Jackson, Michigan's AMC Classic Plaza 8 Cinemas Being Demolished

The floors in Jackson, Michigan's AMC Classic Plaza 8 have stuck to their last shoe. The Jackson Citizen Patriot reports that the former multi-screen movie house is becoming a parking lot until new owners can develop the property directly across Wisner from the bustling Jackson Crossing Mall. But now, the multi-plex is coming down.

Initially opened by Butterfield Theatres (who also opened the Michigan Theater in Lansing) in 1970 with a single screen and over 1,000 seats, the theater was converted into a two-screener. Five more theaters were added in the 1980s, and two more before the decade's end. The name changed with each remodel, from Plaza Cinemas to its last incarnation as the AMC Classic Plaza 8.

Jackson, Michigan's Empty AMC Theater Presented Renovation Challenges

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According to MLive, the property's owner, Gerdom Realty & Investments, had been unsuccessful in selling the building, which has been shut down since 2020. The slanted floors of the theaters make for a remodeling nightmare, so they opted to level the structure, hoping a clean slate would spark interest in the 4.5 acres.

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While I understand the move, it is sad to see another place that held so many personal childhood and adult memories meet its demise. I grew up watching movies there, and so did my kids. Of course, the Plaza Cinema's biggest competitor, the Goodrich Quality Theaters (GQT) Jackson 10, still operates directly across the street. Still, the days of having two theaters with different showtimes to choose from are gone (along with Jackson's desire to go to the movie theater).

They'll Pave Plaza 8 and Put Up a Parking Lot

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A spokesperson for Gerdom Realty & Investment didn't provide a timeline to MLive but stated that the hope is once the theater is down, a new investor will step in with a plan to revitalize the site.

I'll miss the sticky floors, overpriced snacks, and narrow AMC Classic Plaza 8 restrooms, but not enough to cancel my Netflix subscription.

Michigan's Old Movie Theater Marquees

Hidden Gems of Downtown Lansing: The Strand - Michigan Theater

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Gallery Credit: Scott Clow