The likely fate of the Century Dome theaters appears to be linked to Santana Row. The owner of the San Jose shopping center has inked a deal to lease the site of the theaters, according to reports.
The Silicon Valley Business Times reports that Maryland-based Federal Realty Investment Trust has signed a "long-term land lease" for the 11.6 acres near the Winchester Mystery House.
Neither the terms of the deal nor the fate of the theaters were disclosed, though a company president said in a statement that "several... alternatives" were being mulled in concert with the city of San Jose, the newspaper reported.
The Century 21 theaters have been nominated as historic landmarks. However, they might not offer the opportunity for the housing and retail the city requires and the market may demand, according to reports.
That's what the "urban village" envisioned by San Jose development honchos needs.
Meanwhile, preservationists are pushing to keep the domes in place.
A state commission will consider the plea to make the domes landmarks on April 22, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
The final films are scheduled be screened there this month, as the theater company's leases are ending, the newspaper reported.
