Pantagraph.com | Money | Theater work begins at Normal development

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

To: 50 Screens wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:39 AM:

" Uh, these types of projects need a lot of land. Where in the center of B/N is there acres of open land?? "

Well have over 50 screens in town wrote on Jul 28, 2007 5:00 PM:

" Maybe this location is OK for Ironwood and the area north of ISU, but it seems out of the way to me. Since our tax dollars are going into a subsidy for this shopping center, you'd think they could have picked a better location. I wonder why they put theatres in remote locations like this spot, out on Towanda-Barnes Road, and out near the Wal-Mart in Bloomington? That new Bloomington theatre is also supposed to have 14 screens with all stadium seating, Dolby sound, digital projectors, and one is going to be big like the IMAX theatres. They say that it will have a restaurant, and you can take the food into the theatres. I wish it was closer in to the center of town. I drove by and it looks like it may be open by this winter. "

To: "to already one" wrote on Jul 28, 2007 4:37 PM:

" That area of Normal isn't the safest. A few years ago, just down the street, the husband of a Normal councilwoman was going into the Main Street Eagle Grocery and was robbed and murdered. That grocery store eventually went out of business. Since then the nearby area around Orlando Street became a real problem area, and Normal established a police substation there to try to keep order. The situation is now better, but still not resolved. Recently, there was a carjacking at Bloomington's Wal-Mart, but I don't think there have been many robberies or any murders down there. "

Great! wrote on Jul 28, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I am very excited about this project. The improved road has been needed for a long time. The stores will save those of us who live over there a lot of gas money every month. I hope they all make a decent profit and that the whole area prospers. "

Grocery store wrote on Jul 28, 2007 6:39 AM:

" I just want Tom's foods back. "

I agree with Tony wrote on Jul 28, 2007 5:45 AM:

" We need a Texas Road House. We have applebees already along with everything else in this town. Logans is close to a Texas Road House but we need a Texas Road House. "

to already one wrote on Jul 28, 2007 5:26 AM:

" Why does Normal need to compete with Bloomingtons new theater on the West Side? Because people don't want to get robbed on that side of town. Gee have you not read all trash talk on the blogs about the west side. "

Schnucks-ugh! wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:25 PM:

" I will agree that north Normal needs a grocery store in that area, but I hope the employees at new Schnucks will be friendlier than the ones at the Bloomington store. I rarely shop there because I had a bad experience several years ago at Schnucks customer service over a item that was priced wrong. I saw something in their ad the other day and decided to give them another try. Wow! There was an employee was stocking the frozen food case and he got mad about moving so I could pick out something. Then the deli clerks continued to talk & it took them five minutes to notice me standing there! Friendliest store in town?! I'll stay with Meijer, Jewel or Kroger! "

Tony wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:37 PM:

" An Old Chicago, Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse or Joe's Crab Shack would be great in that location. "

to: LM wrote on Jul 27, 2007 4:55 PM:

" Look at Trader Joe's web site, there are no sotres in Il outside the Chicago metro area and none in Mo outside St Loius. Dont' think they care about a small place like this. I'm sure they've researched and determined their business model will not work somewhere like B-N. Probably should put an Aldi's out there. "

Already one wrote on Jul 27, 2007 4:53 PM:

" There is already a new theater going up in Bloomington and it's half way done. It is suppose to be bigger than the Normal one. Why does Normal feel it needs to compete with Big Brother Bloomington? "

To: LM wrote on Jul 27, 2007 4:13 PM:

" You used the operative word, 'small.' Trader Joe's won't come to a city this size, yet. It's not the city that makes decisions on what businesses come here, it's the business itself that makes that decision. Call Trader Joe's corporate and make the request. "

re: to Roni wrote on Jul 27, 2007 4:03 PM:

" Actually the 4 Seasons on Airport road has a Bloomington address. I live in Ironwood and it takes me 10-12 minutes to get there. The Workout Company is a health club located in Normal, but personally I'll drive by it to go to 4 Seasons, would also drive by the Gold's Gym if it were located in this development. "

LM wrote on Jul 27, 2007 3:56 PM:

" Could we please get a Trader Joe's in this town some time? We have at least two of everything in B-N. I'm just asking for one small Trader Joe's. Sheesh! "

To: Movie Quality wrote on Jul 27, 2007 3:19 PM:

" Yes, Starplex will have digital. From the press release on their website: "Starplex Cinemas is pleased to announce that a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Starplex Stadium 14 in Normal, Illinois will be held later this month. Scheduled to open in 2008, the Starplex Stadium 14 will feature digital surround sound, high-back rocker chairs with cupholders, a gourmet coffee and ice cream bar, online ticketing, and a number of other exciting amenities." Sounds similar to an AMC theater, which are great! "

to Roni: wrote on Jul 27, 2007 2:41 PM:

" there is a 4 Seasons in Normal, it's off of College and Airport I believe?! "

movie quality wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:34 PM:

" For people that care about the quality of the movie presentation prepare to still hit up the Carmike theatres. The star-plex is not dropping the big $$$ for the new digital projectors, which Carmike has already installed in the Parkway and Palace. For those of you who say there's no big differnece, go see a film movie after it's been out a month, and then go see the same movie in digital and you will see the difference. "

let the shoplifting begin wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:12 PM:

" With the new Schnucks opening they better hire lots of loss prevention officers. With Orlando, Lincoln Square, Rockingham and Northmeadow village all within walking distance Schnucks will be lucky to turn a profit. This area may not be considered a "hood" to most people but believe me, it is the most "hood" area in Normal. "

Hipi wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:08 PM:

" scrap the plans for Applebee's and get an Old Chicago! Please!!! "

Movie Theatre Predictions wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:05 PM:

" Here's predictions of things to come: Pricing - New theatres will have higher ticket prices; and even higher food pricing. Just look at other theatre chains and you would know Bloomington Theatres are pretty cheap (Rave in Peoria is $8.50 at night; $6.75 in the afternoon) Service - the same; it really comes down to who they can hire. Likely the same - kids don't really want to work these days. Buildings - Yes, new is great. So they will look very nice. University was state of the art when it was built too. Maybe Carmike will replace on of the existing theatres and then be the newest theatre in town. "

The Hood? wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Tod's comments on the hood may relate to the area west of the Main and Orlando intersection (behind Pizza Hut). Normal Ploice thought it a good idea to put a substation there "

Movie Theaters... wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:36 AM:

" ...s*%k! They would be fine if they weren't full of annoying kids who constantly talk on their cel phones or to each other. Actually it's not the theaters fault, I'll blame it on the annoying kids! Parents do a better job raising them to be respectful of others! Now let the comments attacking me (and the truth I speak) begin.... "

Roni wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:33 AM:

" We need a golds gym or four seasons in north normal!!! "

To: Never Again wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:22 AM:

" WTF are you talking about? I'll be the first to jump on board the Carmike bashing traing, but poor movie selection? This town receives every major release on opening day, often times with multiple screens of each new release. Not really sure where you pulled that comment. The only time we may not get a movie here is when it's out on a limited release, and when that happens it's the movie company's that determine where they will show their films (usually in the larger markgets like chicago, NY, LA....). If we're going to bash Carmike at least make your arguements legit!! "

LittleMac wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:57 AM:

" This is great news. For those of you who don't get to watch enough commercials at home. Now, you can pay to sit in a Quality theater. And watch Quality commercials. "

Never Again wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Will I see a movie at Carmike again once the new theaters open! Their movie selection is generally awful and their theaters are run down and poorly managed since, up until now, they've been the only show in town. I have a feeling Parkway and University's days are numbered. "

My Predictions wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:08 AM:

" As we are long overdue for quality theaters in the the Twin Cities, this new complex is wonderful! Here's my predictions for the current Carmikes: 1) University will close; students will be able to get to the new theaters just as easy and will go north. 2) Parkway will (or should) become a $1 theater, showing movies again after they've left the expensive theaters. For example, Spiderman III would come back after Labor Day. For low-income families, or those who want to see a picture a few more times on the big screen, this would be great. And 3) the Palace will languish and never be at full capacity. "

to: tgif!!! wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:36 AM:

" a subway is slotted to go in . .. it's on the list! "

Question wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:32 AM:

" Why are you guys saying this is West of Main? The construction site is clearly on the NE corner of Main and Raab. It is actually a decent area and will serve the numerous families who live in all the neighborhoods nearby. Their closest stores now are Kroger (on Main or College) and Walmart. I think it is nice for them to have a more local grocery and I don't even live in that area. "

To Todd the Bod... wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Well Raab and School is EAST of Main Street, so I think you'll be safe. "

The North Main area wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:25 AM:

" is what everyone sees when they enter Normal, heading to ISU or anything near it. This development is a huge plus for the town, its visitors, and, yes, the people who live near it. It will draw some traffic away from Towanda, Fort Jesse, and College. I'll drive to the new development for Subway, Starbucks, groceries, and movies. Great location. "

Captain Geography wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:23 AM:

" This is actually EAST of main street guys... wow.. Map reading 101. Careful your intelligence is seeping thru... Oh, and Todd... we don't want you over on the west side of main street after dark either. "

Hey Todd the Bod: wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:15 AM:

" the movie theater they are talking about is on the east side of main...try reading the story. "

Luther Billis wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:58 AM:

" Attn: Geographically-challenged Todd the Bod - Hood? Please note that this is not on the West side of Main Street. "

This isn't west of main...? wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:50 AM:

" is it? Oh and just what we need! Another Dollar Tree! I'm so excited! why do these new strips keep going up? How about rehabbing the old K's Merchandise plaza.. it's a pit! "

To: todd the Bod wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:42 AM:

" Have you even looked at where this is going? It's about as "west side" as Heartland Community College, and in fact it's going in on the northEAST side of the intersection. "

DollarTree? Why? wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:41 AM:

" I know they're different companies, but there's a Dollar General less than a quarter of a mile away. That totally doesn't make any sense. However, I must say that I am thrilled that a Starbucks is going in there! "

huh wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:41 AM:

" arnt they putting up a theater over by the walmart on market street? do we need two new theaters? i only go maybe twice a year. Eight dollars per ticket, with a date, popcorn, and soda is like 30 dollars, no thank you. You can buy 2 DVDs and a pizza for the much and watch them at home. Lets blame State Farm for the high movie prices. "

To Tid the Bid wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:31 AM:

" The complex is on the east side of Main Street. That area of town is hardly "the hood." You'd be safe. "

To: Todd the Bod wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:29 AM:

" You apparently don't know where the intersection of Raab Road and Main Street is. It is no where near the "hood" as you call it. It will be nice not having to go clear across town to see a movie when you live in Normal. We only have one theater on this side. We have the new one that is going in by walmart in Bloomington and now this one. Thank you Normal for giving us some options. "

to Todd wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:28 AM:

" It's not on the West side of Main Street, it's on the east side at the corner of Main and Raab, right by the Interstate ramps. And it's not the hood; are you kidding me? I've been to Steak 'n Shake, Denny's, the gas stations, (all of which are on the west side of Main Street) and never once been robbed :-) "

TO Todd wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:27 AM:

" It's actually on the East side of Main St. And if you consider that the "hood," then you shouldn't spend anytime at SF. "

To Todd wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:27 AM:

" You obviously don't know your directions - this is all EAST of Main Street. It is definitely not "the hood" either. I used to live in a townhouse off of School Street right behind the area while I was at ISU - and never had a problem. There may be a few people in a rough crowd there - but not everyone. This area is safe - and will definitely thrive off of the new developments. "

dwarf wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:26 AM:

" Thank goodness we'll be getting a theater that's not Carmike... The theaters in town are some of the worst-quality I've ever seen - overpriced with poor service and 10 minutes of commercials before you even get to the trailers. Competition will be good for them. "

Excellent! wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:15 AM:

" Looks like great things coming for NormaL! "

Hey Todd wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:07 AM:

" Hey there Map Quest wizard, the complex is east of Main St. "

Hey Todd wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:55 AM:

" A) Would you like to see a movie at the Palace where it smells like pee or at Parkway where the seats are uncomfortable and full of unruley pre-teens or at the one by ISU where you can never find parking and is also uncomfortable? B) This complex is the one being built in north Normal. Last I checked, that's not the "Hood", nor is it west of Main Street. Plus, I wouldnt guess that someone with the name "the Bod" would be scared of crossing Main Street. C) I'll agree with you on that. "

To Todd the Bod wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:29 AM:

" The movie theater is actually EAST of Main Street. "

Hey Todd.... wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:27 AM:

" That's really on the east side of Main. Now with you being "Bod" centered and all that, you must be big enough to withstand the slight onslaught brought on by the ounk wanna-be's from the Lincoln Square area?!?!?!?! "

great..... wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:04 AM:

" another planet beach. just what we need...not "

To "Todd the Bod" wrote on Jul 27, 2007 6:22 AM:

" Why do you always post about being so afraid to go to the west side of town? I'm an east-sider too, but there is so much west of Main, including the Interstate Center, Redbird Arena, Hancock Stadium, US Cellular Coliseum, Miller Park Zoo, Fairview Park, O'Neil Park, the Historical Museum, and several of my regular stores and restaurants. Both the Center for the Performing Arts and Braden are within a block of Main Street. I go west with my family all the time and have never ever felt threatened, much less had a problem. The new theatres sound like improvements, with stadium seating. I think the new complex out near Farm & Fleet is going to have an Imax-like screen, the first one in downstate. Your timidness is going to cost you a lot of fun in life. "

tgif!!! wrote on Jul 27, 2007 6:08 AM:

" I'm surprised there isn't going to be another Subway in the new center but not so surprised there's going to be another Starbuck's. It's nice to see some new places going up, too. Since when is the west side of Main Street the hood? Whoever wrote that needs to get out a little more! I've never been in a real hood but I do know they don't look like that. So funny the stuff people will post on here. Too bad this is public and other people outside the community will see it..... "

Todd the Bod wrote on Jul 26, 2007 11:57 PM:

" A) Don't we have enough movie theaters in this town? B) I'm not going to see a movie in the hood. I won't go on the west side of Main Street after dark. C) At least taxpayers aren't paying for it. "

Kay wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:39 PM:

" Ugh! I would have loved a Rosati's while I was still at ISU. A few years too late, I guess. "

who wrote on Jul 26, 2007 9:47 PM:

" there are alot of food places coming "

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