Emagine Entertainment to break ground on movie theater complex in Royal Oak, creating 100 jobs

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) - Emagine Entertainment of Plymouth, plans to break ground  in just a few weeks on a long-awaited movie theater and bowling alley in Royal Oak. It will put blockbusters, bowling and booze all in one location. Paul Glantz, the company's founder and chairman, expects it to happen by the end of July or early August.

The first-run theater will offer food and alcohol and provide 16 lanes for bowling. It will be a 10 screen complex that stretches 73,000 square feet spread over two stories on Eleven Mile, east of Main Street in Downtown Royal Oak.

There will also be a private party area and meeting room. 100 full-time jobs are expected to be available in the kitchen, at the ticket counter and in the food service area. Glantz says his customers will also spend time and money at local restaurants, coffee shops and stores.

Glantz is now  reviewing contractor bids  The project is getting funding help from a $1.25 million Brownfield Tax Credit from the Michigan Economic Development Corp, which helped gather support from Royal Oak's Downtown Development Authority.

The complex is expected to be operating by April, just ahead of the summer blockbuster season.