Edgewater announces new cinema, extended leases

Edgewater Mall, which offers nearly a million square feet of retail in South Mississippi’s only climate-controlled shopping mecca, had two big announcements today: A eight-screen movie theater and green space will be constructed at the former Sears location, and leases have been extended with three of the mall’s largest tenants.

The city has issued a demolition permit for the Sears area of the West Beach mall, and mall management expects to obtain a building permit in the next several weeks for an eight-screen, state-of-the-art digital theater that will be operated by Texas-based Premiere Cinemas and feature luxury recliner seats. The theater expects to be complete a year from now.

In addition, the mall announced it has extended the leases with three nationally-known department stores: Dillard’s, JCPenney and Belk, which collectively account for more than 400,000 square feet of retail space.

“Announcements like this indicate that business is good and developers recognize this,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said of the news. “It’s the same thing you’re seeing with the hotel market in Biloxi,” the mayor adding, alluding to three hotels now under construction in Biloxi.

Meanwhile, Edgewater Mall Manager Terry Powell, speaking for mall developer and leasing agent Jim Wilson & Associates of Birmingham, said other improvements are in store for the 50-year-old shopping center.

Said Powell: “Edgewater Mall has committed to make a significant investment in the property and, in addition to the theater, that investment will include updated mall entrances, food court improvements and improved traffic access from U.S. 90. The west entrance renovation, adjacent to the food court, will begin in the summer of 2018.  During the renovation, disruption to existing operating stores and parking areas will be minimal.”

Premiere Cinemas operates almost 300 screens in 26 locations across five states in the Southeast and Southwest United States. 

Said Chief Executing Officer Gary Moore: “Edgewater Mall offered the ideal location for our new theater. Biloxi is an entertainment hub that’s been missing a cinema to call its own for a long time, so we’re thrilled to be coming to the market.”  

Today’s announcements are only the latest for the mall. In the past year, Edgewater Mall has added new specialty merchants: City G.E.A.R., Chandeleur Outfitters, Play Live Nation, and Luxe 83 Boutique. In December, Barefoot Billy’s, a full-service bar and grill offering traditional entrees as well as some local, Southern favorites, will open at the south mall entrance. 
See the rendering of the theater
See the site plan for the theater and green space
Visit the Edgewater Mall website

 

News and notes

Council meeting: The Biloxi City Council meets this afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall.  The council meeting will be followed by a special meeting to discuss the city recently passed panhandling ordinance. Both meetings are open to the public. To see the agenda and supporting documents, click here.

Traffic update: To see today’s Traffic Update from the Public Works Department, click here.