Cuddle chairs, caramel corn at new Hamilton Town Center luxury theater
A former IMAX theater at Hamilton Town Center has been refurbished with private screening rooms, heated stadium seating, 16 screens, a bar and “cuddle chairs.”
Emagine Noblesville Theater hosted its ribbon cutting at Tuesday evening at 13825 Norell Road, Noblesville, after nearly year of renovations
Emagine Entertainment, of Michigan, took over the property lease of the Hamilton 16 IMAX + GDX in 2020 after owner, Goodrich Quality Theaters, declared bankruptcy. Emagine opened in July of 2021 and began the renovations in two phases last January, while keeping half the complex operating.
Emagine co-founder and President Paul Glantz said there is strong demand for upscale, full-service movie theaters.
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“People are more discerning,” he said. “They want a great overall experience for their money.”
Emagine owns and operates 36 theaters in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and two in Indiana in Noblesville and Portage.
The upgrades include two private screening rooms with 18 seats on the mezzanine level, which company officials said can be used for birthday parties and special occasions. Patrons can view any movie being shown in the theater, request a historic film or stream live television such as football games, Glantz said.
Though the complex won’t show IMAX, one movie screen — called EMX — is extra large, while the others are standard size. All have enhanced sound systems.
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The theaters will feature first row cuddle-seating, which are love seats for two with leg room and ottoman. The standard seats will be plush, heated recliners.
The complex will have a full service bar and specialty popcorn, including caramel, cheddar and olive oil with sea salt, as well as wood-fired pizza.
Glantz said movie attendance has been spotty since the Coronavirus pandemic, when theaters had to shut down, but the outlook is improving.
“The industry had supply chain issues and (movie) production was curtailed,” Glantz said. Though movie releases have been sporadic, July was a record-breaking month and he said the expectation are high for 2023 because a more steady stream of films will be released.
Glantz said the company is talking to another mall owner in Central Indiana about opening there but would not disclose the location.
Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Noblesville IMAX gets new life as Emagine theater
