Bringing a New Cultural Anchor to the Far West Side, Landmark Theatres Signs at The Durst Organization’s VIΛ 57 WEST

PRESS RELEASE


NEW YORK, NY (July 11, 2016)– The Durst Organization and Landmark Theatres today announced the opening of a state-of-the-art eight-screen movie theater at VIΛ 57 WEST.  The theater is the newest addition to The Durst Organization’s 57 WEST mixed-use superblock development, which spans from West 57th to West 58th Streets, between 11th and 12th Avenues.

“The 57 WEST superblock has been an enormous catalyst for Manhattan’s Far West Side,” said Jonathan (Jody) Durst, President of The Durst Organization. “This area was in dire need of a great movie theater. We are thrilled to bring an iconic, storied theater name like Landmark Theatres to the thousands of residents, workers and tourists flocking to the area.  Landmark is more than a theater, it is a cultural amenity and meeting place for our creative community and the film industry in New York City.”

“Simply put, this theater will be a game changer,” said Ted Mundorff, President and CEO of Landmark Theatres. “The Landmark at 57 West will offer New Yorkers an opportunity to enjoy the best in film and luxury in a truly unique setting.”

Landmark Theatres, which has 56 theaters across the United States, is recognized for exhibiting and marketing all genres of film including independent, foreign language, documentaries and quality major film releases.  The screening auditoriums at the new West 57th Street location will offer the latest in laser projection technology as well as leather electric recliner seats which can be reserved through advanced ticketing. Concessions will feature an array of local items, healthy snacks and the traditional hot popcorn with real butter, for which Landmark is known. The build-out will incorporate many unique design elements including an “active video wall” and a light tube display that will create an inviting array of colors in the theater’s light-filled entrance.

In addition, Landmark’s West 57th Street location will offer post-screening parties, special filmmakers Q+A’s, and other special events at the site’s private bar.  The theater complex, the first to open in Midtown Manhattan in 15 years, is expected to open in spring 2017, and joins The American Kennel Club and the Livanos Restaurant Group at the property. There is a 7,000 square foot retail storefront still available at the building.

VIΛ 57 WEST, the anchor of the 57 WEST residential block, provides a dramatic visual gateway to Manhattan’s skyline along the Hudson River. The first project designed by the Danish Architecture firm BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group in North America, VIΛ offers residents a compelling mix of 709 rental residences, an unsurpassed selection of resident amenities, and 45,000 square feet of retail space.  The 57 WEST superblock has a total of 1,370 apartments, two parking garages and three additional retail spaces spread between three buildings, VIA, Helena and Frank.

For nearly two decades The Durst Organization has led the revitalization of Midtown West as both a residential and commercial hub in Manhattan. Through its development of three apartment buildings, The Durst Organization has not only brought new life to the local economy of Midtown West, but has aided in the development of both streetscape and greenspace in the neighborhood.

The Durst Organization was represented in-house by David Neil and Ashlea Aaron and by Peter Braus of Lee & Associates. Landmark Theatres was represented by Brad Schwarz and JP Sutro of Lee & Associates.