City Hopes Dome Theater Renovation Will Help Revitalize Arden Arcade
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The dome theater that once stood on Arden Way is now home to a 14-screen luxury theater.
A ticket-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday night at the new theater to celebrate its grand opening.
The brand-new Cinemark Century Theaters is part of an expansion project by the city to revitalize the area that has been plagued with crime.
The city is writing a piece of history that once served as a landmark for Arden Arcade in Sacramento.
"I love, love, love movies."
Kathy Fuller witnessed the era of the dome theater, but also the blight that followed.
"I come here all the time, but only during the day, not at night," Fuller added.
But it was broad daylight when Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver was gunned down at the Motel 6 across from the domes in 2014.
The motel was a hotbed for crime, according to law enforcement and has since been torn down. Now there's a new shopping center, which boasts a modern-day movie theater.
"When you have brand new you get new. New is always better," said Ray Syufy, who co-owns the shopping center.
Syufy says the changes are part of the effort to keep up with the times.
"When you bring in a brand-new theater and surrounding retail and restaurants, it can completely reinvigorate the whole area," said Mark Zoradi, CEO of Cinemark Theatres.
While the dome theater may be a thing of the past, some are bracing for a brighter future.
"It was bittersweet...more sweet than bitter," said Zoradi.
The Howe 'Bout Arden Shopping Center will continue to expand through next year, adding more retail shops and restaurants to the Arden Arcade area.
