Construction begins on theatres at Summit Sierra

Century Theatres, the San Rafael-based motion picture exhibitor, began construction Thursday on a 16-screen multiplex anchor theater located at The Summit Sierra.

"Now approved and permitted for its construction phase, we expect the Century Summit to be open in spring 2007," said Larry Hunt, senior property manager for The Summit Sierra.

Located at the intersection of Mount Rose Highway and South Virginia Street, the new theater will feature the latest in state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment, all LucasFilm THX certification, all stadium seating with love seats and rocking chair lounge seats, all digital sound format capabilities, giant wall-to-wall screens, and a Cinema Café serving gourmet coffee and snacks.

Family-run Century Theatres (http://www.centurytheatres.com), which was founded in 1941, has more than 1,000 screens in 12 states. Century Theatres plans to add 250 additional screens in the next three years.

Anchored by Dillard's, Orvis, and Old Navy, The Summit Sierra is home to Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, Apple, Gap, Williams-Sonoma and Jos. A. Banks among others.

The Summit Sierra's outdoor elements include patios, paths, fountains, fire pits, sitting areas, shade areas and extensive landscaping.