Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Selects Richardson for first site in DFW
Rendering of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Richardson Heights Shopping Center
Construction is beginning on the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Richardson Heights Shopping Center on the southwest corner of Belt Line and Central Expressway. The general manager for the DFW locations, Bill DiGaetano, expects the 32,000 SF former Pep Boys site to be torn down over the next couple of weeks and new construction to be underway by the end of October.
The movie theater offers dinner, drinks, films and events, all under one roof. Alamo’s attention to detail in film presentation and programming has made them a second home to movie fans all over the planet and earned accolades from the likes of Entertainment Weekly (#1 theater in America) and Fandango.com (One of the Best Theaters in the Country).
They have been relocating utilities over the past several months. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema began in Austin, Texas and has developed into the “Coolest Movie Theater in the world," according to Wired.com.
What makes ADH different than other dinner theaters?
1. Zero tolerance for talking and texting
Alamo Drafthouse has zero tolerance for talking or cell phone use of any kind during movies, and have been known to kick texters out of the theater. They also disagree with movie theaters showing advertisements after patrons have already paid to see the movie, so they are adamant about never letting ads hit their screens.
2. Quality food and drinks
Alamo Drafthouse also takes the same care with their food and drink offerings, and at every Alamo location you can find a strong core of casual dining options to accompany your movie, as well as menu specials updated at least every three months. Cold beer, fine wines and specialty cocktails are on the menu at every location, with an emphasis on highlighting local breweries whenever possible.
3. Latest technology and fun interactivity
Innovation is at the heart of everything Alamo Drafthouse strives for, so in addition to maintaining the latest and greatest in projection technology so that every show features crisp, bright digital or 35mm presentations with booming surround sound, Alamo also programs repertory titles and special events you won't find anywhere else.
Watch for more updates on the Alamo Drafthouse website. You can also view photos of the construction progress on their Facebook page. We anticipate the grand opening in late Spring 2013.
City clears site to prepare for future development
Driving south on Central Expressway through Richardson, you may notice the absence of a large old motel and several other buildings have recently been demolished. The old Continental Inn and a wholesale coffee distribution building were torn down in early September to make way for a new development that will include several restaurants. 
City of Richardson closed a contract to purchase the Continental Inn, located at 758 South Central Expressway, and the adjacent property located at 750 South Central Expressway. The properties cover 3.36 acres of land, cost $2.2 million, and are strategically located in the West Spring Valley redevelopment corridor.
Click here to see a map of the location.
“This purchase will help us get closer to realizing redevelopment goals we have for the Spring Valley Corridor,” said Richardson Mayor Bob Townsend. “Our studies have shown the area is perfectly located to attract destination retail opportunities, and we are working towards creating catalyst projects to attract new development.” For more information on the proposed development, click here.