Question posted on Springfield Reddit: Does anyone have insight on what is going to happen to the Hollywood Theater building? I think it's been a year now. Any rumors or news?
Here's what I know, without the rumors. It's for sale for $5,950,000 and available for lease, according to the listing.
The 49,803-square-foot building — with 14 screens — does not necessarily have to be used as a movie theater, said Scott F. Harrell the listing agent. Scott Harrell and his brother, Mark Harrell are listing the property.
When it was built in 2008, Scott Harrell tells me, it was constructed so that the stadium-style seating could be changed to one, flat single-level floor.
“So it's designed for an exit strategy, should it ever cease to be a theater,” Harrell says.
In terms of Springfield zoning classifications, he adds, the building — should it change function — could be used for various purposes, such as office space, health and fitness, a restaurant, entertainment and maybe even a church.
“We're just actively seeking the best use to complement the downtown that makes economic sense for the developer and owner,” Harrell says.
To be clear, Harrell adds, there has been interest in a potential buyer continuing to use it as a movie theater.
“We've had interests; we've just not come to terms,” he tells me.
The structure was built by developer Scott Tillman. It opened as a Hollywood Theater as part of the City of Springfield's $8.6 million College Station project that also included a parking garage and retail space.
The original plan was for the two grassy areas on either side of the entrance to become restaurant and retail space. That never happened — at least not yet.
The Regal Hollywood, 415 W. College St., suffered in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many movie fans did not want to go out in public in a group setting. This was true worldwide.
In 2022, the parent company was Cineworld Group, which declared bankruptcy.
The Regal Hollywood's last day was Jan. 5, 2023. Since then, the only movie theater north of Battlefield Road in Springfield is the Moxie Cinema, a non-profit, independent theater, at 305 S. Campbell Ave., No. 101.
This is Answer Man column No. 66.
