Construction officially began Wednesday on B&B Theatres New Longview 7, a boutique luxury cinema located in Lee's Summit's New Longview commercial district. The 'New Urbanism' project is being co-developed by Box Real Estate Development and Platform Ventures, both Kansas City-area based firms, and is yet another example of Lee's Summit's long list of recent exciting project announcements.
"This has been three years in the making, which is often the case with mixed-use projects," said Developer Russ Pearson of Box Development. " 'New urbanism' design by nature produces more density, extends buildings to the street and offer limited parking, all in an effort to promote walkability and random interactions between people. We couldn't be more excited to have B&B Theatres anchor this project."
The project took shape through collaboration of a design "charrette," an intensive planning session involving developers, designers, neighborhood leaders and civic stakeholders, according to Pearson.
"This truly is a team effort and it's been a great process working with our design team that includes Hollis + Miller Architects, Olsson Associates, Confluence and Henderson Engineers. The result is an exciting design and an amazing project," Pearson said.
The theaters will feature art deco design elements reminiscent of the early 1900's when Kansas City lumber baron R.A. Long was in his heyday, spearheading construction of Kansas City's World War I Memorial and building more than 60 structures at Longview Farms, the largest development project in the U.S. at the time.
The 7-screen cinema will include more than 600 electric leather reclining chairs, reserve seating, a lounge and bar, as well as 30-foot-wide screens, and an outdoor seating experience that will include fireplaces and big screens.
"We are looking forward to sharing the magic of the movies with Lee’s Summit early next year," B&B Theatres President Bob Bagby said.
Several factors influenced B&B Theatres' decision to open in New Longview, including Cerner's new world headquarters in South Kansas City, residential and commercial development in Lee's Summit and the nearby location of Metropolitan Community College-Longview.
The project adds momentum to Lee's Summit's flourishing west side along the View High Corridor, according to Lee's Summit Economic Development Council President Rick McDowell.
"We call all of this new development along View High Drive our very own 'West Side Story' and are thrilled to see so much commercial and residential construction taking place between historic Longview Farms and extending north to I-470 with the Paragon Star Soccer Village. It is a very exciting time for Lee's Summit," McDowell said.
City of Lee's Summit Mayor Randall Rhoads said he looks forward to hearing movie themes played in the new theater, but the real music he loves "is the tractors you hear right now."
Developers are still seeking office, restaurant and retail tenants. Click here for more information.
Rendering of B&B Theatres New Longview 7.