Spencer, IA (KICD)– A multi-million dollar remodel and expansion to Spencer’s movie theatre is being proposed to upgrade the current facility for the future.

Russ Vannorsdel is the President of Fridley Theatres, the company that own the seven screen complex in the Southpark Mall. He went before the city council on Monday to discuss plans for the potential project that would include both a revitalization of the current space and the addition of new amenities.

Vannorsdel says there is a need to add two new auditoriums to help make up for seating that will actually be lost by adding the luxury recliners.

When it comes to the full kitchen offerings, Vannorsdel says the goal is not to add a full restaurant per say, but he is not against having food available to visitors and staff of the mall that may not be utilizing the theatre.

There is a possibility the City of Spencer could use funds generated through the tax increment financing district in that part of town to help pay for up to one million dollars of the project. Councilman Donovan Wunschel showed some initial concern in this idea when it comes to what would be expected for other businesses in the future.

As far as an overall benefit to the community Vannorsdel says making the updates would give Spencer the potential to continue as a regional hub.

The current plan would have the remodel work done in phases starting in January that would allow Southpark 7 to continue operating while updates are made to a couple of existing auditoriums at time while construction on the new areas is completed potentially allowing the entire project to be completed by next summer.