Rivertowns Square has announced that Robert Redford's Sundance Cinemas has signed a lease to build and operate an eight-screen cinema at the new luxury retail center to be developed on the Saw Mill River Parkway and Lawrence Street in the Village of Dobbs Ferry New York. It will be Sundance Cinemas first theatre on the East Coast. Redford Sundance Group president says I'm so pleased that Sundance Cinemas will be building our first theatre in the Northeast in such a vibrant corridor in the State of New York. Westchester County has a long and rich tradition of supporting the arts which makes me particularly enthusiastic about our future in this terrific community. At a recent Village Board meeting Marissa Brett executive director of Economic Development for the Westchester County Association was asked to educate Village officials and residents about the lack of demand in the office market signaling the need to reposition the former Akzo Nobel site as a mixed-use development. We applaud Mayor Connett and the numerous village boards who worked together with the developer to reposition and bring new life to the defunct industrial site. Sundance Cinemas and Rivertown Square will provide needed tax ratables for the Village and create an exciting cultural destination for the people of Dobbs Ferry and the region says Brett who felt the Village's open process set a great example for others. In addition to Sundance Cinemas the proposed $150 million luxury mixed-use development will feature restaurants (some with rooftop dining) boutiques a gourmet market entertainment and have luxury residential units. Rivertowns Square will also have regional access from the Saw Mill River Parkway and will provide free customer parking. Speaking at a news conference held in Dobbs Ferry Sundance Cinemas president and CEO Paul Richardson said he is delighted with the plans for Rivertowns Square and is elated at how naturally Sundance Cinemas will fit in. We are fortunate to be a part of an exciting new center located in the heart of Westchester County. We know that locals will enjoy our 'grown-up' movie-going experience and we're delighted to be surrounded by restaurants and shops and plenty of free parking making this a true destination he said. Martin Berger principal of Saber Real Estate Advisors and the developer of Rivertowns Square echoed Mr. Richardson's excitement: We are thrilled to be welcoming Sundance Cinemas as the entertainment anchor for our Rivertowns Square development. This celebrated cinema company will bring to Westchester and the Rivertowns communities an incomparable entertainment experience found nowhere else in the New York Metropolitan area. Today's major announcement is the first of many more to come as we finalize agreements with several outstanding retail tenants. The Sundance Cinemas Westchester will occupy 32 500 square feet. It will feature a unique programming and movie-going experience with all-reserved stadium seating a Sundance Bar & Bistro serving delicious food and drink designed to take to your seat an art gallery featuring local artists and concessions. Sundance Cinemas Westchester is slated to open in the spring of 2014. The cinemas offer specialized film programming for discerning audiences culled from independent film festivals and the best in general release. Based in Los Angeles Sundance Cinemas is a multiple facility and growing national theatre circuit. Sundance Cinemas brings together Robert Redford's Sundance brand a recognized name in independent film with a seasoned specialized theatre management team responsible for building and operating some of the most successful theatres in the nation. Investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management are financing the company. Sundance Cinemas www.sundancecinemas.com
