ROYAL OAK, Mich., October 21, 2009 – Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment, Inc., owners and operators of one of metro Detroit’s most popular chain of movie theatres, is hoping to expand east of Woodward and is proposing to construct a family-friendly, first-class movie theatre and upscale boutique bowling venue in downtown Royal Oak on the northwest corner of Eleven Mile Road and Main Street. In addition to great family entertainment, Emagine Royal Oak and Star Lanes would bring more than 100 new jobs and provide at least $360,000 annually to the city’s tax base.
Plans for the movie theatre, Emagine Royal Oak, include 10 auditoriums all equipped with digital projection and luxury, stadium-style seating. The 16-lane bowling center, Star Lanes, would offer a fun experience in a very comfortable, upscale environment. Four of the lanes would be located on the mezzanine level; this four-lane “bowling lounge” could be reserved for family parties and business outings. Guests would be able to enjoy quality food and beverage items in the bowling center. Parking would be available in the current on-site 400-space structure, as well as on-site surface parking, accessed by the facility’s entrance on Eleven Mile.
The 73,000 square foot two-level entertainment facility is projected to cost approximately $14 million, making it one of Royal Oak’s most significant development projects currently proposed. Emagine Entertainment has been working with community residents, city officials, and the Royal Oak’s Planning Department on plans for the venue, including traffic flow, parking, lighting, and exterior maintenance. Pending municipal approvals, the complex will open in late fall 2010.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, high-quality recreation and entertainment option which would enhance the quality of life for residents of the community and significantly contribute to the local economy,” said Paul Glantz, founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment, Inc. “Additionally, we offer a great deal of in-kind and financial support to local philanthropies, civic organizations, schools, and other groups in all of the communities where we are privileged to do business, and we are committed to doing the same for Royal Oak.”
Officials and residents of Novi, Canton, and Woodhaven recognize and enjoy the significant, positive benefits resulting from Emagine theatres located in their municipalities. “Paul Glantz and Emagine Entertainment have provided tremendous philanthropic and economic support to our community,” said Phil LaJoy, Supervisor, Canton Township. “The company is a highly valued, caring, and cooperative business partner, and we are lucky to have them in our township.”
“Paul Glantz truly believes in giving back. He has been a great friend and supporter of local schools and communities,” said Peter Dion, Superintendent of the Novi Community School District and former Superintendent of Birch Run Area Schools.
Emagine Entertainment’s affiliates operate theatres in Novi, Canton, and Woodhaven, as well as Cinema Hollywood in Birch Run. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the company currently employs a total of more than 400 people from the communities it serves. Emagine Entertainment is known for its award-winning high standard of quality, customer service, and cleanliness. Emagine’s success is rooted in providing its guests with the best possible entertainment experience.
For more information about the proposed Emagine Royal Oak, Star Lanes, and Emagine Entertainment, Inc., please visit www.emaginero.com.
Supporters of the project are also encouraged to sign an online petition at www.emaginero.com.
