The Bronx Bids Farewell to Concourse Plaza Multiplex: A Community Staple Closes Its Doors
The Bronx is about to lose one of its last remaining movie theaters, leaving the entire borough with just one cinema. The Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas, located on 161st Street in the heart of the South Bronx, is set to close after failing to secure a new lease agreement. The theater will cease operations following the close of business on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, as confirmed by Showcase Cinemas in a statement received by the Bronx Borough President’s office.
Showcase Cinemas expressed regret over the closure, citing the “failure to come to terms with a new lease agreement” as the primary reason. They assured members of their Starpass loyalty program that they would receive a special offer as a token of appreciation for their years of patronage. “Showcase Cinemas remains deeply committed to our theatrical exhibition business and we look forward to continuing to provide a superior movie-going experience at our US cinema locations,” the statement read.
With the closing of Concourse Plaza Multiplex, the AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 in Co-Op City will become the Bronx’s sole movie theater. This development has stirred emotions among long-time patrons who consider the theater a community cornerstone. “I’ve been coming here probably since the early ’90s, mid-’90s, and it’s been part of my family for a while now,” said Charles Diaz, reflecting on decades of memories.
Ruby Hall, another loyal customer, expressed her intention to attend one last show before the theater shutters. “I’m gonna go for the last show,” she shared. “We had a lot of good times in there, but I’m sorry they’re closing.” The sentiment is shared by many who have frequented the cinema over the years, seeing it as more than just a place to watch movies but as a communal space that brought people together.
The closure raises concerns about the diminishing recreational options in the borough, especially for younger residents. “I think about the kids. They need somewhere to go,” Hall added, emphasizing the importance of accessible entertainment venues for youth. Diaz echoed this sentiment, hoping that whatever replaces the theater will serve the community’s needs. “I think the children would benefit mostly from anything that would be new to the community,” he said.
This development highlights a broader trend affecting movie theaters nationwide, as many struggle to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and compete with the rise of streaming services. According to a recent report on cinema closures, theaters in urban areas have been particularly hard hit, leading to a loss of communal spaces that have long served as cultural touchstones.
As the Bronx prepares to bid farewell to Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas, residents are left reminiscing about the role the theater has played in their lives and what its absence will mean for the community. The final screenings will not only mark the end of an era but also prompt reflection on the importance of preserving local institutions that foster community engagement.
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Regardless of what the future holds for the site, locals hope that any new development will honor the spirit of the community and provide much-needed resources. The closure serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscapes of our neighborhoods and the value of communal spaces in urban settings.
