Development News

Royal Oak theater proposes trifecta of movies, bowling, and booze

Thursday, August 20, 2009

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Royal Oak

Catching a movie in downtown Royal Oak could become a one-stop fun shop in the near future.

The developer behind the Main North building wants to build a combination 10-screen movie theater complex, bowling alley, and bar. He will go before the city's liquor commission tonight to make his case.

"You could get a drink and go see a movie or order something from the bar," says Tim Thwing, director of planning for Royal Oak.

The entertainment complex, to be similar to the Emagine Theaters in Novi and Canton, is proposed for the large empty lot at Troy Street and 11 Mile Road. It will feature 1,700 seats, with theaters holding from 86 to 395 viewers.

Preliminary designs call for a one-story building, similar to modern-day cinemas and in contrast to the multi-story theaters in downtown Birmingham. As of yet, nothing is planned to be built above the screens.

Source: Tim Thwing, director of planning for Royal Oak
Writer: Jon Zemke