Plans for movie theater in Pottsville released

POTTSVILLE (AP) — A movie theater will be coming to the city at the site of the former Mahantongo Parking Deck.

According to a news release from the Pottsville Parking Authority and the Schuylkill Mall Theatres, the joint effort will involve a 27,000-square-foot theater complex containing eight screens, 680 seats, a bar, concession area and restrooms, as well as an elevator and escalator to gain access to the facility. It will also include about 240 parking spaces for visitors to the city, theater and Yuengling Brewery.

According to the news release, a letter of intent was signed that creates a framework to bring a theater complex to the City of Pottsville. The letter formalizes the steps necessary to enable the Pottsville Parking Authority and Schuylkill Mall Theatres owners to seek financing and finalize the details that accompany the project.

Bruce Taffet, managing member of Schuylkill Mall Theatres LLC, said, “We are excited to be working with Mayor (James T.) Muldowney and the City of Pottsville to relocate our theater and continue to entertain our many valued customers.”

Muldowney said, “Community and business leaders have invested a significant amount of time, talent and money to the future of Pottsville. This project will bring vitality and thousands of people to Pottsville. Those people will visit the Yuengling Brewery, eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores and make a significant impact on our local economy.” The last day for the Pearl Theatre Stadium 8 at the Schuylkill Mall is Monday.

Last year, 135,000 people went to the theater at the mall. NP New Castle LLC, Riverside, Missouri, owns the property. It bought the site for $2.1 million in January 2017 at a bankruptcy auction. The mall opened in October 1980.