SANTA MARIA - Plans have been unveiled for the Santa Maria Town Center Mall by new owners, ERGS XIV REDO, LLC.
According to their press release, "the intent is to develop a 14-screen Regal cinema on the site where the former Gottschalks department store operated."
"Demolition of the vacant Gottschalks space is expected to begin this fall so that construction can commence on the theater in early 2013."
Previous owners and developers of the Santa Maria Town Center mall have been promising for years to build a multi-screen movie theater that most agree will make the mall a popular downtown destination.
Texas-based Archon Group has taken over management of the mall along with its local partner Architectural Ventures and is vowing to finish various renovation and remodeling plans that have been on the drawing board in the City Planning Department for years.
Topping the list of projects to be completed is the 14-screen movie theater in the location where the former Gottschalks department store occupied.
A spokesperson for Archon Group confirmed the movie theater construction is moving forward.
"I do know that for the 14 screen Regal cinema, demolition will take place this fall, and construction is targeted for early 2013", the spokesperson tells Central Coast News.
Archon Group and Architectural Ventures plan to build various sports-related venues inside the mall involving soccer, baseball, softball and skateboarding.
It also hopes to attract nationally known restaurants and retailers to the mall which has a significant amount of empty retail space.
Development plans also include revitalization of the mall common areas in order to attract additional nationally known tenants, which will include restaurants and other retailers. In addition to the existing gymnastics center, other family-oriented and entertainment uses are expected to open on the mall's second floor. This includes a soccer training facility, a full-service baseball and softball center, and skate boarding park.
Archon Group will serve as asset manager. Architectural Ventures will serve as the operating partner."
