business District.

You didn't specifically say the brand Chilli's, but that is where you were going. The conversation was another one of those, "I don't live there, but here is what the people that do live there need".
I looked it up..here was your quote.
Downtown should appeal to everyone and be affordable for everyone. Many people can't afford eating at Brickell restaurants, so having options for others is great because it brings more people to the area.

Roark, not a single one of us has said that a city would be any less walkable without a movie theater. Certainly, I never said that. But this quote suggests that a "run of the mill" multi-screen megaplex is the end all/be all to walkable environments.
How on earth do you expect Miami to promote a walkable environment for its city dwellers if they have to walk/bike 4-5 miles in the oppressive South Florida heat just to catch the latest blockbuster film?!

I've read Jane Jacobs, and it should go without saying that diverse choices make for a vibrant urban life. We've got diverse choices...too many to take advantage.
SDJ, If that is your point, then step away from your computer desk in Boston, and learn about the diverse choices in downtown Miami. It's true, an 18 Screen megaplex is not one of the choices for now, and it would be fine if there was one. The evidence shows that people are moving into downtown by the thousands.
It may be hard for some people to imagine this, but it is the fact and not conjecture.

So, of those that can't afford to donate to charities, attend the PAC, or events at the American Airlines Arena, there are still many many diverse choices.
Free concerts in Bayfront park. The art show along the river. The boat parade. The Miami Art Museum. The International Book Fair, etc etc.

I'm not trying to compare Downtown Miami to Boston or Orlando. But for those suburbanites and out of towners, the happenings in downtown should demonstrate that there are diverse choices.

PS. First run movies were offered in Bayfront Park, I'm not sure if that was popular or if they will do that again.

Spend a little more time in Downtown...there has been a Chilli's at 401 Biscayne Boulevard for years. A little taste of the suburbs right in the Central Business District.

You didn't specifically say the brand Chilli's, but that is where you were going. The conversation was another one of those, "I don't live there, but here is what the people that do live there need".
I looked it up..here was your quote.

Thanks Roark! :lol:

Thanks for looking that up Roark! :lol:
No problem, the next time you are in the city, you owe me a Jalepeno Popper or Potato Skin appetizer.
The advanced search feature works like charm.

You're kidding me right?

Going to the movies and getting a bite to eat afterwords is pretty much the "default" things people do when they go out on the weekends or go out on dates. I apologize, but unfortunately I don't have the statistical case studies that prove that people like to go to movies. You are actually going to tell me that I should go to some "boat show" or "book fair" or some opera instead? Are you joking? I'm sorry I'm not as "cultured" as you, but you really can't compare it and use it as a complete substitute.

Also, of course people don't NEED a movie theaters. They don't NEED a lot of things. If we're talking about "needs" then Downtown should just have grazing buffalo to cover the need for food and clothing and tents to cover the need for shelter. Of course it's based on a "want." That's what businesses are based on "want" or "demand."

You're kidding me right?

Going to the movies and getting a bite to eat afterwords is pretty much the "default" things people do when they go out on the weekends or go out on dates. I apologize, but unfortunately I don't have the statistical case studies that prove that people like to go to movies. You are actually going to tell me that I should go to some "boat show" or "book fair" or some opera instead? Are you joking? I'm sorry I'm not as "cultured" as you, but you really can't compare it and use it as a complete substitute.

Also, of course people don't NEED a movie theaters. They don't NEED a lot of things. If we're talking about "needs" then Downtown should just have grazing buffalo to cover the need for food and clothing and tents to cover the need for shelter. Of course it's based on a "want." That's what businesses are based on "want" or "demand."

Amen.

Going to the movies and getting a bite to eat afterwords is pretty much the "default" things people do when they go out on the weekends or go out on dates."
Really depends on your personal preferences and where you live.
No question, that multiplex cinemas are very popular for teenagers and those in the 20's, but that isn't, nor ever has been the point.

Do you live in downtown Miami? It seems that a lot of the posters demanding a theatre in downtown don't live in downtown.

But if you do not live in the area that you are posting about, type your address into Google maps driving directions, and share with the group how many miles you live from a "run of the mill" Multiplex.

People that live in downtown Miami right now have about 34 screens of multiplex theatres within 4.7 miles, or less than 10 minutes in a cab. Amen.

Within WALKING distance, people that live in Downtown have many many options including concert venues, live theatre, art galleries, WATERFRONT parks and restaurants, sporting events, and lounges on top of skyscrapers.
There used to be a run of the mill multi screen theatre downtown, it went out of business.

There is a new one in development, it won't suffer the same fate, nor will it require a $3.5 million taxpayer subsidy like the one in downtown Orlando.

...And 1772, I agree--an IMAX would be awesome there! Although I wonder if an IMAX would do well/better at the new science museum.

You might just have a good point there. Seeing how other places work, it seems most of them are connected to some sort of science museum.

So; either MWC or Science Museum. And it better have a great design. We cant be worse than these guys:

London:
http://blog.bigmoviezone.com/images/BFIIMAXQ80Mix01_450px.jpg

Valencia:
http://gallery.millerchip.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2694&g2_serialNumber=4

I live around Miami Lakes, but I have a few close friends that live by downtown.
I probably will never go to the movies in Lincoln Road. It's just too much. Too many people everywhere and then having to find a parking garage. I don't really like the beach too much. It makes me uncomfortable. Like it's some kind of beauty contest.

Also the one in Cocowalk has been closed since August 2009. They are going to open up again sometime in 2010. But I don't like the Grove too much either.

Where I live, I actually have 5 movie theaters in a less than 5-mile radius! [Well one closed recently, so it's really 4.] One is 1.1 miles away, the one that's closed now was 2.0 miles, another is 2.5, another is 3.5 miles, and the last one is 4.6 miles. The one that's 4.6 miles away I didn't even know about. It's too far for me. It's already technically in another city, so I don't bother.

I was in midtown the other day eating in some place. I would have loved to catch an early afternoon movie. My friend SWORE there was a movie theater there. Then when I started searching, I'm like WTF??? I like to go to theaters away from my area so I don't see anyone I know. I love going to downtown and looking at all the skyscrapers and the things being built. That's pretty much what I do when I'm stressed out, I just drive around downtown. I would love to live there one day. I used to drive by the beach and that that strip all the way to Dania, but I got tired of that route.

BTW, walk 4 miles!!! That's crazy! I have to walk all of that???? By the time I get there I'll miss the movie. LOL. I just imagined in my head how long that would be, I would die.

You might just have a good point there. Seeing how other places work, it seems most of them are connected to some sort of science museum.

So; either MWC or Science Museum. And it better have a great design. We cant be worse than these guys:


Wow!!

That Valencia design is absolutely stunning. Thanks for the pics. :cheers:

Wow!!

That Valencia design is absolutely stunning. Thanks for the pics. :cheers:

You're welcome. :)
It's part of a series of buildings by Santiago Calatrava. I have no problem envision something like that in Miami.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies.jpg/800px-Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies

BTW, walk 4 miles!!! That's crazy! I have to walk all of that???? By the time I get there I'll miss the movie. LOL. I just imagined in my head how long that would be, I would die.
People that live in Skyscrapers in downtown Miami, and not in the suburbs, are accustomed to taking taxi cabs. Then again, we don't really go to run of the mill Multi-plex movie theatres as much as suburbanites either!:)

You're kidding me right?

Going to the movies and getting a bite to eat afterwords is pretty much the "default" things people do when they go out on the weekends or go out on dates. I apologize, but unfortunately I don't have the statistical case studies that prove that people like to go to movies. You are actually going to tell me that I should go to some "boat show" or "book fair" or some opera instead? Are you joking? I'm sorry I'm not as "cultured" as you, but you really can't compare it and use it as a complete substitute.

Also, of course people don't NEED a movie theaters. They don't NEED a lot of things. If we're talking about "needs" then Downtown should just have grazing buffalo to cover the need for food and clothing and tents to cover the need for shelter. Of course it's based on a "want." That's what businesses are based on "want" or "demand."

Thank You!

People that live in Skyscrapers in downtown Miami, and not in the suburbs, are accustomed to taking taxi cabs. Then again, we don't really go to run of the mill Multi-plex movie theatres as much as suburbanites either!:)

:ohno:

We? Speak for yourself Roark. I live in downtown Miami in the Loft 2 and I go to run of the mill Multi-plex theaters all the time. I'd love a movie theater in downtown. Just because I live here doesn't mean I'm suddenly supposed to take cabs, go to operas, and attend boat shows.

My girlfriend and I love going to the movies, and currently if we want to see one we have to either drive to Lincoln Road and deal with parking, or drive up to Aventura Mall. Yeah I have no problem doing either of those, but having a theater in downtown within walking distance or a metromover ride would be great.

In other topics you've been offended or criticized people when they use the word we, speaking for you and the residents of Miami. Then you come in here and do the same exact thing for the residents of Downtown. Quit thinking you know what they and I want/need.

Yeah I have no problem doing either of those, but having a theater in downtown within walking distance or a metromover ride would be great.
That still is not, nor ever has been the point. (for about the millionth time)
The point was made that you can't have a walkable vibrant environment without a megaplex movie theatre. I disagree.
It is great that someone who lives in Downtown has posted here, even if you didn't get the point.
As someone that has presumably chosen to live in the Loft2, do you think that you live in a walkable environment, yes or no?
That is really the question.
The point was, "How on earth do you expect Miami to promote a walkable environment for its city dwellers if they have to walk/bike 4-5 miles in the oppressive South Florida heat just to catch the latest blockbuster film?!
Of course, I can not, nor do not speak for you.
It is simply an assertion about the demographics, income, and preference of skyscraper dwellers in downtown.
Not speaking for anyone, it is certain that household incomes of skyscraper dwellers in downtown is high.
Sure, there are affordable housing skyscrapers in downtown, and their preferences are important, but they do not make up the make up the majority of living units.

For all the movie theatre analysts out here, it would be interesting to see what the (mainstream multi-plex) movie going habits are by household income level and housing type. I haven't seen research on that in 10 years.
My educated guess remains,
[Skyscraper dwellers] don't really go to run of the mill Multi-plex movie theatres as much as suburbanites either!

You're welcome. :)
It's part of a series of buildings by Santiago Calatrava. I have no problem envision something like that in Miami.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies.jpg/800px-Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies

that sort of construction just might be out of Miami's budget for the forseable future. :lol:

In response to the gentleman that recommended that the Omni restore their movie theater, in terms of retail they are looking for big box retailers. Given the floorplans, I'd assume that at the very least they already have raw pre-configured structures.
http://www.theomnishops.com/pages/floorplans_first.htm

I am not familiar with theater location planning, but my feeling is that whatever theater goes somewhere will follow the "go big or go home" route towards development. They'll want a big theater for it, with escalators and a huge ticket space...big LCD's advertising trailers, Coca-Cola, and our local BK.

Miami World Center could be good place for such a mega location...
but this would have to come after the ground breaks on a few other buildings...might be awhile.

We have to forget about the Herald's lots as long as they remain pending sale for 2010-2020.

Brickell: West Citicentre lot=Easy accessibility to I-95 + Public transport (Metrorail + metromover), high visibility from 95+Metro-rail, PERFECT nearby retail...and it's on the "right" side of I-95. Only problem is a parking structure would be a pain in the arse for them in terms of overhead.

Maybe the theaters are waiting for the 2010 census. With the large foreign influence and the 2000 census indicating Brickell's primary language is Spanish, it might be considered a risky investment given the land value. It certainly is an opportunity for them. If they want to reaps profits on $15 tickets and $9 popcorn drink combos, they need assurance.

It'd be interesting for AMC Sunset to coordinate a weekend survey to determine the geographic characteristics of their patrons. A lot of my friends will only go to Sunset for movies; even if they live in Gables, Brickell, Downtown, or the Grove. Sunset is the only metrorail stop with a movie theater.

Met Square of the Met Miami project (allegedly scheduled to begin construction when Met 2 completes) will feature a multi-screen movie theater. I agree--downtown Miami desperately needs this amenity! I see on average one movie a week up here in Boston and one of the reservations I have about ever moving to downtown Miami is the void of movie theater(s) to be found there.

I don't recall in which thread, but I remember writing a whole spiel about movie theaters in Miami and I think we had a good conversation going. Does anyone remember where that post was?

thank god someone like UMIAMI brought this up... again i guess...they should but it on downtown miami maybe galeria international mall that's behind 50 biscayne :)... yeah that takes demolishing and bringing in a new skyscraper....:) forgive me for thinking to ahead...lol, but that place looks sooo dead, making a new mall with a movie theater and hotel or office will fit perfectly...:)

DShoost, you're right. I forgot about Met Plaza. Have you been to AMC/Regal at Fenway? That's the size and layout I had in mind.

The Fenway cinema is on 383,072 sf of land. I remember a lot of retail around there (office space too?). Met Plaza is only four stories on a 57,085 sf lot and they are planning on other retail. Do you think they can pull off 12-13 theaters at the same magnitude as Fenway?

Met plaza says they will be unique. Unique can mean either Muvie style or that each theater is going to be "Omni"-Imax seating style (reference to Boston's Omni theater).

FYI for local referece AMC Sunset is 24 theaters, Cocowalk had 16.

Maybe the theaters are waiting for the 2010 census. With the large foreign influence and the 2000 census indicating Brickell's primary language is Spanish, it might be considered a risky investment given the land value. It certainly is an opportunity for them. If they want to reaps profits on $15 tickets and $9 popcorn drink combos, they need assurance.

I'd be very surprised to hear Spanish is the primary language of Brickell, and even if it is, 9/10 people that speak Spanish as their first language in Brickell, also speak English just as well. Either way, it's not like Spanish-speakers don't watch movies, in English or not. A movie theater would be successful anywhere in the Downtown area despite the language demographics.

The area has a pent up demand for one, and the construction of one would only bring about a large retail boost for Downtown. A movie theater is like a retail anchor tenant. Place it in the middle of Flagler Street, and within a while, a bunch of cafés, restaurants, bookstores, and shops start fighting for retail space on Flagler.

Lastly, Met Square is a great project, but I feel as though the area it's proposed for is: 1. isolated from Flagler Street where the existing urban fabric really lies, 2. is on prime property that could be used for something better, ie: a skyscraper, 3. would be more useful to Downtown as a whole if placed elsewhere such as on Miami Avenue or Flagler Street as it would better improve its surrounding areas where a nightlife and retail scene is really just beginning to flourish again.

Kevin-I agree. English is definitely well spoken and the Downtown/Brickell area is densely populated. A lot of people in Brickeasy are WELL educated as well. The demand is there. What I'm saying is that in terms of development for such a project one would want to wait for the hard facts and figures to come out with the 2010 census. Obtaining financing requires a thorough business plan. For something like this, you want some hard facts. The 2010 census will provide HUGE leverage for the analysis now that the Brickell area is maturing with occupancy (minus Icon/Mint/Infiniti).


Population: 11,527

Percentage of people that speak English not well or not at all:
This neighborhood: 18.6%
Miami: 32.7%

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Brickell-Miami-FL.html#ixzz0jcBF5nCg


Clearly those figures will drastically change....lol it's like trying to use condo sales from '07.

What the 2010 Census Means for Advertising and Marketing http://adage.com/whitepapers/whitepaper.php?id=9

thank god someone like UMIAMI brought this up... again i guess...they should but it on downtown miami maybe galeria international mall that's behind 50 biscayne :)... yeah that takes demolishing and bringing in a new skyscraper....:) forgive me for thinking to ahead...lol, but that place looks sooo dead, making a new mall with a movie theater and hotel or office will fit perfectly...:)

Parts of the Galeria International Mall are actually old movie theaters (The Hippodrome and original "Miami Theatre" before the new one opened at the Halcyon Arcade, today's 777 Business Center). But obviously the generation of theaters next to each other is gone (i. e. Broadway in Los Angeles), so I strongly support seeing a Regal or Cobb multiplex at the Miami World Center or Met Square.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/3088/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/8147/

http://www.positiveenergy.com/miamitheater.jpg

DShoost, you're right. I forgot about Met Plaza. Have you been to AMC/Regal at Fenway? That's the size and layout I had in mind.

The Fenway cinema is on 383,072 sf of land. I remember a lot of retail around there (office space too?). Met Plaza is only four stories on a 57,085 sf lot and they are planning on other retail. Do you think they can pull off 12-13 theaters at the same magnitude as Fenway?

Met plaza says they will be unique. Unique can mean either Muvie style or that each theater is going to be "Omni"-Imax seating style (reference to Boston's Omni theater).

FYI for local referece AMC Sunset is 24 theaters, Cocowalk had 16.

Regal Fenway & The AMC (Formerly Loews) Boston Common are EXACTLY what I had in mind. Those are the theaters I go to; although I frequent the Regal more frequently because it's a bit cheaper and easier to walk/bike to (though the AMC is a 7 minute trip on the subway; also really close). The Regal Fenway is actually part of the Landmark Center, a building originally constructed in 1928, and then renovated about 10 years ago with the movie theater, a Best Buy, Staples, REI, Bed Bath & Beyond, a gym, other restaurants, and some office space.

If Met Square is even half as diverse as the Landmark Center is (which BTW isn't even the premiere mixed-use center in Boston), it will be a success and a wonderful addition to the area. It's not so much a concern of where they put in downtown, more just a concern that a development like that actually materializes downtown or around north Brickell.

Here is more info on Landmark Center in Boston:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmark_Center

Oh, and BTW, Regal Fenway has 13 theaters, AMC Boston Common has 19--that's also in the heart of downtown, next to Boston Common (duh) and Downtown Crossing.

I don't recall in which thread, but I remember writing a whole spiel about movie theaters in Miami and I think we had a good conversation going. Does anyone remember where that post was?
Yeah, that was good.
Someone posted that Downtown Miami shouldn't market itself as a walkable city without a run of the mill movie theatre, and then it all broke loose.

Movie theater companies definitely know their demographics. 18-26 year old males.

I think that thread was titled "Downtown Movie Theater?"

What I'm saying is that in terms of development for such a project one would want to wait for the hard facts and figures to come out with the 2010 census. Obtaining financing requires a thorough business plan.Developers don't wait for government data to develop. There are a myriad of other services that provide more accuarate demographic data than any US Census.

I think that thread was titled "Downtown Movie Theater?"

Close! Actually, it was/is "Movie Theater in Downtown?"

If Met Square is even half as diverse as the Landmark Center is (which BTW isn't even the premiere mixed-use center in Boston), it will be a success and a wonderful addition to the area.

You call something full of suburban big-box stores diverse? Except for Bed Bath & Beyond, there not even nice stores. Met Square needs to be upscale so it can complement Met 1 with its multi-million dollar condos. This means, only Whole Foods Market is an appropriate large-format store.

A movie theater is different however, it still needs to be a good chain. This means no independent trash. For example, just look at the mess of Downtown Orlando's. It could have been an AMC, too.

Met Square will be a lifestyle center, so stores such as Anthropologie and Coldwater Creek fit its purpose. The Miami World Center should only serve the upper crust with an anchor like Barneys New York as its cheapest. The rest of course, will be offices.

^What a mind-numbingly, bourgeois elitist post.

The Miami World Center should only serve the upper crust with an anchor like Barneys New York as its cheapest.

:lol: That was funny... Barneys in the middle of the ghetto... Ha!

:lol: That was funny... Barneys in the middle of the ghetto... Ha!

It only goes to show that even our ghettos are upscale!:lol::):cheers::banana:

I am quite sure that the whole point of the World Center was to erase the ghetto in that general area. Are you living in a world where people build a multi-billion dollar complex, and get no capital in return? What do you expect to see in it? Besides, the one in Miami Beach ain't in an area that's great either.

EDIT: May I also remind you that Miami is a far-right region that frowns upon the riff-raff you seem to embrace? Of course you didn't know this because you probably live in Pinecrest, and both your neighbors are top donors of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

you probably live in Pinecrest, and both your neighbors are top donors of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Soapy, I must at this point warn you against making seemingly derogatory remarks such as this. As moderator of the Miami forum, I will not tolerate this.

May I also remind you that Miami is a far-right region

Really?

I am quite sure that the whole point of the World Center was to erase the ghetto in that general area. Are you living in a world where people build a multi-billion dollar complex, and get no capital in return? What do you expect to see in it? Besides, the one in Miami Beach ain't in an area that's great either.

Hopefully the project will "erase" the ghetto from the area, but that won't happen for at least 20 years. Look at Midtown. Wasn't that supposed to "erase" the ghetto? They have two out of seven or eight towers built, with mostly empty store fronts and half empty condos. You walk literally cross N Miami Ave and you're in the ghetto. Its going to take a very long time before gentrification happens to a level where a high end store (like Barneys) goes anywhere near that. And the one on the beach is on 8 and Collins... Can't get much better than that.

No room for political crap in this thread...start your own!

Moderatooorrrrrr (quantummmm).

No room for political crap in this thread...start your own!

Moderatooorrrrrr (quantummmm).

The last 25 posts from this thread have been moved to the appropriate thread (Politics in General) due to the proliferation of off-topic posts. :cheers:

A movie theater is different however, it still needs to be a good chain. This means no independent trash. For example, just look at the mess of Downtown Orlando's. It could have been an AMC, too.



Orlando's "mess" has brought the Florida Film Festival to downtown Orlando starting tonight, which was otherwise out in the suburbs.

Does anyone know of any info about MET Square. I know it has its own thread, but there will be a theatre there. I'm curious to see, if the "special sales lady" was telling me the truth, that when they finish MET 2, the sales office will move in there and they will begin construction on the parking pedestal of MET 3 and on MET Square. Thanks in advance.

Orlando's "mess" has brought the Florida Film Festival to downtown Orlando starting tonight, which was otherwise out in the suburbs.

You missed my point by a wide margin. It's still an independent theater, which tend to show Shrek 1 to this day. I wouldn't be suprised if the film festival refers to Slumdog Millionare as the best thing ever made, and then play it for another ten months. Name me a theatre of this calibre (a multi-plex under brand-new skyscrapers) that is not run by a large company.

You missed my point by a wide margin.

Did I?

It's still an independent theater, which tend to show Shrek 1 to this day. I wouldn't be suprised if the film festival refers to Slumdog Millionare as the best thing ever made, and then play it for another ten months.

Soapy, you have just as much a right to inform yourself on topics prior to posting ignorant statements as you do to actually post misinformed statements. Why not do a simply Google search on this theater before you continue to dig a deeper hole? You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. It would be hilarious if it weren't so damned common.

Name me a theatre of this calibre (a multi-plex under brand-new skyscrapers) that is not run by a large company.

Irrelevant. Do you know why?

You didn't even rebut anything I said, you just played dumb.

All I found was this:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2008/01/amc-plaza-orlan.html

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2009/05/the-plaza-cinema-cafemarquee-up-opening-may-29.html

It's definitely a roaring success...

http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2010/12/07/met-miami-getting-boutique-theater.html

MDM Development Group has signed a deal with Silverspot to create a 12-screen boutique theater with high-end amenities, such as extra-large, hand stitched leather seats and a bar, at Met Miami in the city’s downtown.

The Met Miami theater, like its sister in the high-end Mercato Strada Circle in Naples, will not only be showing blockbusters and 3D movies, but independent and foreign films.

“We appreciate Silverspot’s caliber of innovation and high-quality design, all of which clearly match our aspirations for The Met,” said Tim Weller, Vice President for MDM Development, in a statement.

This isn’t he only high end news to emerge from the project recently. The Business Journal also reported on the return of Whole Foods to Met Miami as part of the still to be constructed, stand-alone garage project.

In addition to wood flooring and stadium seating, the theater will have a full kitchen with fresh food and a bar that offers both beer and wine. It will also have a lounge and a concession stand that serves both popcorn and “options for health-conscious consumers.”

“The theater advances our mission of further developing this area of downtown Miami into an amenity-rich environment,” said Lyle Stern, of the Koniver Stern Group, which is handling retail leasing for the project.

The mixed-use Metropolitan Miami complex, located at 333 and 345 Avenue of the Americas, consists of a residential tower, a 750,000 square foot office building and the newly opened JW Marriott Marquis Miami and Hotel Beaux Arts.

While Miami is sometimes portrayed in the national media as the epicenter of the real estate downturn, the number of downtown residents has grown an estimated 81 percent, to 71,000, since 2000.

The Business Journal reported Oct. 15 how grocery stores, a tunnel project and revitalized bayfront parks are adding to the portrait of a maturing downtown Miami, which already has a row of luxury condominium towers, Broadway shows at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and a trio of superstars playing for the Miami Heat.


Read more: Met Miami getting boutique theater | South Florida Business Journal

Boutique theater?! They have one of those in Doral, I wish Downtown would've gone another route with this theater.

For the people that live and work near this proposed theater, this is yet another great neighborhood amenity designed for the locals that live in the skyscrapers.
But, the business owners already know this...

When this opens in 2012 or 2013 or whenever, it will be another great addition to an amazing downtown.

The Miami Herald

Posted on Tue, Dec. 07, 2010
High-end movie theater in the works for downtown Miami
BY HANNAH SAMPSON
hsampson@MiamiHerald.com

In a move that signals confidence in Miami's economic recovery -- and potential for growth in the city's urban core -- the developer of the downtown Metropolitan Miami complex announced plans to add a high-end movie theater.
Plans call for the new theater at the Metropolitan Miami complex to open by late 2012 or early 2013. It will join a Whole Foods, set for completion in 2013, and the already-open Met 1 residential tower, Wells Fargo Center office tower and JW Marriott Marquis and Hotel Beaux Arts.

Adding a multiplex is the latest step in making the area a place where people want to live, work and play. That's a dramatic change of scenery from 10 years ago, when fewer than 40,000 people lived downtown and there was a dearth of options compared to other cities with cosmopolitan credentials.

But the building boom added towering high-rise buildings with 23,000 units -- and the bust made those units more affordable for young professionals who wanted to live near their jobs. Now, 70,000 people live downtown, and the Miami Downtown Development Authority expects another 10,000 to move in by 2014.

The theater, said DDA executive director Alyce Robertson, was a missing piece for those new residents.

``This is an amenity that adds to the ambience of a 24-7 residential, commercial and entertainment district,'' Robertson said.

MDM Development Group said Tuesday that it had finalized an agreement with luxury theater company Silverspot to open a 55,000-square-foot, 12-screen theater as the anchor for the planned Met Square entertainment complex. It will also include retail and restaurant space.

``This is a total game-changer for the market,'' said Lyle Stern, principal with Koniver Stern Group, the retail leasing representative of Metropolitan Miami. ``It's real urban living.''

The downtown Miami corridor has added thousands of residents and dozens of restaurants, shops and hotels over the past decade. But the broader downtown area hasn't had a movie theater since the AMC at Omni International Mall closed in 1999 -- and even that was more than a mile north of the proposed site near Biscayne Boulevard and Southeast Third Avenue.

For a night out at the movies, downtown residents have to drive to South Beach, Coconut Grove or South Miami.

Those are attorney Eric Bluestein's options -- though he finds himself watching movies at home more often than venturing out to a theater these days.

``I like movies a lot,'' said Bluestein, 28, who lives in the Met 1 building. ``Once they put a theater next to me, I'll definitely be going quite a bit.''

Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who chairs the DDA, said downtown offers sports with the AmericanAirlines Arena and arts with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, but lacks what he called the ``simple pleasures'' of going to the movies.

``It makes it a whole community,'' he said. ``There's no reason you have to leave.''

The closest movie option, Paragon Grove 13, reopened in June after going dark for renovations for eight months at Coconut Grove's CocoWalk. Like the planned theater, that cinema sells wine and beer and allows patrons to reserve specific seats.

Silverspot, which has one other location, in Naples, boasts luxuries like large leather seats, hardwood floors and marble and glass finishes. Though pricing for Miami isn't yet available, general admission for adults at the Naples location is $15.

MDM did not disclose projected development costs for the theater at the $1 billion Metropolitan Miami complex.

James Marsh, a media and entertainment analyst for Piper Jaffray, said chains worldwide have been experimenting with offering high-end moviegoing experiences. He said the concept hasn't yet been proven, but it could be a smarter move than trying to compete with nearby megaplexes.

Movies in general have fared ``remarkably well'' during the economic recession, Marsh said, despite the abundance of entertainment options on home television screens and mobile devices.

For Bluestein, who also works downtown, the promise of having a grocery store and movie theater in his back yard is ``like a dream come true.''

``It'll definitely make life a lot easier,'' he said. ``Anytime you can avoid traffic down here, it lessens your stress.''

His prediction: ``I'm going to become a downtown hermit.''



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/07/v-print/1962662/high-end-movie-theater-in-the.html#ixzz17YskcpMr

I don't know where you guys stand on them, but it sure sucked finding my way all the way to hialeah to find a walmart. I took the bus, at the end of the line they said I needed a differnt bus that went by WM. It didn't so I got off at a mcdonalds where luckly I was within a couple miles, so I walked. Then I bought a bike at the walmart and had a Hell of a time getting back because of the divided highway I was at first afraid to cross but then did (Okeechobee Road). Then I had my bike stolen, luckily it was only 55 dollars (a new and the cheapest walmart bike available). It was SUCH a cheap bike. The rims came pre warped somewhat and the brake pads were loose and hit the inside of the rim/spokes and wore away and were loud; I had it less than a day. I also had my backpack stolen which had my working retro brick phone replica in it.

^^^ What? LOL. Walmarts should never be in an urban core... ever. However, this is fantastic news none-the-less for the theatre and entertainment venues. Way to go MDM.Stick to the script!

However, this is fantastic news none-the-less for the theatre and entertainment venues. Way to go MDM.Stick to the script!
True. There wasn't much doubt that there would be a grocery and a theater at Met. The market is there.
The newspapers go into a tizzy when leases are renegotiated and companies change, but it is clear that these are the highest and best uses for the commercial spaces in an an area with a critical mass of residential units.

A Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore would be PERFECT in this area to complement the movie theater and the Whole Foods.

About time dtw MIA has a movie theater! FtLAud has it, WBP has it and both with IMAX!

^Which raises a good point. Should this be a "high end" movie theater, or a standard stadium seating movie theater (that can still sell alcohol if it chooses) with IMAX that may appeal to a larger base such as the South Beach Regal?

^^I think they're trying to keep the people from Overtown/Little Havana out by making it a premium theatre.

I think downtown could use both a major movie theater and a smaller premium theater near each other, similar to how they have CineBistro and the Cobb Theater at Dolphin mall right next to each other. It's good to have options.