Improvements delay opening of Alamo Drafthouse

Last edited 12:56 p.m., Dec. 28, 2016

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has pushed backed its opening at the former Campbell 16 Cine to later this spring.

Owner John Martin said some aspects of the Springfield Alamo will be unique to the chain and many of the improvements causing the delay from the original opening date in February are being kept under wraps until the reveal. In Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 blog posts, Springfield Alamo officials said most of the original building will be gutted, including the floors, walls and screens, and that recliners, tables and walkways are being added. Excluded from that process are the chandeliers and structure itself. Little change is evident on the outside of the building.

“We are adding more bells and whistles to the construction and more components to the theater than just your traditional theater. We’ve added some things that will be quite beneficial to the customer experience,” he said.

The 55,000-square-foot, 14-screen theater will be the largest in the chain of 25 theaters spanning from San Francisco to New York and is anticipated to create 150 new jobs.

Martin said he and business partner Marc Evans have invested seven figures into the 4005 South Ave. project, but declined to disclose specifics.

“In our eyes, we aren’t behind. We just keep seeing and adding things we want to offer,” he said.

The Alamo chain is known for operating bars and restaurants in its theaters. Martin said previously the Springfield Alamo will have locally sourced beers, spirits and food.