New Marcus Theatres would open as Eastgate closes
Marcus Theatres' proposed 16-screen cinema in "The Crossing" at U.S. 151 and Nelson Road on Madison's east side would coincide with the closing of Eastgate sometime in late 2008 or early 2009.
The company signed an agreement to sell the Eastgate Cinemas property, located at 5202 High Crossing Road, to a Madison-based real estate company. That theater will be razed and the site redeveloped for other use.
"Marcus Theatres plans to build an entirely new state-of-the-art theater and entertainment complex on the east side of Madison to replace the Eastgate," said Bruce J. Olson, president of Marcus Theatres, in a statement. "Expansion at the current site was possible, but after carefully evaluating all of our options, relocating and building a new theater that includes other exciting entertainment and dining options made the most sense. We are currently in the process of due diligence and planning. "
Olson said the new complex would have a total of 2,900 seats. One of the auditoriums will include a 72-foot-wide "UltraScreen," and another will feature digital 3D technology.
Olson said the complex could also include in-theater dining, a family entertainment center, a movie-themed sports bar and outdoor patio.
"We are still in the preliminary planning stages for the new theater and will announce additional design elements and amenities when all of the details are finalized," Olson said.
Marcus is also going before the Urban Design Commission on Wednesday with its other plans for a multiplex at Stoughton Road and the Beltline.
The Milwaukee-based firm said Tuesday it plans to eventually develop a theater complex in the Tradewinds Business Centre on the far southeast side. The 26-acre site has been owned by the Bartell family, which attempted unsuccessfully to develop an upscale shopping center there several years ago.
A division of the Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), Marcus Theatres is the seventh largest theater circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 678 screens at 56 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.
The closing of Eastgate is expected to coincide with a new Marcus 16-screen cinema later this year or early 2009.
