The movie theater complex is expected to open sometime in 2021 in the shopping center at the northwest corner of Atlantic Boulevard near Kernan Boulevard, according to Sleiman Enterprises, which is doing the project with Cinemark Holdings Inc.
“All systems are go. The project is advancing well …the early part of 2021 would be the goal for completion,” said Michael McNaughton, chief operating officer of Sleiman Enterprises on Wednesday.
Noting theaters require complex, specialized construction, McNaughton said they are finalizing the preliminary plans and site preparation for the project.
Each of the 14 auditoriums in the theater complex will be equipped with advanced technology as well as customer-preferred amenities, Cinemark officials have said.
Those features include:
- A Cinemark XD auditorium
- Cinemark’s Luxury Loungers, which are electric-powered, plush, oversize recliners with footrests and cup holders.
- Reserved seating with online and kiosk ticketing.
- An ultramodern viewing environment with wall-to-wall screens and enhanced sound systems.
- 4K digital projection powered by Barco projectors with RealD 3D capability.
- A lobby with concession stand.
The theater project should be a boon to the shopping center and community. Mark Zoradi, Cinemark’s chief executive officer, has said the company is excited to be part of Atlantic North.
“Our Cinemark theater will be the entertainment anchor to this impressive shopping center, providing an unparalleled entertainment experience for the eastern communities of the Jacksonville metropolitan area,” Zoradi said.
Also anchoring the shopping center are Belk, Earth Fare, Academy Sports + Outdoors and LA Fitness.
McNaughton said the ongoing project has generated a high level of interest from the community as well as prospective tenants of all types for the shopping center.
“We have close to 300,000-square-feet of additional activity on the site,” he said. “It’s a very exciting time for Atlantic North and where we hope to go.”
The community is growing around the shopping center, which will offer a variety of retail stores and restaurants complementing the Cinemark and other businesses already there.
The Atlantic North site will be the second Cinemark theater complex on the Southside of Jacksonville. It will join Cinemark Tinseltown and XD at 4535 Southside Blvd.
Leasing representative Ashleigh Sleiman along with colleague Hunter Sleiman handled the deal resulting in the Atlantic North theater project.
“Cinemark’s exceptional facility will also serve as a catalyst for advancing phase two, bringing Sleiman Enterprises’ development at Atlantic and Kernan to a total of 550,000-square-feet,” Ashleigh Sleiman has said.
The 55,428-square foot theater complex will seat about 1,348 people and encompass about 12.3 acres, according to city of Jacksonville building permits.
For the full article from Jacksonville.com, click here.
