The city of Richardson is collaborating with Alamo Drafthouse to revitalize and enhance its Heights Neighborhood location in The CORE District.
The goal is to provide patrons with a refreshed, enhanced cinematic experience while preserving the unique charm that has made Alamo Drafthouse a must-visit experience for avid moviegoers.
The location holds historic community significance as it is the site of the community’s first shopping center, constructed in the 1950s following the expansion of Central Expressway into the Richardson City limits.
In 2012, Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse announced expansion into the North Texas market, selecting Richardson Heights as its first location. Since then, Richardson Heights has experienced new life with popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
"We specifically sought Alamo Drafthouse to serve as an anchor destination for the Richardson Heights neighborhood because we knew it would provide a unique cinematic experience that would serve as a catalyst to revitalize the entire area,” Richardson Mayor Bob Dubey said in a statement.
Alamo Drafthouse’s renovation work will launch later this month and will encompass many areas, including upgrading its audiovisual equipment, as well as making improvements to its seating arrangements and overall theater ambiance.
“Richardson was the first theater we ever opened in Dallas-Fort Worth, and the community that has built up around it is truly incredible,” said Bill DiGaetano, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema North Texas & Twin Cities CEO. “We want our guests to have the amazing cinema experience that they deserve, and with these upgrades, I think we’re on the right track.”
Alamo Drafthouse is a cinema chain founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, known for its dine-in theater concept, strict no-talking policy and creative programming. They offer a high-quality cinematic experience, have introduced a subscription service, and actively support film culture.
“We are excited by Alamo’s long-term commitment to the City of Richardson,” said Richardson city manager Don Magner. “Our decades-long partnership will strengthen the City’s revitalization efforts in The CORE District and position Alamo for continued success in our community.”
The CORE District includes the China Town, Downtown, Heights, Interurban and Lockwood neighborhoods and is a thriving entertainment and cultural center. It plays host to three, annual community events, Lunar New Year, Light Up Lockwood, Culture in the CORE, and is home to many independently owned and operated businesses.
To learn more, visit www.richardsoncoredistrict.com.
