The resurrection of the former downtown movie theater in Big Rapids has taken a step forward.

According to City Manager Mark Gifford, movie theater developer Jordan Stancil has a purchase agreement with AMC to buy the theater building at 213 S. Michigan Ave. and the neighboring parking lot at 217 S. Michigan Ave.

At Monday’s meeting, city commissioners approved the prospective purchase of the theater parking lot for $90,000 by the city of Big Rapids. Gifford said this move helps the developer afford the full purchase and allows the city to own and improve the lot long term.

“Pulling together the needed funds to do it has been a challenge,” Gifford said. “The thought is that he would buy the property as a whole from AMC, meaning, the building itself and the theater parking lot next door. (Since) that theater parking lot is not important to him in terms of operations, we can buy it from him as a cash infusion into the project. (This would) result in us owning and being able to improve a lot.”

The resolution includes a contingency where the developer must first acquire the parking lot and adhere to the terms of a real estate purchase agreement. If the developer’s agreement falls through, the city of Big Rapids will not be obligated to purchase the lot.

“If the deal doesn't go through, we don't buy the lot,” Mayor Fred Guenther said. “We believe it should be in a package to get a theater for the people of our area.”

City commissioners discussed the lot’s future in Monday’s meeting, where they will consider two main options. The first is to maintain it as theater parking with surfacing improvements. The second is to transform into an outdoor community space, similar to the Pocket Park farther north on Michigan Ave. Either option would likely require lot renovations. Guenther said the evaluation of these options will depend on the developer’s plans for the theater’s second phase.

All five city commissioners approved the resolution. To rewatch the City Commission’s discussion about the theater, visit the link here: CITY COMMISSION MOVIE THEATER DISCUSSION.