Uptown Boca complex popular without cinema

Uptown Boca, a massive 13-acre shopping plaza, has quickly transformed into one West Boca’s most popular destinations and has done so without one of its originally planned cornerstone projects: an upscale 53,000- square-foot movie theater.

But with the theater industry in flux, Uptown Boca has hit pause on the venture and is debating whether to move forward with a theater or go in a different direction with the largest building of the complex off Glades Road, just east of 441.

Construction on a Silverspot Cinema was originally scheduled to begin in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. Since then, the theater industry nationwide has struggled to regain its prior footing due to crowds being hesitant to return and the increased popularity of streaming video platforms, casting doubt on the long-term feasibility of movie theaters.

“The pandemic really did a number on movie theaters,” said Brian Schmier, CEO of Schmier Property Group and the lead developer on the Uptown Boca project. “It’s a little unclear at this point [what will happen with the space.]”

Schmier said they’re still in discussions with Silverspot Cinema, but are also “exploring all options: theaters as well as other alternate uses.”

“From our position, we have this phenomenal project, and we want to put a tenant in that box that makes the most sense that can be successful long term, drive traffic and continue to provide amenities for the community and that’s why we picked a movie theater initially.”

After opening

last year,

Patrons walk along with traffic at popular Uptown Boca shopping plaza in West Boca on Thursday.