Liberty-based B&B Theatres is rescuing the historic Mainstreet Theater building in Downtown Kansas City and plans to reopen the location later this year with several improvements.
The Cordish Company, which operates the Power & Light District where the theater is located, recently announced the lease agreement with B&B for the property at 1400 Main Street in Kansas City, Mo. A news release said the family-owned and operated theater company headquartered in Liberty plans to open the movie theatre after making some enhancements to the historic space later this year, including the installation of heated, electric reclining seats, wider cushions and extended legroom. B&B will also deliver patrons the ability to reserve seats in advance of each showtime.
In addition to the theater itself, B&B will add a Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grill brand to the downtown location. Johnnie’s first debuted at the company’s flagship Liberty location with casual dining, wine, beer, cocktails and live jazz music, as well as other entertainment.
“We are thrilled that B&B Theatres and the Bagby family are moving into the Power & Light District and know that they will bring the best possible product to the Mainstreet Theater,” said Nick Benjamin, executive director of the Power & Light District.
The Kansas City Power & Light District partnered with Kansas City’s hometown AMC on the restoration of the theater in 2006. After AMC’s departure, Alamo Drafthouse occupied the space for more than eight years before filing for bankruptcy due to the pandemic. “We are excited to bring another great local partner downtown and know that B&B Theatres will be a great steward of this historic jewel as we get back to the business of downtown’s renaissance after a challenging year,” said Benjamin.
“The renovation and reopening of Kansas City’s historic Mainstreet Theatre was and will continue to be a central pillar of downtown’s resurgence,” said Mayor Lucas. “I am delighted to see a local and strong brand in B&B Theatres investing in Kansas City.”
B&B Theatres is the sixth-largest theatre chain in North America, operating 435 screens at 50 locations throughout Kansas, Florida, South Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Virginia and Texas. The recent announcement is a great sign of optimism not only for downtown Kansas City but for the cinema industry as a whole after an extremely difficult year.
Updates on the grand opening of the B&B Theatres located in the Kansas City Power & Light District will be shared online at www.powerandlightdistrict.com.
