The former Randall 15 Cinema in Batavia could reopen in about a year under new owners, Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment, after the building underwent extensive renovations.

The theater remained dark nearly two years after it closed due to the pandemic, even as other theaters reopened after Covid restrictions were lifted in Illinois.

However, the new operators plan to bring the theater back to life with a host of new additions, although the process has not been easy.

“I would describe the renovations as extensive,” said Paul Glantz, co-founder and president of Emagine Entertainment, which acquired the theater in September. He said the Batavians should expect more than just a renovation.

“I doubt anyone who visited this place in February 2020 would even recognize it when it was finished,” Glantz said. “We’re just going to pour a ton of money into this.”

Randall 15 closed in March 2020 due to state COVID-19 mandates. It remained closed even as other theaters started showing films again, thanks to the collapse of its former owner, Goodrich Quality Theatres.

“[GQT] declared bankruptcy in February 2020,” Glantz said. “There was no good time for them to reorganize since our industry was essentially shut down in 2020.”

Glantz said Emagine, which operates 30 theaters across the Midwest, came to occupy the theater as part of an agreement with Spirit Realty.

“The biggest challenge we have with this particular building is that I believe its origins date back to the early 90s,” he said. “There were four theaters in the back of the theater that just didn’t meet the expectations of today’s consumers.”

Glantz said Emagine initially only expected to make minor changes to the theater, but that changed shortly after the lease was signed.

“There is no room for mediocrity in business these days,” he said. “We have to create a first-class environment. We have to build a magnificent movie theater. Either people will stay at home, or they will hang out with a competitor.

Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman said she and other city officials are “thrilled” that Emagine is the company redeveloping the theater.

“In particular, we’re really excited about the plans they have to create luxury seating, and also that they’ll be installing the largest iMax screen in Illinois as well,” she said. “I can’t wait for this theater to come back online. I think there’s a huge demand for this type of entertainment. We’ve missed our movie theater here in Batavia.

Emagine plans to keep the theater’s popular “iMax” screen, but with new additions and branding.

“We will reduce some of the height of the ceiling, but we will keep the width. We’re going to call it an ‘Emax’ auditorium,” Glantz said. “It will have Dolby Atmos picture and sound. It will have laser projection.

Newman said City Council recently approved a variation on the roof height for the Emax screen.

“They needed a deviation from the maximum height, the height of the roof. So it was granted,” she said. “Now that this has been granted, they will be able to submit their construction plans for a permit.”

According to Glantz, the screen’s massive steel frame will certainly be an impressive sight once construction begins.

“It will be 94 feet wide and over 40 feet high,” he said. “When you see a movie in a room like that, it really is a special event.”

Glantz said the additions will also include a work bar, party room and four bowling alleys.

“Everyone at this point and time who is a movie buff has found other places to go to the movies,” he said. “We can’t go into the market and just say, ‘Well, we have recliners too.’ We have to do something unique and special to attract customers.

Newman confirmed that while Emagine is seeking a liquor license, the company has yet to apply.

“The previous Randall 15 Theater had planned to have liquor service,” she said. “They never did, but in anticipation of their willingness to do so, the city changed its liquor code to ensure that this type of venue was eligible for a liquor license.”

Glantz said the city had been “nothing less than spectacular” about the development and was “cautiously optimistic” the city would approve the plan.

Demolition inside the building is already underway and construction will begin once construction plans are fully completed and approved by the city, he said.

“It’s actually spring of next year before we open the doors,” Glantz said. “I wish we could be open earlier, but I’m also realistic and recognize that I’d rather build it right than build it fast.”

He hopes it will be worth the wait.

“It should be a fun place to hang out with your best friends,” Glantz said.