In a move that ends a nearly three-decade run, Plaza Frontenac's movie theater is slated to shutter its doors come the end of this month. The closure announcement, as detailed in a letter from Landmark Theatres which has been operating the venue, specifies that films will cease to light up the screens after February 23, with the theater officially closing on February 28. This development follows a legal dispute where the theater's back rent, reportedly amounting to $274,000, became a critical issue – leading to an eviction lawsuit by Brookfield Properties, the mall's owner, which has an associated New York background. A bench trial is expected to commence on February 23 before St. Louis County Circuit Judge Mondonna Ghasedi, as indicated in a report from KSDK.
The theater has been a fixture for cinephiles since its inauguration in 1998, known for its eclectic array of independent flicks and film festival screenings that enriched the local cultural scene. Coupled with the announcement of the imminent closure was a heartfelt message to its employees, praised for their dedication, which stated, "We are truly grateful for your contributions to Plaza Frontenac Cinema’s success over the years. Your passion and commitment have made it a special place for moviegoers. It has been a pleasure working alongside each of you.” Employees, having been promised time-and-a-half pay through the theater's final operating day, were also encouraged to consider other openings within Landmark Theatres, as noted by Fox2Now.
For many residents, Plaza Frontenac Cinema hasn't just been a theater but a repository of memories, woven into the community's fabric with its special events and offerings. The letter from Landmark Theatres further acknowledged this sentiment on KSDK, sharing how Plaza Frontenac "has created countless memories and played a significant role in the lives of many."
The lawsuit, commenced by Brookfield Properties, signals the tough realities faced by the Brick-and-mortar cinema industry in an increasingly digital age, where streaming services have altered the way audiences consume media. Having been set for the suit to begin a trial before Judge Ghasedi, as reported by KSDK, the eyes of both film enthusiasts and legal observers alike will be on the outcome.
