Main Street May Get Multiplex Theater

Alhambra may add a 16-screen multiplex movie theater to its downtown to help boost retail and restaurant business in the depressed area, city officials announced this week.

Edwards Theatres Circuit and Edwards Megaplex Holdings have signed a proposal to develop a movie complex to seat at least 3,000 people. The $20-million project, which would be on the corner of Garfield Avenue and Main Street, includes 15,000 square feet of space for regional and national retail and restaurant businesses, plus a 750-space parking structure. The city would put $1.1 million from its housing and urban development funds toward the parking structure.

City officials said a public hearing will be held next spring. City Manager Julio Fuentes said construction could begin in a year, with the complex opening in two years.

“We’re hoping to create a level of synergy that will spin off more economic opportunities,” Fuentes said.

Edwards already has a 10-screen theater complex at Atlantic Boulevard and Main Street and a four-screen complex at Garfield Avenue and Bay Street. Fuentes said Edwards plans to renovate the 10-screen complex after the new project is completed.