The Bronx will soon be down to just one movie theater for the entire borough as Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas is set to close. This decision has left residents and long-time patrons disheartened, as the theater has been a significant part of the community for generations.
A Community Staple Shuts Down
Showcase Cinemas, the operator of the theater, confirmed in April that the theater on 161st Street would be shutting down due to a failed lease agreement negotiation. In a statement to the Bronx Borough President’s office, Showcase Cinemas announced, “Showcase Cinemas confirms the closure of Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas after failure to come to terms with a new lease agreement. The cinema will cease operations following the close of business on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Members of our Starpass loyalty program will receive a special offer as a way to thank them for their many years of movie-going at Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas. Showcase Cinemas remains deeply committed to our theatrical exhibition business and we look forward to continuing to provide a superior movie-going experience at our US cinema locations.”
A Legacy of Memories
For many residents, the closure of Concourse Plaza Multiplex signifies the end of an era. Charles Diaz, a long-time customer, shared his nostalgia: “I’ve been coming here probably since the early 90s, mid-90s, and it’s been part of my family for a while now.” The theater holds countless memories for its patrons, who are eager to experience one last show before it closes its doors.
Ruby Hall, another loyal customer, expressed her sadness: “I’m gonna go for the last show. We had a lot of good times in there, but I’m sorry they’re closing.” Diaz echoed this sentiment, noting the theater’s significance: “To have today as one of the last couple days to have the movie theater open, I decided to come out and try to be part of the tradition one more time before it’s gone.”
Future Hopes for the Community
As the borough prepares to bid farewell to Concourse Plaza Multiplex, residents are already considering the future of the space and its potential impact on the community. With the AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 in Co-Op City becoming the sole remaining theater in the Bronx, locals hope that whatever replaces Concourse Plaza Multiplex will benefit the neighborhood, especially the younger generation. Diaz emphasized the need for community-focused development: “I think the children would benefit mostly from anything that would be new to the community.” Hall also expressed concern for the youth, stating, “I think about the kids. They need somewhere to go.”
Moving Forward
The closing of Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas marks a significant change for the Bronx, highlighting the broader issue of entertainment deserts in urban areas. The departure of such a beloved institution underscores the challenges faced by long-standing businesses in securing leases and maintaining their presence in evolving neighborhoods. As the community looks forward, there is a collective hope that new developments will honor the legacy of the theater and continue to serve the needs and aspirations of the Bronx residents.
With the imminent closure, the community’s focus now shifts to ensuring that the space left behind will be transformed into something beneficial for all, particularly for the children who need recreational and cultural outlets. The closure of Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas, while a moment of loss, also presents an opportunity for renewal and positive change in the Bronx.