AMC closes movie theaters in Fairlane Town Center
The AMC Fairlane 21, located in the Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, has permanently closed.
Sunday was the theater's last day of operation, said AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan in an email to the Free Press.
"AMC regularly evaluates its locations and potential opportunities outside of its circuit, and makes decisions to close or acquire locations on a theatre-by-theatre basis based on what will best strengthen the company going forward," Noonan said.
He noted that all "impacted associates" were offered jobs at other locations.
Dan Fayad, Fairlane Town Center's general manager, said in an email to the Free Press that the theater had not been renovated since 1999, and some guests said they would have preferred a more modern look. He noted AMC Fairlane 21 had 21 screens, whereas others in similar markets have 10-14.
"The center’s skilled leasing team is already working on a replacement for the theater, and is considering a number of options, including other movie theaters that may provide a more modern design that will better align with the expectations and experience we would like our customers to have when visiting Fairlane Town Center," Fayad said.
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The mall itself was sold to Centennial, a Dallas-based real estate firm, in May. The new owners said they were considering adding housing to the mall property. Fairlane also hosted the popular Ramadan Suhoor Festival in 2022.
Fayad said he's sad to see AMC close, but he's excited for what's next.
"We have learned that the loss of any tenant, no matter how well-loved, provides us with the opportunity to assess new offerings that may better match the changing wants and needs of our shoppers," Fayad said. "And while the early departure of the movie theater will leave a temporary void, it is just that — temporary."
Free Press reporter Nour Rahal contributed to this story.
Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @_emmastein.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: AMC closes Fairlane Town Center movie theaters in Dearborn
