Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema renovations begin (Photos)

One top item on the wish list of regulars at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema is now being granted. A major renovation and update of the cineplex has begun. While the theater was brought up to the standards of the time over a decade ago, it failed to join rival chains in moving into the latest generation of theater amenities, which include recliners and more extensive dining operations. This was likely because Landmark has faced many financial challenges in recent years, which included a tense period last year in which some or all of its locations faced liquidation at auction after the company's principal reneged on a massive loan. While many Landmark theaters did close, Bethesda was one of the lucky survivors.

The expensive renovations now underway suggest that the Bethesda Row Cinema is here to stay for many years to come. Its current lease expires in 2027, and there's no way the company would sink this much money into remodeling if it planned to walk away in less than 24 months. Likewise, while Federal Realty had the option of demolishing the building that holds the theater in 2027, the renovations of the cineplex and neighbor Mon Ami Gabi - and the imminent arrival of new tenant Sephora on the other side of the building - indicate that the landlord now has no intention of doing that in the near future, either.

What will the renovation project add to the Bethesda Row Cinema? First and foremost: recliners! Yes! An expanded food and cocktail operation, with updated seating - and more of it on both levels. That seating is reminiscent of the lobby bar areas at AMC Theatres. Speaking of influences from other theater chains, does anyone else get ArcLight Cinema vibes from the proposed train station-style clocks shown in the renderings? Landmark says each of the theaters it is renovating across the country will get "historically inspired" design touches in the lobby. Could this be a reference to the railroad that once passed by the property that is now occupied by the theater? 

Also planned is a new "gaming area." What's that? There's no rendering of it, so we have to assume an arcade a la Regal Cinemas in Rockville. Finally, outdoors we will be getting a new LED marquee. This perhaps explains why Landmark was seemingly in no rush to fix the existing one, and did not express concern when the Mon Ami Gabi expansion architecture blocked the view of the current marquee from Woodmont Avenue. Still no IMAX, but that's understandable, as that would require a much taller auditorium that really needs to be part of the design when a theater is first built.

Some questions remain unanswered. For example, the rendering of the new lobby area shows seating taking up both sides. Where will the ticket machines be located? And new menus and bar updates are not likely to be announced until the renovations are closer to completion. They're just getting started right now, but the theater remains open for business.

The renovations are a welcome development. Not only are the recliners long overdue, but the theater has experienced some water infiltration, which one reader reported had soaked some of the seats in at least one auditorium this past week. And now that this is the only remaining movie theater in downtown Bethesda, the contemporary upgrades are essential to support the expectations of the mainstream moviegoer. Most importantly, we couldn't afford to lose this theater now, as it's the only game in town. The renovations make clear that nightmare scenario is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Deadline reported that it's not public information as to whether landlord Federal Realty is picking up some of the costs of the renovation, but whoever is investing in it is making a wise move for the future of Bethesda Row.