Port Washington will once again be a two cineplex town, possibly as early as Memorial Day.
Soundview Cinemas, a company owned by Jordan and Dara Desner of Plainview, are taking over the multiplex theater at Soundview Marketplace. The theater there has sat dormant since September 2010.
The venue will show 100 percent digital films – “the best quality picture” and “will be have access to top-billing films,” said Mayor Bob Weitzner.
It will also have new leather seating and a new marquee, among other improvements, Weitzner said. “The village is very excited about it.”
A new movie theater at the shopping center will be a boon to existing businesses there, including , which had relocated within the plaza to be closer to the theater shortly before Clearview Cinemas closed the theater there.
Weitzner added that the new theater would also be a plus for , and may even inspire other businesses to lease space within the shopping center.
“We’re very excited to get the chamber involved and BID [] involved,” he said, adding that the village has been working with Soundview Cinemas for the last six months.
According to Armstrong Realty Management, which manages the property, the theater is 25,400 square feet. A realtor familiar with the property was told the space was leasing for between $25 to $30 per square foot.
In 2008, Jordan Desner was inducted into Cambridge Who’s Who, as president of JD Cinemas, which runs Movieland Cinemas in Coram. On Friday, the theater was listed as showing “Titanic 3D,” “The Hunger Games” and other big commercial releases.
While Soundview Cinemas hopes to open by the end of May, Weitzner said it may take a bit longer until all of the official paperwork is finalized.
