Downtown Clearwater is in for a serious glow-up. Developers have rolled out plans for an 83,000-square-foot, $50 million entertainment destination at the gateway to the Cleveland Street corridor, a two-level complex that organizers say will blend a seven-screen multiplex anchored by what they bill as the world’s largest cinema screen with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, sit-down dining and other hands-on attractions.
Project Details
In a press release from the Cleveland Street Alliance, organizers said EVO Entertainment is slated to develop the flagship family entertainment center at the Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue entrance to downtown. The release describes a two-level, 83,000-square-foot complex with a seven-screen multiplex built around a screen that is described as "spanning more than 130 feet in width," with every auditorium outfitted with Dolby Vision projection and Dolby Atmos sound. Plans also call for bowling lanes, arcade gaming, laser tag and a mix of casual dining and event spaces, with the Alliance putting the total investment at roughly $50 million.
Who’s Building It
EVO is the consumer-facing brand of Austin-based Elevate Entertainment Group, which has been rebranding and expanding cinema-entertainment locations around the country and pairing movies with games, food and other attractions. As outlined by Elevate Entertainment Group, the company’s portfolio includes EVO Cinemas and other concepts that combine premium movie screens with bowling, group experiences and scratch-kitchen dining.
Where This Fits In Downtown
The Cleveland Street Alliance has positioned the planned complex as a future anchor for the broader revival of downtown Clearwater, a push city leaders have been pursuing through streetscape upgrades, added housing and more frequent events. According to the City of Clearwater’s Downtown Construction News newsletter, recent work includes affordable housing projects on Cleveland Street, parking and streetscape improvements and expanded programming at Coachman Park intended to support more daytime and evening activity.
Timeline And Next Steps
The press release does not spell out a construction timeline or permit schedule, and organizers have directed media questions to the Cleveland Street Alliance for additional details. Before any ground is broken, developers and city staff will have to finalize design work, secure permits and work through traffic and parking plans. Residents, meanwhile, are likely to keep an eye out for updates on jobs, hours of operation and how the new attraction will plug into the rest of the ongoing downtown improvements.
