Building permits sought for new movie theater
Mar. 7—Construction of a new movie theater is in the works for later this year.
Building permit applications have been filed with the city of Joplin for the proposed B&B Theatres luxury entertainment center in the 32nd Street Place development. An initial $12 million permit has been filed with the city's building department, according to information from the city and chief building official Bryan Wicklund.
The theater is to be built south of 32nd Street on Hammons Boulevard. The total project when finished with the installation of state-of-the-art equipment is expected to be about $33.6 million.
The theater is part of the Woodsonia Real Estate Inc. development southeast of Range Line Avenue and 32nd Street.
City officials said in a statement that the building permit applications will be reviewed and preconstruction meetings will be held in upcoming weeks before any construction will start.
B&B Theatres President and CEO Bob Bagby said in the statement issued by the city that "Joplin is a B&B town ... it just hasn't had a B&B before. We love the Midwest and have been operating out of the Heartland for over 100 years. We're thrilled to be partnering with Woodsonia to bring our signature approach to the magic of the movies to this wonderful community in the B&B Theatres backyard."
Brock Bagby, executive vice president and chief content and development officer, said that "Joplin has been a long time coming and it's awesome to be an anchor in such an incredible and new commercial development. Woodsonia and the city of Joplin have been remarkable collaborators and the facility we're putting up will bring the best of B&B to moviegoers in Joplin and the surrounding areas."
Plans that were announced earlier call for the theater to be equipped with eight curved wall-to-wall screens featuring laser projection, heated leather recliners, and a surround sound system in every auditorium. An expanded concession stand would serve traditional movie food and drinks, hot food, and adult beverages.
A family arcade center and party room as well as an outdoor patio area also are planned.
Completion of the theater's is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
In addition to the theater, the 70-acre mixed-use site developed by Woodsonia includes a Menards home improvement and building supply store that is expected to open in April, a Menards spokesman said. Hiring is to begin soon.
Also nearly completed in the development is a 250-unit apartment complex developed by Woodsonia.
"This development enhances Joplin with its multiple offerings," City Manager Nick Edwards said in a statement released Thursday by the city. "We're already experiencing positive energy as Menards gets near its openings and the apartment complex construction is being completed. Woodsonia's investment in our community brings retail, housing and entertainment amenities, creating a positive impact when some cities are challenged with declining growth."
B&B Theatres operates theaters around the country, including in Neosho, Monett and Miami, Oklahoma.
It is the largest building permit filed so far in this fiscal year, which runs from Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2024, for the city of Joplin.
