AMC Wins OK for New Burbank Multiplex

The AMC movie theater chain has received approval to build a state-of-the-art multiplex in Burbank, city officials said Wednesday.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the 16-screen project, which will offer stadium seating and free parking. Construction on the multiplex at 1st Street and Palm Avenue is expected to begin in October, with completion expected in April 2003.

The existing 14-screen AMC multiplex across the street will be replaced with retail and restaurant space after its replacement opens.

The $60-million project will ultimately offer shopping and dining on the ground level and the theaters on the second level. It also will provide 885 parking spaces--more than four times the number available now.

The project is part of a steady and aggressive downtown redevelopment effort. Senior project manager Jack Lynch said the 14-screen theater provided a catalyst in the revitalization of downtown over the past 15 years, and he expects the new theater will build on that.

He said Burbank’s strategy has long been to gain a competitive edge over downtown shopping and entertainment districts in other cities by offering ample free parking.