The cinematic landscape of Chicago's South Loop is set for a revival as AMC Theatres steps in to fill the void left by the ShowPlace Icon Theatre, which shuttered its doors during the summer. Precisely, the AMC Roosevelt Collection 16 is pegged to open early in 2025, a move that marks the chain's commitment to expanding its footprint in environments perceived as lacking in movie-going options. The announcement, reported on November 14th by both Chicago Sun-Times and WGN-TV, has sparked interest among the local community and cinephiles alike.
While the details of the lease remain under wraps, as an AMC spokesperson clarified the company's policy to not divulge such particulars, the presence of AMC in the Roosevelt Collection retail complex is a clear signal of intent. The theaters, according to the press release, will feature power-reclining seats and, following the launch, will serve up a full menu at the concessions stand – inclusive but, not limited to beer, wine, and cocktails. AMC's Executive Vice President Dan Ellis highlighted the strategic importance of this move, stating, “In recent years, AMC has made it a priority to strengthen our circuit by identifying popular and well-performing theatres in areas where we believe moviegoers are underserve," as mentioned in the WGN-TV report.
The abrupt closure of ShowPlace Icon Theatre was part of a larger trend with its parent company ceasing operations nationwide, affecting theaters across multiple states including Minnesota and California. The South Loop's theater was notably impacted on July 1st, which had contributed significantly to the Chicago area's cinema scene since its inception in 2009. It was known for its luxury offerings, like VIP seats, top-notch sound and projection technology, a lounge with specialized drinks, and an array of food options such as mini-pizzas and sandwiches.
With the Roosevelt Collection already hosting a variety of tenants from Ulta Beauty to LensCrafters, the inclusion of AMC is poised to reintegrate the movie-going experience into the community's suite of amenities. "We are thrilled to be welcoming AMC to our lineup of dining, retail, fitness, and lifestyle amenities here at Roosevelt Collection Shops," Deirdre Larsen of CBRE observed, reflecting on the unique character and potential of the Roosevelt Collection as a community hub. AMC also assures patrons that members of the AMC Stubs A-List will be able to enjoy their membership benefits at this new establishment, a point acknowledged in the press materials cited by the Chicago Sun-Times.
