COLUMBIA, Md. — A cherished movie theater located in Snowden Square has been demolished to pave the way for a new warehouse development.
Snowden 14, which was previously known as Cinemark Snowden Square, closed its doors unexpectedly in January, leaving long-time patrons like Autumn Roessler feeling disheartened.
“I was loyal to this theater; it was the only one I would ever choose to visit,” she expressed. “This closure diminishes our community, especially considering what Columbia was originally designed to be. Our only alternative is the mall, and parking there is a nightmare.”
Snowden Square movie theater demolished to make way for new warehouse
Snowden Square movie theater demolished to make way for new warehouse
This theater, situated on Commerce Center Drive behind Home Depot and BJ’s, was a popular destination for many due to its ample parking, stadium seating, and unique Screen X technology, which provided a 270-degree viewing experience.
“It was truly something special,” Roessler lamented. “This is really unfortunate.”
Roessler vividly remembers attending the theater’s grand opening as a teenager, having spent countless enjoyable moments there with her family, including the memorable occasion of her son watching his very first movie.
In an effort to challenge the theater’s closure, she initiated an online petition.
“Ultimately, it was too late, which was frustrating. I wish we had been informed sooner so the community could have had a chance to respond,” Roessler shared.
“This was an underperforming movie theater, and we’ve observed a trend of such theaters facing functional obsolescence throughout the area being repurposed,” stated Aaron Carroll, Vice President of KLNB, a commercial real estate advisory firm based in Columbia.
According to Carroll, the location next to Columbia Gateway is highly attractive for logistics companies.
“Columbia is strategically located in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area,” Carroll noted. “It offers easy access to Washington, D.C., the Baltimore ports, BWI airport, and Baltimore itself, which historically drives significant demand and continues to do so.”
Sterling Organization
Sterling Organization, the property owner, has revealed its plans to construct a warehouse spanning 189,267 square feet with 44 loading docks and office space. The timeline for the completion of construction remains uncertain.
As the construction progresses, Roessler finds it disheartening and believes it signifies a step backward for the community.
“Why replace a venue that fosters community and brings people together with a warehouse?” Roessler questioned.
