Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

A longtime Pleasant Grove movie theater is preparing for a new chapter under new ownership later this year.

For nearly three decades, the Water Gardens Cinema 6 has been the affordable alternative for individuals and families to see recent releases.

In a time when many theaters are closing due to the dwindling number of ticket sales after the pandemic, movies will still be shown at 912 W. Garden Drive, just in a different way.

On Friday, Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres announced its acquisition of the Water Gardens. According to a press release, plans call for an extensive remodel and renovation to ultimately transform the Cinema 6 into a 100% luxury seating theater.

“We had done business with Megaplex before,” Water Gardens co-owner Tyler Walters said. “We previously had a location in Holladay. We found them to be really good to work with.”

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres already has two Utah County locations, one in nearby Vineyard and another at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

“We love the Water Gardens location in Pleasant Grove and are excited to upgrade the seating to luxury recliners” Britten Maughan, Megaplex Theatres president said in the release. “This location is conveniently located on State Street in Pleasant Grove and is a great location to service guests in Utah County who live on the east side of the valley.”

Megaplex Theatres will assume operations of the Water Gardens at the end of July. Construction is slated to begin in August, with plans to reopen before the end of the year.

Walters says a number of factors went into the decision to sell the theater.

The Water Gardens, built in 1997 was already in need of major upgrades including a new roof and new projectors. In 2012, the theater installed digital projectors, which typically need to be replaced every five to 10 years. “So we’re already finding it difficult to get parts for that. It’s about a $250,000 investment,” Walters said.

He also pointed to the rumblings of a new competitor (unrelated to Megaplex) coming to the town, as well as a seemingly struggling movie theater industry.

“Overall, grosses are down. We have never returned to pre pandemic levels,” Walters told the Daily Herald. “The business remained profitable, but not in pre-COVID levels. And if you add in the entrance of a new competitor in our geographic area, if you lose 20% of tickets, that puts you in the red.”

News of the theater’s ownership changing hands wasn’t taken lightly on the Water Gardens Facebook account. Many comments from customers have said they will miss the affordable admission prices.

Currently, on average, one would spend around $7.25 per admission to see a movie during the week and $4.75 for a matinee showing at Water Gardens.

Water Gardens has gone through several iterations over the past 27 years. It initially opened as a first-run theater, showing newly released films. Walters said he and co-owner Mike Daniels took over the business in 2010 and began offering showings at a discounted price. In 2016, they changed back to being a first-run theater, “But we were able to do it at a price point where it was still a good value for families,” Walters said.

The new Megaplex Theatres in Pleasant Grove will feature lounge-style recliner chairs, premium snack and beverage services and state-of-the-art technology, according to the release. The renovation will involve a significant technical makeover, as new payment and redemption systems will be installed. “Guests with current Water Gardens vouchers or gift cards are encouraged to use them at the Pleasant Grove location before July 27,” the release states.

In regard to the employment status of current Water Gardens staff, Walters said those decisions ultimately will be made at the discretion of new management. However, he’s hopeful those who want to are able to continue on with Megaplex. “Many of the employees who had their first jobs here in 2010 are now bringing their own kids to the theater. We know we leave it in good hands,” he said in the press release.

Walters said the decision to sell wasn’t an easy one, but he feels at ease knowing once the renovation dust settles, a movie theater will remain in place for local cinema buffs. “In a time where a lot of independent theaters cease to operate as theaters at all, we’re grateful that we have a partner that will invest millions of dollars into the building and make sure that it continues to serve the Pleasant Grove and surrounding communities,” he told the Daily Herald.