Views From The 4th Estate

Try a movie theater.

I like the idea, but only wish I could take credit for it. I first heard the concept years ago when I was covering a management district meeting. A woman heard the district was in the business of tearing down buildings and she had the perfect location in mind. As it turned out the owner of the building wanted nothing to do with the idea. He would agree to sell his building for demolition only if parking was put in his place. No commercial, no movie theater. Just black top.

She didn’t need to convince me. I was hooked on the idea. A two-story building and maybe a parking garage in the back. On the first floor, restaurants, a coffee bar, a yogurt stand and whatever else. On the second floor, 6-8 screens. The beauty was the theater would cater to Midland’s adults. Dedicating certain times and nights to the 18-over crowd (or at least those with adult supervision). I still maintain anyone wanting to really put a jolt in the downtown entertainment scene, now has the blue print.

Drop the kids off on the loop and leave downtown for the grown-ups. How about dinner, movie, dessert and maybe drinks while having to park your car one time (OK maybe twice depending on the ultimate location)? While the number of bars is on the rise downtown, an entertainment district needs a crown jewel to offer more to the couple looking for options in the downtown area. This would do the trick.

My name is Stewart Doreen, and I am the managing editor of the Reporter-Telegram newspaper.

I have lived in Midland since January 1995 and worked downtown during my entire career here.

I look forward to providing my two cents about downtown issues and events, joining the Canons (Cory and Chris) and Laura Roman as Live Midland bloggers. They have served you well.

Along the way, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or comments about what you read. My e-mail is stew@mrt.com. My phone number is 687-8856. Hopefully our conversations will make downtown Midland a better place.

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