Theatre to change hands

Charlie Mars-Mahlau/The Lantern Management of the South Campus Gateway Theatre will pass from The Drexel Theatre Group to Landmark Theatres in March.

Management of the South Campus Gateway Theatre will change hands at the beginning of March. The theatre, which is owned by Campus Partners, will be managed by Landmark Theatres.

Landmark Theatres is an expanding movie business co-owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

"The Gateway will continue to show films, but we feel it is also a very good venue for special event conferences," said Steve Sterrett, director of community relations for Campus Partners.

Landmark will show the same types of movies that the Drexel shows, but Sterrett said it will not be known for certain until Landmark has assessed the Columbus market.

Sterrett said a set of conference rooms, called the "Event Place," were added last May to allow Campus Partners to hold special event conferences.

"The feeling was that there was opportunity for more growth in that business and that Landmark had more experience in promoting," he said.

The Gateway Theatre is currently managed by the Drexel Theatres Group. Sterrett said Drexel began managing the theatre in 2003 before its grand opening in November of 2005.

He said the movie theatre business in Columbus is becoming increasingly competitive, which is why it was important for Campus Partners to make the change.

According to a press release from Campus Partners, Landmark Theatres runs 57 theatres in 23 markets. The company began in 1974 and is based in Los Angeles.

Sterrett said the change will allow Campus Partners to host prominent conferences and meetings in the Gateway.

Ted Mundorff, chief executive officer of Landmark Theatres, said in the press release the Gateway would be a good match for Landmark.

"Like us, they are finding innovative new ways to draw audiences to the movie theatre, from bars and expanded food options to the latest technology and seating options. With our experience and exceptional customer relations and customer service, we expect to greatly expand Gateway's role in community events."

Patrick Sullivan can be reached at sullivan.371@osu.edu.