Workers prepare to topple a brick wall at Sadler Square last week. The opening will become a new main entrance for a four-screen movie theater. (Our Town Cinemas photo)

Demolition is complete and construction began this week to transform empty storefronts in Sadler Square shopping center off Griffith Street into the planned Our Town Cinemas. Meanwhile, theater developers are inviting residents to share ideas for programming once the cinema opens.

Our Town Cinemas announced Aug. 19 that it planned to convert vacant space at Sadler Square into Davidson’s first hometown movie theater in decades. The theater will occupy the corner of the shopping center next to The Egg at Davidson that once housed a dollar store.

Plans call for a 4-screen, first-run theater with table seating and an expanded concession stand menu.

A new entrance will be at the shopping center corner. (Our Town Cinemas photo)

The new movie theater could be open by year’s end, Our Town Cinemas officials say.

Proline Construction began last week by demolishing parts of the building’s exterior. Spokeswoman Jan Black said workers saved bricks from the existing exterior for later use in a new entrance. With demolition finished, construction began Monday, Sept. 14.

Meanwhile, as work continues, Our Town Cinemas is inviting Davidson businesses, film buffs and theater-goers to offer their ideas for partnerships and programming. In a statement, the developers said: “Cinema personnel are excited about the great response and feedback from the community. They will continue to meet with businesses and groups that have expressed an interest in partnering with the cinema.”

Anyone with special-interest programming ideas, may contact the theater at OurTownCinemasDavidson@gmail.com or through its website at www.OurTownCinemas.com.

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Aug. 19, 2009, “It’s official: 4-screen cinema coming to Sadler Sq.”