(January 10, 2009) -- In a dispatch via her emailed "Good Neighbor Network," Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske says City Manager Pat West told her that improvements -- including an IMAX Theater -- are coming to ELB's Towne Center (Carson St. just west of 605 freeway).
Councilwoman Schipske says City Manager West forwarded to her an email (below) describing the upgrades after a meeting with Vestar (the firm that manages ELB's Towne Center):
Though the project has been very successful over the past 10 years, we want to make sure that we continue to provide the shopping and entertainment experience that the people of Long Beach and the surrounding communities want and deserve. As such, we have undertaken a major $1.8 million re-model of the plaza area of the center (now named the Promenade @ Long Beach Towne Center).
These improvements include the addition of an outdoor entertainment stage, a giant video wall, an outdoor fireplace, two new fountains and a play area for kids.
As part of this upgrade, we will also be repainting the project this year and doing other courtyard improvements including landscape upgrades, new furniture and signage. All of these things are designed to enhance the experience at the center and allow the project to continue its role as the gathering place for Long Beach.
In addition to our improvements, we have been informed that the Edward's theater will be adding an I-Max theater. As we understand it, that upgrade should be done in time for the summer movie season. This will just add one more reason to visit the center.
A quick check of IMAX.com indicates that the coming ELB Towne Center IMAX may be the first IMAX in LB. IMAX.com doesn't list any other IMAX locations in LB; the nearest ones listed on that website were in Torrance and Anaheim.
We haven't personally been to an IMAX theater but the IMAX.com website says (under the slogan "See More, Hear More, Feel More"):
"IMAX's state of the art technology delivers the world's most immersive movie experience through a revolutionary projection system, a powerful digital audio system and customized theater geometry..."
In May 1999, prior to breaking ground at what was then called the "Queensway Bay" project (subsequently renamed the "Pike @ Rainbow Harbor"), the project's then-developer DDR OliverMcMillan said it had "finalized leases for an IMAX multimedia theater" for the project.
"We're well on our way, and we're gaining momentum as we prepare for groundbreaking," said Morgan Dene Oliver, CEO of DDR OliverMcMillan, quoted in a Business Wire release at the time.
A multi-screen movie theater ultimately materialized (operated by Cinemark)...but not an IMAX.
Councilwoman Schipske said she's very enthusiastic about the potential economic impact that the Towne Center improvements will have.
"I want to thank the City Manager, Pat West and City staff for facilitating a 'business friendly environment' so that businesses, such as the ones located at the Long Beach Towne Center, feel welcome to make additional investments and improvements," said Schipske in her emailed dispatch.
Councilwoman Schipske added that her Council office staff and LBPD had been working with Towne Center management to "make certain it is a safe venue for residents to shop, dine and enjoy."
