Former AMC theater in Grand Forks to become entertainment destination

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Valley News Live) - The former AMC theater on 32nd Avenue, vacant for years, will be transformed into a new entertainment destination.

Odyssey Cinemas is taking over the property with plans to create what it calls a “modern cinema and social destination.”

“We want this to become a modern cinema and social destination for Grand Forks, which will be anchored by a premium large format supported by a broader entertainment experience, which we will be developing and incorporating into the facility,” said Bryan Sieve, President of Odyssey Cinemas.

The plans include duckpin bowling, and expanded food and concession options. In addition, visitors can expect reserved seating with heated luxury leather recliners, and a new parking lot.

“We don’t need as many screens as we’ve used before. So, we can reallocate some of that space to some of these new and exciting offerings that folks and then the communities that we serve are asking for,” Sieve said.

Odyssey Cinemas said litigation with the former tenant has delayed the project.

“It doesn’t help that we’re in litigation with the former tenant, AMC Theatres, at this point over how poorly they’ve left the building to us. We’ve been engaged in that litigation which has taken some time to be resolved which has held the project up a little bit,” Sieve said.

Odyssey approached the city about a year and a half ago with a proposal. The city could help with infrastructure improvements for the project.

“The AMC, that was the theater I would go to when I was in college back in the early 2000s. Seeing it shut down a few years ago, it wasn’t getting probably enough attention from a remodel. It had gotten pretty faded. I think, it needed some updating and upkeep that wasn’t happening. It ultimately did shut down. We’re glad somebody’s going to come in and be in the similar vein of what AMC was prior,” said Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski.

Sieve said the project aims to provide a complete entertainment venue for the community.

“Just having a full service, diversified entertainment venue just helps make the community more complete. That’s really our vision and focus for Grand Forks. To give them something they can really be proud of,” he said.

Odyssey is not sharing the cost of the project at this time.

The goal is to be under active construction by the fourth quarter, depending on how soon design work can be completed. If all goes to plan, the theater could be open by the middle of next year.

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