MyReporter: What could be next for Wilmington's former AMC theater?
It's been two months since the AMC Classic 16 at 111 Cinema Drive showed its last movie on Oct. 15 and officially closed its doors at the end of the business day.
The movie theater was the oldest of three multiplexes in the Wilmington area having opened in 1997 as the Carmike Cinema 12. It reopened in December 1999 as Carmike Cinema 16 until years later in 2016 when AMC Theatres purchased Carmike Cinemas, including the one in Wilmington at the intersection of Market Street and Kerr Avenue.
Now, an empty building sits at the site of what was once a popular destination for Wilmington movie-goers.
Who currently owns the property?
So far, property tax records indicate that the movie theater is still owned by American Multi Center Inc., (AMC). Efforts to contact the property owners about future plans for the site were not immediately successful, however the property is now available for lease.
More: The last picture show: Wilmington movie theater is set to close soon
What’s allowed at the site?
According to the city of Wilmington, the site is zoned as a Regional Business district intended to accommodate a range of retail and services for the broader needs of the community.
Unlike a Community Business district, in which businesses are typically on the smaller side and in or around residential neighborhoods, the site of the AMC theater is intended for larger-scale businesses.
What could be next?
City documents state that generally, such areas are already developed and are likely to undergo change only through business turnover, infill or redevelopment — which is exactly what Wilmington residents are seeing with the former theater.
These types of businesses could include a range of industries like larger retailers or auto-related services.
Specific businesses that could open in this district vary and could include indoor amusement and recreation services, car dealerships, banking services, convenience food stores, furniture stores, hospitals, residential hotels, restaurants, spas and more.
Do you have a question about the Wilmington area that you'd like a StarNews journalist to try to answer? Send an email to myreporter@starnewsonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What could be next for Wilmington's former AMC theater?
