PUBLISHED JUNE 23, 2016
Gibsonton theater complex going up fast
By PENNY FLETCHER
PENNY FLETCHER PHOTO
Movie night will be easy to get to this fall when the Goodrich Quality 14-screen theater opens in centrally-located Gibsonton.
The 30-acre commercial project just east of the Gibsonton Walmart is slated to house a state-of-the-art, 14-screen theater and shops, giving the people of the South County area relief from traveling to Brandon or Bradenton on movie night. Residents in Ruskin, Sun City Center, Wimauma and Apollo Beach could be in for a 30-plus mile drive to either location; while those in the Summerfield/Riveriew area have to fight enough traffic to discourage them from leaving their area at all.
Soon, this fall in fact, the Goodrich Quality 14-screen theater will open in centrally-located Gibsonton.
Movie night will be easy to get to and provide every bit as much — if not more — than what is offered in the larger towns to the north and south.
Strathmore Development Company and Goodrich Quality Theaters are working together to bring a large, comfortable, 80-foot-wide screen, bringing floor-to-ceiling viewing; an all-digital projection theater allowing for the latest technology including the premium Dolby Atmos sound systems.
The theater also promises luxurious recliner seats, reserved seating, a spacious lobby, multiple box offices and a 100-seat restaurant off the lobby.
After groundbreaking in December 2015, Terry Benton, vice president of real estate for Strathmore Development Company, began taking on other businesses starting with Zaxby’s Chicken, which is building its second franchise in the area; its first being in Brandon.
Strathmore has a long history of “Community Focus” that it promises to bring to the South County community. For instance, in January 2015, it sponsored and had its support recognized by Michigan State University; in November 2014, it was recognized by the City of Gahanna, Ohio, for its support of the Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony; and in August of that same year, it helped raise $200,000 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a “Duck Race.” Besides these worthy events, it has sponsored blues and jazz festivals and cultural celebrations and more.
The Riverview Chamber of Commerce says it is delighted to have Strathmore as a member of the community.
“This 14-screen movie theater will provide additional entertainment options that we are thrilled to have in our community,” said Tanya Doran, president of the Riverview Chamber. “Our hope is that residents and visitors will see a movie, then stay in the area to enjoy a meal, shop and visit other local establishments. The potential economic impact may be substantial,”
Strathmore executives are hoping to attract shops and stores to the area surrounding the theater in the new complex.
So far, Zaxby’s Chicken, Dunkin’ Donuts, T-Mobile, Little Caesars Pizza, and a nail salon are there, and over two dozen more retailers and services to follow.
“After breaking ground only six months ago, we now have four of the 11 out-lots, in addition to the theater, under contract and are negotiating with dozens of others,” said Benton. “We are only about 40-percent finished with the site infrastructure work, but hope to have the entire site work finished by Sept. 1, before the theater opens and with other stores and restaurants soon to follow.”
To find out more about locating in the new complex contact Terry Benton, vice president of real estate, Strathmore Development Company, at 855-336-4400 x128, or email terryb@strathmoredev.com.
Meanwhile to see the project unfold online, visit www.strathmoredev.com.
Artists’ rendition of the completed Riverview 14 Goodrich Quality Theater to be open this fall.
