AMC 30 first opened in 1997.
It’s a sad day for Houston. AMC 30, one of the Kansas-City-based chain’s noteworthy cinemas has permanently closed after 23 years of business.
While one might expect the closing of the theater to be a direct result of the pandemic-caused economic turmoil, or due to the longstanding plight of cinemas against streaming services and advancing at-home studio systems.
But according to a statement released by AMC execs, the closing had more to do with the studio’s owner’s lease running out.
“AMC continues to have constructive discussions with our landlords as we work together to effectively manage through this COVID crisis,” the company wrote.
“This includes reaching a global agreement with EPR Properties, one of our most prominent landlord partners which was executed on July 1, 2020. In conjunction with that agreement, EPR made certain rent concessions in exchange for other rights, including its ability to terminate up to seven leases. In conjunction with this agreement, AMC has ceased operations at six EPR-owned theatre locations nationwide. AMC Studio 30, which closed at the end of business on Sunday, November 8, is the only AMC in this area impacted as a result of this agreement. ”
AMC 30 located at 2949 Dunvale Rd. first opened in 1997. In the last 23 years, the studio became an outlier in Houston AMCs by screening films outside the mainstream – particularly those from China, India, and the Philippines.
AMC theaters across the country closed back in early March when stay-at-home orders were first enacted. Back in August, the cinema company reopened theaters in select cities with a grand re-opening celebrating their 100th anniversary.
Eight AMC theaters remain in the Houston area including cinemas in Downtown, Katy, and Willowbrook.
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