Multiplex planned in capital

Galaxy Theatres contracted with Casino Fandango to build a 10-screen multiplex on part of the 30 acres earmarked for expansion of the Carson City gaming property.

Situated to the west of the casino, it will be connected by an enclosed pedestrian walkway over Curry Street and is slated to open mid-2007.

Galaxy signed a 25-year lease, with options to renew, on the 41,000-square-foot building, says Patrick Done, president of Olympia Development Inc. based in Las Vegas.

Peter B. Wilday Architects in Reno will design the theatre.

"This is a long-term commitment to the community," says Rafe Cohen, president of Galaxy Theatres. "We're not just a chain that builds a theatre. We're actively involved in the community."

Galaxy is headquartered in Sherman Oaks, Calif., with 101 screens in California, Washington, Nevada, and Texas.

The 2,000-seat, 10-screen theatre will feature digital sound, wall-to-wall screens, rocker seats and the first digital projector in northern Nevada.

The new Galaxy theatre will put pressure on the existing Northgate 10 complex on North Carson Street, says Robin Williams, city supervisor and chairwoman of the downtown redevelopment district. She said her committee had talked with Northgate owner Wallace Theatres a few years ago about making improvements to its property or possibly doing a downtown theatre, but nothing ever came of it. "Wallace has made minimal improvements to that theatre," says Williams.

Carson City's Economic Development Office worked more than two years to bring a new theatre to town.

Joe McCarthy, economic development and redevelopment manager, said city officials believe Carson City can support two theater complexes.

Adds Cohen, "We are aware of the other theatre competition. The Gardnerville complex serves a market that's a fair distance from ours. And, based on the age and condition of the Carson theatre, we feel our state-of-the-art complex will be able to compete."