Will it be a ghost town when AMC closes?
Folks are worried about the movie theater renovation. It's been a confusing thing, first they are closing the AMC, then they aren't now they are again.
The AMC theater is scheduled to close in October and and then a brand new Muvico is scheduled to open six months later. With or without a bowling alley now, that is now in question, so are the 62,000 people per month that were projected to pass through Coconut Grove because of the spiffy new theater/bowling alley complex (and restaurant, which was part of the plans).
Some local merchants feel that the six month period, which is during season, could easily turn the Grove into a ghost town. And that six months can easily turn into eight months or a year.
People are asking for answers, but no one has any. So far, nothing has been done to take the place of the closed theater. There was talk of various small theaters around the village and maybe live plays and some sort of old movie house -- shows to keep people coming to the Grove. There is even talk of setting up movies in the promenade at Mayfair.
But to tell you the truth, if the Grove is only about the movie theater then we are in bad shape. The Grove needs to be about art and music and food and lots more than a chain movie theater.
The AMC theater is scheduled to close in October and and then a brand new Muvico is scheduled to open six months later. With or without a bowling alley now, that is now in question, so are the 62,000 people per month that were projected to pass through Coconut Grove because of the spiffy new theater/bowling alley complex (and restaurant, which was part of the plans).
Some local merchants feel that the six month period, which is during season, could easily turn the Grove into a ghost town. And that six months can easily turn into eight months or a year.
People are asking for answers, but no one has any. So far, nothing has been done to take the place of the closed theater. There was talk of various small theaters around the village and maybe live plays and some sort of old movie house -- shows to keep people coming to the Grove. There is even talk of setting up movies in the promenade at Mayfair.
But to tell you the truth, if the Grove is only about the movie theater then we are in bad shape. The Grove needs to be about art and music and food and lots more than a chain movie theater.
posted by Tom Falco at 10:30 AM
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18 Comments:
Last night I went to see Julie and Julia, presented by the Women's International Film Festival, at AMC Cocowalk. Great movie! It was the first time since the French Film Festival I have seen a full theater there. Even when I saw the new Harry Potter film early in the run, it was practically empty. The place has gotten so run down, it seems that only those of us who can walk there go anymore. I can't imagine closing it would be the death of the Grove, and the excitement of a new, state of the art facility and the people it brings would more than make up for it later.
that theater is a piece of s#$t compared to any of the other theaters in miami right now. they stopped fixing things and maintaining it years and years ago. i agree with michelle, i only go out of convenience (and sunset place parking garage is like dante's many layers of hell).
i would venture to say that the theater currently brings in way fewer moviegoers than we assumed.
i hope they go all out in the new theater. look @ sunset place, their splitsville bowling alley is doing very well.
I agree, Michelle. I cant remember ever seeing a theater even 1/2 full in the past 4+ years when Ive gone. It will be a shame if there is no bowling alley. I think something like that would be a huge win for Cocowalk as its something everyone likes to do.
Too big a deal is being made about this.
People go the the AMC in the grove, because it's in the grove and this is where they want to eat & drink. Not the other way around. It's been the worst theatre in Miami for quite a few years.
The theater is closing for months, the merchants are concerned. We are not discussing the state of the currrent theater. We are asking if NO THEATER will hurt the Grove.
No theatre will hurt the Grove. Everytime I've went to the movies I've ended up going for/staying for dinner and then staying out/wandering around.
It's an easy hook for people to go to the Grove in the first place that might not necessarily for numerous other reasons.
For instance, I live within walking distance of Miracle Mile, so I only go to the Grove for certain specific reasons because I can do the eating/shopping/drinking thing by walking.
I can't see a movie in the Gables, so I would go to the Grove for the whole night.
I disagree with 'that guy.' I pass Sunset Place theater to go to Cocowalk because the parking at the garage is easier and there's always less people, no lines, etc.
Guess that's because of all the complaints above. i know you don't want to discuss current theater but it currently brings me into the grove. However, I don't stay there. Usually just get in car and go somewhere else to eat or shop, whatever. Why bother staying and paying for parking, especially for stuff at cocowalk; chili's, cheesecake factory, los ranchos, etc. Not worth it.
I hate crowded theaters and places and know that if this Muvico/bowling alley draws some of the same types of crowds as Sunset or Dolphin mall, I'm going to have to look elsewhere for my movies. Guess it won't be a loss for the grove, though, since I don't stick around.
We will certainly will lose traffic. When the One Ear Society was at Mayfair we had more traffic per month than any museum, including the museums opening receptions. When they closed the movies it became a ghost town. Armed with this knowledge CocoWalk just needs to put in place some diversion for the period of renovation. They will make up the lack of traffic with the new theatre. I was there last night to see Julie & Julia, the place was shabby but don't miss this charming film based on two true stories. Then visit my blog.
the only things hurt by this will be crazy pianos, cheesecake, los ranchos and chilis.
Being that I don't frequent or care about those places, I'm not concerned. The real grove won't be affected.
We live here in the Grove because of all the energy. The AMC Theatre is a huge part of this type of living. We love to go with a group of other locals, and we do dinner, movie & late night cocktails. Catch the code 33 & just have a blast here in town. Last Sunday as we walked from the candy counter to our theatre 10, we were looking around at what might be of value when the big ball hits. We decided there is nothing at all worth saving. Cant wait for the New Theatre, because this AMC is really a Dump. Worth the wait.
Wrongo - the book store will be hurt, people go to the book store before and after the theater and even get a coffee or a bite to eat while they are there.
I heard that people that go to coconut grove only go because of the theater.
Now that is a pretty ridiculous statement. I can not get 1 friend to go to the grove theater cause no one outside of the Grove wants to come to this dump. The only time they come is when they want the Grove experience which is laid back. I personally love the theater because no one goes there and there are always seats available. I think that clearly tells you this topic is over rated. The comedy club appears to be doing fine and there is nothing around that business.
You want to help business, bring back the 5am drinking. Maybe as a temporary solution…
AMC although not the best of theaters is close to home which is why I go. I do not go to the Grove to do some shopping. I go to watch a movie, have some drinks, walk around and visit the bookstore. Without the theater I'll just go elsewhere for example Sunset Place that will have everything in one location
Reopen the ACE Movie Theatre Could you imagine what it must look like inside? As long as I can ever remember that theatre has been closed.
The ACE has had many opportunities to reopen and refurbish with grant money, the owner are none cooperative.
Stay tuned dahlings... ! Margot Channing
YES- HAve you not noticed the Center Grove is DEAD!
I only go for the theater and contrary to hyperbole here CocoWalk was hardly the worst theater in Miami and was actualy just fine.
The Grove hasn't amounted to much since the Hungry Sailor was in its little corner. There isn't anything artsy about the Grove anymore.
Honestly what is the real Grove? Only a handful of establishments have any longvity or history and like the other poster I have no interest in places like Chilis or Cheesecake Factory.
Commodore Plaza is a death trap for restauranteurs. Has CocoWalk ever been successful? One only need look to the success of Mayfair shops....
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