Block E Theater Closes; St. Anthony Theater Looks to Boost Business

The screens go dark Sunday night at the only movie theater currently in Downtown Minneapolis. The 15-screen AMC Theater in Block E closed after the last showing.

Some of the last movie-goers were disappointed, trying to squeeze in a final movie before the curtains close.

"Especially for all the people who live in downtown Minneapolis, I think it's only right to be able to have something here. And not only that, it brings money to the city," said Tyrone Adams.

"A good downtown, out of all the different entertainment options, it would be nice if there was a movie theater," said Joshua Larson.

The next closest movie theater is the five-screen St. Anthony Main theater, about a mile away. There, Manager Alex Grangaard is looking forward to filling more seats. 

"It's sad to see a movie theater go but the same time it's better business for us since we are so close. And since we are an independent theater, we are always trying to get more people, new people," Grangaard said.

"I think a lot of people that don't know we exist should be coming down because just this whole main street is one of the best kept secrets in Minneapolis," Grangaard said.

There are four businesses left at Block E. The owners are still looking at a number of redevelopment options. 

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