The Granada Theater has been shuttered for five years, but could
reopen in the fall. If all goes well between CineLux
– which operates 11 theaters at Tennant Station – and the city,
the Granada could open as early as August, playing first-run mature
and family-oriented films.
Good option
The Granada Theater has been shuttered for five years, but could reopen in the fall. If all goes well between CineLux – which operates 11 theaters at Tennant Station – and the city, the Granada could open as early as August, playing first-run mature and family-oriented films.
That would be a good temporary use of the site. Ideally, CineLux would operate the existing Granada Theater for a little more than two years while a mixed-use project that includes a second-floor theater would be built down the street, on the southeast corner of Second Street and Monterey Road.
Once the mixed-use project was finished, projected to be late 2011 or early 2012, the Granada Theater would move there and CineLux would continue running it. The original Granada, along with the Downtown Mall, would eventually be demolished to make way for another, larger mixed-use project down the road.
If it makes sense, sign a deal
CineLux owner Paul Gunsky said CineLux would operate Granada as a two-screen theater showing “sophisticated” movies, such as “Frost/Nixon” and “Slumdog Millionaire;” independent films such as “Fireproof” and “The Duchess;” and family-oriented movies.
Wednesday, the Morgan Hill City Council, acting as the Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency Board, will review a staff recommendation to pursue an exclusive negotiating agreement with CineLux – which currently operates the 11-screen theater complex in Tennant Station – for the existing and new Granada Theater.
Agreeing with CineLux would work for both parties. and if it makes business sense, the two should sign a deal.
Chance to lure visitors downtown
It’s a great opportunity to bring hundreds of people downtown who might frequent some of the local establishments. Most downtown proponents agree that reopening a theater there is crucial to the area’s revitalization. Merchants have urged the city to find an interim use for the Granada, since the theater would provide more foot traffic and boost business there.
Then it’s up to those local business owners to lure customers into their establishments. Perhaps the Downtown Business Association can come up with a marketing plan linked to the movies.
BookSmart owner Brad Jones told reporter Natalie Everett that the reopening of Granada is “the best thing that could happen to the downtown,” especially if it were to include a stage for live performances and sat between 500 and 1,000 people.
While it’s not a perfect solution, it is a good idea that will draw people downtown. Let’s get it done.
