Movie Magic
The countdown begins: Alamo Drafthouse breaks ground in Richardson
Alamo Drafthouse broke ground in Richardson October 23.Photo by Alex Bentley
The future site of Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson.Photo by Alex Bentley
Bill DiGaetano, COO of Alamo Drafthouse DFW.Photo by Alex Bentley
One of the most anticipated additions to the Dallas-Fort Worth movie scene came one step closer to reality Tuesday morning when Alamo Drafthouse officially broke ground on its future location in Richardson. The Austin institution plans to open the new branch by spring 2013.
Alamo Drafthouse Dallas-Fort Worth COO Bill DiGaetano presided over the event. He introduced local officials like Richardson Mayor Bob Townsend and Richardson Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Bill Sproull, both of whom, not surprisingly, gushed about Richardson and Alamo being a perfect fit. Michael Cain, former head of the Dallas International Film Festival, spoke on behalf of the local film industry.
Alamo's seven auditoriums will range from a 45-seat de facto screening room to one with 255 seats and a 60-foot screen — the largest screen in the chain's history.
Alamo has released few details about its Richardson outpost, although DiGaetano did drop a few morsels. The theater's seven auditoriums will range from a 45-seat de facto screening room to one with 255 seats and a 60-foot screen — the largest screen in the chain's history. There will also be a front patio to encourage people to hang out even if they're not going to a movie.
Alamo will have several challenges when it opens, especially having to compete with the nearby Studio Movie Grill Spring Valley, which recently opened just over a mile away. Also, the shopping center it will inhabit caters heavily to the local Indian population, with multiple Indian restaurants and salons.
Alamo's reputation for unconventional programming could lead them to embrace the neighborhood and show Bollywood films alongside first-run fare. Parking also could become an issue, especially during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.
