Press Release from HighRock Group: Tuesday June 9, 2020
Warehouse Cinemas, a locally owned, premium movie theatre company is ready to open early this Summer in the east part of the Frederick Towne Mall. Construction has been ongoing since late 2019.
“We’re excited to reveal our flagship Warehouse Cinemas to the Frederick community and surrounding area. Most of our work has been inside the mall, so not very visible to the public earlier this year, but we have been hard at work all Winter and Spring.” says Rich Daughtridge, President and CEO of HighRock Group.
Previously occupied by Hoyts Cinemas, the theater space includes 10 screens with a total footprint of approximately 38,000 square feet. The new movie theater will feature first-run movies, a sleek modern-industrial decor, 800+ recliner seats with seat warmers, state-of-the-art sound and digital projection, including a Dolby Atmos auditorium, a full bar, including 28 self-serve beer taps and a unique expanded food menu. A liquor license was conditionally approved by the Frederick County earlier this month. Warehouse Cinemas- Frederick will also feature special events and a wide range of ticket prices, starting at $5.
Warehouse Cinemas - Frederick has conditionally hired more than 40 people already, including a veteran management team led by Kyle Kops, General Manager, Jake Hrabosky, Operations Manager, and Douglas “Mack” McKinstry, Food & Beverage Managed. “Combined, the team has more than 40 years of experience in the movie theater business. We could not be happier with the talent we have assembled, and they are committed to providing an exceptional experience for our guests,” said Greg Mills, Co-founder and COO at Warehouse Cinemas.
Warehouse Cinemas have implemented strict protocols to address COVID-19 concerns, namely social distancing protocols, masks, and gloves for employees, cleaning protocols throughout the facility and other CDC best practices. It is likely the move theater will open at limited capacity as well, following the State of Maryland’s Roadmap for Recovery. “We’re hopeful movie theaters can open in Maryland at limited capacity in the near future,” said Daughtridge.
Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development, commented on the project, “Entertainment uses like Warehouse Cinemas are critical component of a healthy retail mix and we are delighted to see it move forward. With business investment like Warehouse Cinemas and continued public support, the City remains confident that the Golden Mile will continue to thrive in the future.”
“Frederick’s Golden Mile is a critical retail corridor for our citizens, and we are excited to see Warehouse Cinemas nearly completing its plans to open a destination cinema experience at West Frederick Center,” said Michael O’Connor, Mayor, City of Frederick.
Film content has also been a challenge for the industry as movie theaters reopen around the country and major release dates have been bumped, but major studios are doing their best to hold dates for the Summer. Solstice Studios is planning the release of “Unhinged” starring Russel Crowe, Warner Bros. is releasing the much anticipated “Tenant” from Christopher Nolan and Disney is slated to release the much anticipated, live-action movie “Mulan.”
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The City of Frederick is excited to encourage private investments like the Warehouse Cinemas project across our community. This particular venture was able to take advantage of the Golden Mile Facade Grant Program and will be eligible to apply for the Enterprise Zone — which provides both income & real property tax credit relief.
Learn more about the programs attracting investment to our City here.