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Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon has announced that the City of Greenville is set to acquire the former Edge theater through a lease/purchase agreement. The mayor revealed that half of the building will continue to function as a movie theater, while the other half may be leased for various entertainment activities, which are yet to be finalized. The city aims to have movies showing again by March, although the timetable could be affected by roof repairs.

City Clerk Dee Blackmon emphasized the city’s intention to avoid leaving the building abandoned.

“We don’t want an empty building,” Blackmon said. “The plan as of right now is to reduce the number of screens and rent out that space to have something like a game room or Laser tag. We’ll also be adding to the concession stand.”

The total purchase price over a six-year period will amount to $640,000. Blackmon outlined the payment plan, stating that payments will be made over a six-year period starting in February, with monthly payments of $5,000 until September, followed by $10,000 payments until the full amount is paid off. However, she noted that the roof’s leaking condition has necessitated its replacement, potentially affecting the timeline for reopening the theater.

Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Harris III, who is spearheading the project, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential. 

“We’re still planning, still working on it, but we’re going to make this work,” Harris affirmed. “Right now, we’re thinking of having five screens on the theater side and something like a Chuck E. Cheese type of place on the other side. Basically, we’re going to have a total attraction—a fun place without having to travel.”

Harris revealed plans to collaborate with the school system to offer discounted prices and tickets as rewards for good grades and attendance, aiming to make the theater a community hub for entertainment and education.