Photo via Tempe Marketplace Facebook
By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Tempe City Council is being asked to approve a $200,000 incentive package to help Harkins Theatres with COVID-related renovations at Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills mall.
Scottsdale-based Harkins is putting $15 million into renovating the two Tempe movie cineplexes in response to social distancing and other COVID requirements.
The city of Tempe is looking at approving a development agreement with Harkins for the two projects. It includes a potential $200,000 reimbursement to Harkins for the movie theater improvements.
The renovations also include other improvements.
Movie theaters have been hit hard by the pandemic, changes in consumer behaviors and government orders related to capacities and social distancing.
Harkins employs 280 workers in Tempe.
The incentive deal would also give the city the ability to use Harkins’s theaters for events and meetings.
The item is on the Tempe council’s Jan. 14 meeting agenda.
