Plans for potential additions like restaurants, hotels and apartments at The Waterfront are connected to a multimillion-dollar renovation of the AMC Waterfront 22, set for next year.
AMC Theatres has announced the signing of a long-term lease extension for the 22-screen theater, which has been a staple at The Waterfront since it opened in 2000. With this new agreement, AMC will embark on a remodel, featuring larger seats and the addition of an AMC MacGuffins bar that will serve craft beers, wine, and cocktails. The theater will also get a fresh look with new paint and carpeting.
Although the theater will maintain all 22 screens, the new, wider, reclining seats will reduce the total seating capacity from 4,000 to 2,000.
With the theater’s seating capacity decreasing, fewer parking spaces around the multiplex will be required. This will free up approximately 1.5 acres of land between the theater and Costco for future development, officials said.
M&J Wilkow, the owner of The Waterfront, has not yet shared specific plans for the property that will become available. The site is near the location where a new residential complex with around 300 units is set to be constructed.
“AMC Waterfront 22 has been a destination for families across our region for nearly 25 years,” said Emily Wittmer, marketing director and assistant general manager at The Waterfront. “We are overjoyed a new generation will get to enjoy making movie memories alongside the other shopping and dining experiences they get to enjoy while visiting our property. We are grateful to AMC and believe this underscores The Waterfront’s ongoing commitment to making this the premier retail destination in the area.”
AMC Waterfront 22 is an original anchor tenant and has been one of the property’s crown jewels since opening on May 5, 2000, as the Loews Waterfront Theatre. The building’s original exterior was marked by a blend of golden columns and hand-cut tile.
AMC merged with Loews in 2005 and operated as AMC Loews until the Loews name was phased out in 2017.