ACX Cinemas at Bayshore is just days away from its highly anticipated opening. Hunzinger Construction crews are working tirelessly to renovate the movie theater located in Glendale’s Bayshore rotunda. Spread across 45,000 square feet on the second floor, the renovation includes the construction of six state-of-the-art auditoriums, an 11-lane bowling alley, a combined bar and restaurant, and a 40-game arcade. The project, which is a collaboration between ACX, Bayshore owner Cypress Equities, and the city of Glendale, is estimated to cost multimillions.
According to Michael Barstow, the executive president of ACX Cinemas, the goal of the renovation is to make the space more interactive and appealing to a wide demographic. Whether it’s a date night, a Monday bowling session, or a gathering with friends to catch the latest Spider-Man movie, ACX Cinemas aims to provide entertainment for everyone. The focus is on creating a versatile space that can be enjoyed in different ways.
To enhance the visibility of various activities within the theater, a viewing port has been introduced into the existing auditorium hallway. This gives moviegoers a glimpse of the adjacent bowling alley, enticing them to either watch a movie or take part in a game of bowling.
One of the most noticeable changes in the front entrance is the increased ceiling height. The floors were dropped by two feet to create a more spacious and open atmosphere. Additionally, the theater’s auditoriums have been revamped with fresh paint, new tiles, and flooring. They now boast comfortable heated recliners from VIP Luxury Seating, a company based in Mississippi. The projectors have also been upgraded with new technology.
The newly added Backlot Pizza + Kitchen restaurant will be a highlight of the theater experience. Known for its delicious Detroit-style pizza, Backlot will offer a range of options to satisfy moviegoers’ cravings. The restaurant has undergone a transformation with new countertops, tiles, and panels. Crews even knocked down a wall to expand the seating area, creating a quiet space away from the bustling entrance and arcade.
Accessibility is also a key consideration in the renovation. The building features an elevator, and a multi-story parking structure provides direct access to the second floor.
The previous Bar Louie location, situated across from the theater, is set to become a Buchanan’s English and Scotch-style restaurant. This addition adds to the diversity of dining options available at Bayshore.
The ACX Cinemas project has been in the works for the past two years, with plans initially discussed during the pandemic with the previous theater owners, iPic. The decision to move forward with the renovation was influenced by the area’s redevelopment, which saw the arrival of Target and Total Wine & More nearby.
With a safety inspection walk-through scheduled for Friday, ACX Cinemas is aiming for a soft opening this weekend. The grand opening will follow shortly after, depending on the initial response to the space. The timing aligns perfectly with the release of highly anticipated movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer on July 29.
By combining a variety of entertainment options and creating an inviting and interactive atmosphere, ACX Cinemas at Bayshore aims to provide a premiere cinema experience for the Glendale community and beyond. With its extensive renovations and diverse offerings, it is poised to become a go-to destination for movie enthusiasts of all ages.
