A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon for the long-awaited Premiere Cinema Entertainment Center on Vaughn Lane in Pell City. Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and St. Clair County Economic Development Council (SCCEDC), as well as other city and county elected officials, both past and present, gathered with citizens for the momentous occasion.
“We’re just glad that so many people came out to join us today as we kick this off,” said Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt. “This has just been an incredible effort that so many people have put so much work into—I know this is going to be a catalyst for great things.”
According to SCCEDC Executive Director Don Smith, plans for the movie theater and bowling alley complex, originally requested by the community in 2008, were put on hold due to the recession. However, in 2013, the council refocused their efforts—finalizing a deal with Premiere Cinema Corp. in June of last year.
The Texas-based company will be investing almost $10 million into the seven-acre facility, with the city putting $1,266 million toward the project—$600,000 of that coming from a partnership with St. Clair County. This will be paid back over the next 15 years based on Premiere’s mortgage agreement.
The complex will include at least a seven-screen theater and a minimum 10-lane bowling alley. A cafe, arcade and event rooms will also be included.
“Everybody did their part, but the bottom line is, the residents of the Pell City community, they’re what made this community attractive to bring (investors) in,” said Pruitt. “Everyone just deserves such great recognition for making this happen—and for making Pell City what it is.”
Story by: Ellen Sowa, St. Clair News-Aegis
Original article: http://www.newsaegis.com/news/a-catalyst-for-great-things/article_4fe1a55c-f490-11e6-b999-3f69cdc2169f.html
