Landmark brings the movie theater back to Glenview
A sequel that surpasses the original.
It's what the principals hope will happen starting Nov. 18 when Landmark Theatres opens its renovated, 10-screen theater in the former 45,000-square-foot space of ArcLight Cinema, 1850 Tower Drive, in The Glen Town Center.
The ribbon cutting is Nov. 17 at the theaters.
"We're thrilled to be cutting the ribbon on the new Landmark Theatres almost one year to the day (Nov. 16, 2021) since the board approved the development agreement," said Glenview Village President Mike Jenny.
"A new theater was at the top of residents' wish list during the Glenview Connect process, and it will have the added benefit of supporting the vibrancy of The Glen and the overall shopping and dining experience there."
It's a strong roster of films set to open on Friday at Landmark at The Glen: "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," "The Banshees of Inisherin," "The Menu," Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in "Black Adam," "Ticket to Paradise" with George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and "She Said," about the investigation that helped bring about the #MeToo movement.
Some select films, such as the upcoming "Avatar: The Way of Water," will be shown in RealD 3D. People may sign up to receive emails about films opening each week.
Landmark also operates the Renaissance Place Cinema in Highland Park and the Century Centre Cinema in Chicago. Not since ArcLight went dark in March 2020, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic and bankruptcy, has Glenview had a movie theater.
"We are really excited because we've heard that people are missing a theater," said Margot Gerber, vice president for marketing for Landmark Theatres. She was among Landmark staff who flew in from Los Angeles to attend the opening.
"We've heard of people coming by, asking when it will open. We're really excited to be able to serve the community again," she said.
On Tuesday, Gerber said finishing touches to the $2.5 million remodeling project were being applied. The interior will feature a full bar and new concession area, plus a "Freestyle" multi-flavor self-service soda machine.
New seating includes rockers and electric recliners, which patrons may reserve online or in the theater. An impressive "Story Wall" displaying the movies shown stands 20 feet tall and 13 feet wide.
Repairs to the roof and theater mechanical systems also were part of the renovation plan.
When Glenview Village board discussions were held in November 2021, director of Community Development Jeff Brady said Landmark had signed a 20-year guaranteed lease obligation with theater owner OliverMcMillan, The Glen Town Center developer.
OliverMcMillan had discussed prospects with other companies for the space, Brady said, but none was willing to share in necessary improvement costs or commit to a long-term lease until Landmark came along.
The vacant ArcLight Cinema had been identified as a "spark site" for development during Glenview Connect, as Jenny noted. It is the first major project to come out of what was a yearlong process to enhance development.
"We've appreciated our collaboration with the Village of Glenview, OliverMcMillan, and The Glen Town Center in making this opening possible," said Kevin Holloway, president of Landmark Theatres.
"We look forward to establishing the Landmark brand as a fixture within the Glenview community, while treating guests to an elevated moviegoing experience this holiday season," he said.
Bottomless large drinks and popcorn on Tuesday discount day will help whet Glenview moviegoers' appetite.
"The community has long awaited the reopening of the theater in The Glen Town Center and we are thrilled to welcome Landmark to our community," said Meghan Kearney, Glenview Chamber of Commerce executive director.
"A love of the movies is shared by all. Everyone has those certain movie quotes and moments that live in our hearts forever."