Back in June, MXSW broke the news the much-anticipated Alamo Drafthouse Cinema had run into problems with its proposed site in a new downtown Chandler development called The Row.
The issue – described by the developer as ‘‘a serious issue with the fill dirt’’ – apparently turned into a deal-breaker, because Alamo Drafthouse has dropped out, according to local franchisees Craig and Kim Paschich:
‘‘It is with great sadness that we must announce that Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Chandler is no longer moving forward as part of the Vintage Partners project.
We moved our family to Arizona to share the Alamo’s unique take on the movie going experience – full food and drink menu served directly to your seat in a distraction-free environment – with the state.
Although we’re disappointed by the news, we’re as committed as ever to this mission and are actively seeking new neighborhoods in the Phoenix area for Arizona’s first Alamo Drafthouse theater.’’
The two-story bar and restaurant with a separate eight-screen movie theater was to be the centerpiece of The Row on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard.
The Row was to open by the end of this year and also include new locations of The Vig, La Bocca, and Modern Margarita, all of whom have told MXSW they also are no longer committed to the development at this time.
On Thursday, the Chandler City Council approved an amended agreement with The Row’s developer, Vintage Partners of Phoenix, requiring just six theaters along with a mix of retail and restaurants.
According to unconfirmed reports, Scottsdale-based Harkins may step in and build a single-level, six-screen theater with food service called Red’s Drafthouse Cinema, presumably in honor of founder Dwight “Red” Harkins.
