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A new theater is opening up in the Woodland Mall complex.

CITY

Movie theater reopens

The pandemic did a number on movie theaters (and the movie industry as a whole), but an area movie house is rising from the ashes.

Phoenix Theatres at Woodland Mall reopened in early April, compete with 4K digital projection and fully reclining, heated seats.

“Heated reclining seating has become a customer favorite and a signature amenity in all Phoenix Theatres,” said Cory Jacobson, owner of the Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres, which operates six theaters. “When we discovered several years ago the newest feature available was heated seats, we thought this would make the experience even more comfortable and perfect to warm everyone up on a chilly day or even in the middle of summer.”

Perhaps the facility’s coolest feature, however, is the more than 30 movie-related photographs across eight decades curated by local historian Michael Hauser. The collection includes photographs and memorabilia of local theaters in West Michigan. Each screening room also is named after a classic area theater.

“This new theater, with unmatched amenities, represents an upgrade akin to the upgrade the mall tenancy underwent as we continue our pursuit of creating a regional destination experience,” said Vince Vizza, vice president of real estate leasing at PREIT, the Woodland Mall developer. “Phoenix Theatres joins other top-tier experiences from The Cheesecake Factory and Black Rock Bar & Grill and a tremendous existing retail lineup which includes Sephora, Lush, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Von Maur, Urban Outfitters, Altar’d State and Apple. The property continues to attract new and exciting tenants and impressive traffic and sales in a discerning market.”

The sounds of music

The 2022 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens kicks off June 2. The full lineup wasn’t posted until after the magazine went to press, but highlights include Amos Lee, Foreigner and Pink Floyd.

Elsewhere in GR, GLC Live at 20 Monroe concerts in May and June include Modest Mouse, Primus and comedian Patton Oswalt. Van Andel Arena welcomes Journey, Sting, Justin Bieber, and REO Speedwagon with Styx.

“This new theater, with unmatched amenities, represents an upgrade akin to the upgrade the mall tenancy underwent as we continue our pursuit of creating a regional destination experience."

Vince Vizza

Macarons!

A new spot to grab a French treat is open downtown.

Le Macaron opened this spring at 132 Monroe Center NW.

The franchise offers French pastries, including macarons. The shop also offers chocolates, eclairs, French gelato, coffee, espresso, lemon tarts and more.