Legends 14 Theatres to change ownership and operator

Redeveloper to purchase theater; AMC Theatres to become operator

Legacy Development announced today that it plans to purchase the Legends 14 Theatre at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kan., according to a news release.

A spokesman for the company said it will pave the way for redevelopment of the property under the direction of a new theater operator, AMC Theatres.

Currently, the theater is owned by the Unified Government. It has been managed by Phoenix Big Cinemas LLC since it opened in 2005.

In the news release, Wes Grammer, chief development officer for Legacy Development, said “We couldn’t be more excited. The Legends is a great project and we relish the opportunity to deepen our involvement in it.”

A spokesman said the transaction is expected to close on Dec. 11, 2015, and the building will reopen Dec. 12 under AMC management. AMC, which is based in Leawood, Kan., currently operates five locations in the Kansas City metro area, and will renovate the theater in 2016, while remaining open to guests during renovations.

“Our investment in the theater as the anchor attraction to the surrounding Legends shopping center is an example of our commitment to provide an important amenity to this community,” said UG Administrator Doug Bach in the news release. “The sale of the theater paves the way for private sector reinvestment in the 10-year-old facility and ensures that both residents and tourists will be able to enjoy this asset for years to come.”