KC developer plans Nixa theater, IMAX

Developer D.J. Christie Inc. intends to build a 12-screen movie theater, including an IMAX screen, on 27 acres along U.S. Highway 160, at what would be the corner of a planned extension of State Highway CC.

The preliminary development was announced Dec. 20 during a special Nixa Board of Aldermen meeting, according to Mayor Doug Marrs.

“They were looking at several different sites in different communities,” Marrs said of the D.J. Christie officials who have developed or are developing properties in four states, including the Pavilions West shopping center in Joplin. “We met with them several months ago, and we told them that we were interested in any type of development along these lines.”

Marrs said that the developer considered several factors, including traffic patterns, demographics and property layout. A contract is in place to purchase the property, but the sale may take several months to close.

A D.J. Christie representative was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Marrs said the developer plans to requesting tax-increment financing for the development.

A TIF district comprises a geographic area where a certain increment of new taxes generated can be captured for identified capital projects. If approved, the TIF would be a first for Nixa.

“We’re extremely cautious on that note,” Marrs said. “We have historically been concerned about multiple TIFs and what that would do to the local economy and competitiveness within the community.”

He added that the city is looking to appoint a TIF committee to consider the financing option.[[In-content Ad]]