Schulman Theaters expects its new movie entertainment center in Longview will be open in about six months.
Film Alley will be in the former Regal Longview theater that closed this past summer at 3070 N. Eastman Road.
This week, the Weatherford-based Schulman Theaters received initial permission from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a permit necessary to allow for an “indoor amusement” business with a restaurant that serves mixed beverages. The request for the specific use permit must still be considered by the Longview City Council
The building will be renovated to include eight theaters, ax throwing, bowling and an arcade along with the restaurant, according to information presented to the commission.
“We’re excited about the opportunity,” said Jacob Schulman, vice president of Schulman Theatres. He spoke during Tuesday’s commission meeting.
He said the company is working on demolition within the building to accommodate the planned renovation. When it’s completed, the building will consist of eight movie auditoriums with “full electronic recliners,” he said, and food can be delivered to the seats.
The theaters will be on the backside of the building, while the front is where the bowling alley, arcade and ax throwing will be located.
“Construction timelines are always a little bit challenging, but we’re trying to get it open in six months,” Schulman said.
This will be the company’s fifth Film Alley in Texas, with other locations in Weatherford, Terrell, Bastrop and Georgetown. The company’s City Lights brands consist of traditional theaters in Mount Pleasant and Palestine.
Schulman is a fifth-generation member of Schulman Theatres, which he says has been in business since the 1920s.
“It’s our passion. It’s what we do,” he said. “We got into the movie entertainment center world…back in 2012.”
“It’s a fun environment,” he added.
The center will employ 100 to 150 people, he said.