Alpharetta OKs Movie Theater at North Point Mall

A new 12-screen movie theater with stadium seating may open at in time for the Thanksgiving holiday blockbuster releases.

General Growth Properties, the owner of the mall, got approval from Alpharetta City Council on Monday, Feb. 27, to turn the old Parisian building into the 1,790-seat theater. The building is between the new Von Maur store and Macy's.

Wendy Butler, the attorney representing the mall, said the theater will have stadium seating. It won't have access directly into the mall because of security concerns.

If the new theater follows typical film start times, the mall's hours and the theater's hours will be different. The last scheduled films often starting after the mall has closed. The mall will open hours before the theater.

City Councilman Michael Cross asked if the walkway from the mall entrance closest to what will be theater entrance will be covered. Butler said while the footprint of the building had been determined, a full design hasn't been completed. A covered walkway may be considered, she said.

The theater effectively will turn a two-story store into a one-story building, though it will remain the same height. The 85,000 square foot retail store will become a 45,500 square foot movie theater.

The theater will have a special drop off lane designed to keep moviegoers separated from regular mall parking lot traffic. And the western side of the building–the "back" if you are facing the mall from North Point Parkway–will be extended 18 feet to make room for the movie screens.

Ken Labarre of General Growth Properties said the name of the theater operator hasn't been announced yet, but said designs should clear the city's Design Review Board by May. He said they are allowing up to two months for design changes that could be required.