Waco is one step closer to having a dine-in movie theater.
This is something people have wondered about, spread rumors about, fantasized about, etc., for years. Anyone from here who has ventured to Alamo Drafthouse in Austin has likely asked the question "would this work in Waco?"
Well, somebody is putting their chips in and betting that it will work at The Hippodrome.
Shane Turner of Kunkel Construction told us today they have closed on the property and the group has begun renovations that will keep the old building from futher deteriorating. Meanwhile, they are working with the State Historical Commission and preparing to apply for city permits.
He also confirmed that it is going to be a dine-in theater and that the hope is for a grand opening in October.
The story that the group intended to convert the Hippodrome to a dine-in theater first broke in theWaco Tribune-Herald in December and included the tidbit that the Tax Increment Funding zone is kicking in more than $400,000 in funds. Since then, the Turners have closed on the property and begun construction.
The next question: what movies will we be able to see there? First-run? Classics? Indies? We'll stay on this story, so stay tuned.
