April's scheduled re-opening of the recently shuttered Market Arcade Cinemas is viewed as a major boost to the development mosaic with not only the Theatre District but all of downtown Buffalo.
"It is critically important to see the cinema re-activated," said Buffalo Deputy Mayor Thomas Baines.
In a surprise announcement, Albany-based Scene One Entertainment will renovate and then take over the operation of the eight-screen moviehouse that has sat dark since late December when AMC Entertainment pulled out of the complex after an eight year run.
Joseph Masher, Scene One Entertainment, said he is not daunted by other operators - including AMC and General Cinema - who tried to run the Market Arcade but ultimately walked away.
"I looked at the numbers and the cinema did very well," Masher said.
Taking over the Market Arcade is almost a turnkey operation, Masher said.
The building's landlord, the Benchmark Group, paid AMC $1 million to buy all the equipment. The deal was prelude to Benchmark cutting what amounts to a 20-year lease with Scene One including a five-year initial lease and three five-year renewable options.
"This is the best plan for the theaters," said Martin DellaBovi, Benchmark senior vice president.
Baines said the movies are key part of plans to help return a development swagger and overall interest in downtown and the central business district.
"It gives people another reason to come downtown and maybe visit one of the restaurants," Baines said.
Masher said the complex will show a combination of first run Hollywood films along with those from independent film makers.
Live and special events are also planned.
Themed nights are also planned.
The theater will debut on April 1 with a showing of "The Natural" as part of a fund raiser Scene One is presenting.
"The point is to fill the seats in here but also bring people back downtown," Masher said.