The concrete and steel structure of the Lakeside Moviehouse as seen from the back door on December 10.
The shape and size of the Lakeside Moviehouse and Eatery emerged quickly over the past week as the concrete walls and steel structure were lifted into place.
“I expect the roof to be on by next week,” said Chris “Big Dog” Rutherford of Blalock Construction.
Much of the parking lot is in and Rutherford expects the remainder to be poured by the middle of January.
“Then, we’ll be able to work under any conditions (as long as workers are able to reach the site),” he said.
Rutherford, who also served as the site manager for the Moviehouse which recently opened in Keller, expects to finish the project around the beginning of May.
Chris “Big Dog” Rutherford, site manager for Blalock Construction, standing in auditorium #3 in early November.
Once construction is complete, three weeks will be required to ramp up and train the staff before the facility opens to the public, said Mark McLaughlin, director of operations for Moviehouse and Eatery.
Most of the staff, McLaughlin noted, will be hired locally.
In Keller, a “VIP” event was held at the conclusion of the ramp-up period, on November 5, to give vendors, colleagues, and friends a chance to sample the features, food, and movie-going experience.
“It was a lot of fun to have so many attend with the spotlights lighting the sky,” McLaughlin said. “We had the red carpet rolled out so our guests could taste the food, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch a film.”
At the November 5 VIP event at the Keller Moviehouse and Eatery, Flower Mound Councilman Steve Dixon (left) and Lakeside’s Jimmy Archie (right) flank Moviehouse officials (left to right): Mark McLaughlin, director of operations, and owners Rodney Speaks, Tiffany Speaks, and Leslie Sloan.
“Flower Mound residents are really going to enjoy all the bells and whistles,” insisted Russ Webb, one of the Flower Mound residents who attended the VIP function in Keller.
“It has the feel of a sit-down dinner place and a nice sports bar,” added Webb, the owner of Silver Oak Commercial Realty in Flower Mound.
“I can see hanging out here before meeting the wife.
“It is going to be a huge success for Lakeside DFW and really exciting for Flower Mound residents.”
Mark Wood, Flower Mound’s director of economic development, also attended the event in Keller.
“Moviehouse & Eatery is a very nice, upscale establishment,” Wood observed. “We look forward to its opening at Lakeside. It’s great!
“Flower Mound residents will love the movie-going experience.”
The VIP event was followed by a charity event held in conjunction with the Gateway Church in Keller. Approximately 600 attended.
“We will become involved in the Flower Mound community as well,” McLaughlin explained. “It is part of who we are. We are committed to hiring locally, buying locally (whenever possible), and giving back to local charities.
“At Lakeside, we’ll be a neighborhood theater,” he said, “and a gathering spot where people can walk or ride their bike. That will be fun.
“In Keller, families love what we’re offering,” he added. Unlike some other dine-in theaters, the Moviehouse and Eatery welcomes both adults and families with children.
“We’ll roll out a new menu in the spring when the Lakeside Moviehouse opens,” said McLaughlin, “and we’ve got a super movie calendar coming up next year too.
“We can’t wait to open the Moviehouse in Flower Mound.”
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jay says
Just curious, how many screens is this theater going to have?
Sam says
Lakeside folks.. Pls comment on the above.. It’s important
Kela says
While the updates on construction are great, I have yet to see when one addressing when Lakeside Drive will open. We were told that it would open in October, and it still isn’t open. We haven’t had a run of bad weather that would cause such a delay, so was that simply an unrealistic timeline to being with? The delayed opening of Lakeside Drive is very inconvenient and irritating to residents. Additionally, I am concerned about what will happen when Lakeside Drive goes from 4 lanes to essentially 1, combined with the influx of so many new residents and businesses. How is that not going to cause a huge bottleneck problem during rush hour? I, and I’m sure the other current residents, would like to see an article where these issues are addressed. Thank you.
lakeside says
Dear Kela,
We have spoken with the Town of Flower Mound, and they believe that Lakeside Parkway will be open by January 15th.
Regarding your concern about Lakeside Parkway becoming four lanes, please note that the eastbound lanes on Lakeside Parkway approaching 2499 will not be reduced. Thus, that portion of Lakeside will have the same number of left turn, straight and right turn lanes at the intersection that it does currently.
The traffic engineers that approved the entire Lakeside Parkway design believe that the road will handle traffic well.
Kela says
Thanks for the reply!