Plans for new movie theater in Peru move forward

Plans for a new movie theater in Peru received a thumbs up from the planning commission. The building would be the new home of Carmike Cinemas after they leave the Peru Mall at the end of the year.

Developers DMAR, LLC and Access, LLC Wednesday night brought their drawings for a new 10-screen cinema before the planning commission and zoning board of appeals of Peru. The building will go up directly north of Hy-Vee on Plaza Drive. You would pull into the parking lot off of Plaza or from a new road that would have to be built. The new road would run east to west and connect to North Peoria Street.

Kevin Heitz of Chamlin and Associates and Gregory Schaapveld of Shive-Hattery Engineering presented the plans. Schaapveld says the new building will have 1,690 seats and at least one large auditorium with 330 seats.

The final plat received a favorable recommendation from the planning commission. It still needs approval by city council.

Wednesday night’s hearing didn’t address the development agreement the city is negotiating with the developer and Carmike.