Arlington Theaters Closes, What Now?
Arlington Theaters closed their doors on Sunday but does that mean residents have lost an appetite to head to the theaters?
However you see the recent closing of The Arlington Theaters located 53 S. Evergreen Ave., it's a sad day for all.
When I'm not pounding away at my laptop, interviewing Arlington Heights residents or attending a meeting in the village, I find myself going to the movie theaters.
Before coming to Arlington Heights, I was the local editor of Cary, a smaller town and about 30 minutes north of Arlington Heights. The town has a lot of character but it didn't have a movie theater, which is why I frequent the Crystal Lake movie theater quite a bit.
When I learned Arlington Heights had a movie theater downtown, I was ecstatic. It's much different than other differences, primarily because of its unique location and design. I've been covering the village for just a little more than 30 days, so as I'm still new to the area, learning the village and the people, the theater closing is sad.
Get more news on Patch:
But, it doesn't have to stay that way. Everyone involve with the downtown location, wants a theater there.
Mayor Arlene Mulder told the Daily Herald, that the theater’s closing is very sad, but she thinks a theater is sustainable in the spot.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arlington Heights population was at 75,428, as of July 2011, making it one the largest populations in the Northwest Suburbs.
With such a large population, why would a theater have trouble? It could be for a number of reasons, including competition from area theaters, economy, management and a rise of digital movie opportunities online.
Patch would like to know what you think Arlington Heights needs. Vote on our poll below. If an option is not there, feel free to make a comment about your suggestion.
kindamara
8:15 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
The best thing about the Arlington Theater was their affordability. You could see a movie for under $10. The price was $5.75 before 6:00 pm. The alternative, AMC at Randhurst, is extremely expensive. There are also several decent restaurants close to the theater. What is going to happen to those businesses?
Quincy Hodges
9:33 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Good point. Foot traffic that the theater generated, may hurt other businesses in the area. The village wants to fill the theater location with another tenant right away.
Alexis Pasquier
10:05 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Before the theater opened, they said that they would have "fine art" movies such as foreign movies and the movies you have to go to Chicago or Evanston to see. They really only showed popular movies, so I went there only once.
kindamara
6:48 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I forgot about that. It's unfortunate we have to go to Evanston or Chicago to see the small "artsy" movies. The Regal Theater in Lincolnshire usually has some of these movies. Occasionally Regal at The Glen will have the smaller movies too. Regal's pricing isn't too bad either. Plus there are quite a few restaurants near the theater.
Jeremiah Nelson
8:50 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
That is exactly what should be there.
Kelly L.
11:35 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Among many other reasons, I am sad to see theatre close as it was a great, safe, fun place for our kids to meet their friends. They could get there on their own, by either biking or walking, see movie and have lunch. Where in AH can our kids go?
kathy dieringer
11:48 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
The Theatre was such a nice place for a family to see a movie. It had a small, hometown feel to it, right in the center of downtown. You didn't have to deal with the new theatre & the drinks being served at the theatre in Randhurst. Very sad.
Quincy Hodges
11:50 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Good question Kelly. There are some opportunities, such as parks and pools and Campus Life teen center. But I know what you mean, that location for a movie theater was perfect because its safe, walking distance and surrounded by a lot of eateries.
Tammy Sprengell-Beckley
10:04 am on Sunday, July 15, 2012
My kids ride their bikes there all of the time. It was perfect. They cant ride their bikes to Woodfield or Randhurst. It was so much better when I was a kid. We had video arcades, movies, rollerskating etc. There isnt anything close and affordable for the kids to do in the summer. Boredom leads to misbehaving.
awreerhst
10:27 pm on Tuesday, December 25, 2012
http://www.coachoutletonlinebfd.com/ Coach Outlet Online
http://www.guccibeltstb.com/ Gucci Belts
http://www.coachoutletonlineyds.net/ Coach Factory Online