After months of whispers and crossed fingers for Austin residents, construction on the new multiplex seven-screen cinema started this morning behind OakPark Mall.

Tuesday, September 28, 1999

After months of whispers and crossed fingers for Austin residents, construction on the new multiplex seven-screen cinema started this morning behind OakPark Mall. A joint project between CineMagic Theatres of Minneapolis and OakPark Mall Limited, the new state of the art "CineMagic 7 Theatres" is projected to open in February.

The reaction from local citizens is expected to be positive.

"It’s the best thing that could have happened," Austin resident Marsha Pawluk said. "Maybe they’ll get some more G-rated movies in here for the kids and families." Pawluk said her kids and grandkids usually travel to Albert Lea to go to the movies now – she figures they will stay in town if there are more options available.

OakPark General Manager Colleen Klucas is happy too.

"We’re really excited," Klucas said. "This is fantastic not only for OakPark Mall, but also for the community."

Klucas said the mall has been working on getting a cinema complex back in the site for two years. CineMagic is the third group they worked with – she estimated talks started almost a year ago.

The complex – which will be located next to On Cue in the east corridor – will utilize 9,000 feet of existing mall space and add 13,000 square feet of new construction for a total of 22,000 square feet. The additional space is necessary to incorporate the design specifications for modern cinemas.

CineMagic 7 Theatres will incorporate the following movie-going features:

– Stadium seating in five of the seven auditoriums.

– State-of-the-art motion picture projection.

– Stereo surround sound in all auditoriums with six channel dolby digital™ surround sound in selected auditoriums.

– Extended range THX™ certified speakers.

– Large wall to wall screen.

– Deluxe plush seating with integrated cupholder armrests and selected "Love Seat" equipped seats.

– Assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired.

– Handicap seating.

– Seven-day advanced ticketing.

– Internet web site complete with movie listing and times.

The theatre lobby, foyers and concession area will incorporate a contemporary motif with bright colors, neon accenting and asymmetrical angled walls throughout. A large-scale video monitor will run previews of coming attractions for patrons waiting in the lobby and computerized L.E.D. mini-marquees will be incorporated to direct patrons to the show of their choice.