cvolosin, it was labeled as a Premiere Theater in 2002 as Chuck mentioned. The owner who oversaw the remodeling efforts at that time passed away a year ago so perhaps there has only now been a change in ownership/organization but the website still lists the Oaks 10 as a “Premiere Theater” with current showtime listings.
Addendum: Palms 8 Theater was purchased by the City of Melbourne in 2001 and razed for redevelopment within that same year. Fred— Supposedly this was a “Kent” theater in a chain. There was a Satellite Beach Kent, and the three others were “NASA”, “BREVARD” and “PALMS 5”. I am not sure which name this one carried. Probably one of the latter two.
The first Merritt AMC cinema is located inside the mall. It should be on the side opposite of SR520. It is still there (as of the last time I went in 2007) but has been expanded into a 16-screen facility. For the longest time the styling was a holdover from the 1980’s with carpet and earth-tone brown/red tiles. At least that’s what stood out to me.
The second one was built outside the main mall complex on that same side and was located just off the road adjacent to the parking lots. I think the strip mall complex it was a part of still exists in part but it may have all been torn down when the auxiliary AMC was demolished. The exterior was raised off the ground by stairs (about 4-5 feet high) and also had a handicap access ramp. There were aluminum guardrails and bannisters and right next to the theater was the Jungle Jim’s restaurant which had (I think) bronze colored bannisters. The theater itself was six screens and was very nice inside. There was a little game arcade, a regular concession area and I think the layout was three screens on the right and three screens on the left. It was always very packed every time I went. My clearest memories of it are when I went to see “Robot Jox” and “Terminator 2”. Very popular spot back then.
The mall has expanded now but it’s a bit different. I remember there being something like a Burdines or JcPenny entrance closer towards the side of the AMC facing high rise condos which should still be there today.
Remember when this theater opened in 1986. I was a kid then. The facade changed a lot when it became Premiere Theaters (the new owner is a very enthusiastic guy— I met him at their grand re-opening). The original look in ‘86 was very intimate outdoors with a fantastic design for the concession lobby: a round serving area with cashiers available in 360-degrees. Above this was a hexagon shaped ceiling protrusion with classic movie personalities drawn in neon lights: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, James Cagney, Joan Crawford, etc.
It went downhill by the time Premiere took over but it was a great cinema. The new renovation is very nice visually and the seating is better than before.
Personally, it’s sad to see them phase out the old 35mm projectors.
I have fond memories of visiting this theater and its auxiliary theater outside the Merritt Square Mall. I remember the auxiliary location being the one more frequented by my family and their friends. A now defunct but very unique burger restaurant called Jungle Jims was located right next to it and we would always eat there after the shows.
It was heartbreaking to see the additional theater closed down. The 16-screen Cobb theater is a very different presentation. I had no idea this was a showcase cinema for AMC.
And here is the Oaks10 website: http://www.oaks10.com/contact.html
cvolosin, it was labeled as a Premiere Theater in 2002 as Chuck mentioned. The owner who oversaw the remodeling efforts at that time passed away a year ago so perhaps there has only now been a change in ownership/organization but the website still lists the Oaks 10 as a “Premiere Theater” with current showtime listings.
Addendum: Palms 8 Theater was purchased by the City of Melbourne in 2001 and razed for redevelopment within that same year. Fred— Supposedly this was a “Kent” theater in a chain. There was a Satellite Beach Kent, and the three others were “NASA”, “BREVARD” and “PALMS 5”. I am not sure which name this one carried. Probably one of the latter two.
Scott,
The first Merritt AMC cinema is located inside the mall. It should be on the side opposite of SR520. It is still there (as of the last time I went in 2007) but has been expanded into a 16-screen facility. For the longest time the styling was a holdover from the 1980’s with carpet and earth-tone brown/red tiles. At least that’s what stood out to me.
The second one was built outside the main mall complex on that same side and was located just off the road adjacent to the parking lots. I think the strip mall complex it was a part of still exists in part but it may have all been torn down when the auxiliary AMC was demolished. The exterior was raised off the ground by stairs (about 4-5 feet high) and also had a handicap access ramp. There were aluminum guardrails and bannisters and right next to the theater was the Jungle Jim’s restaurant which had (I think) bronze colored bannisters. The theater itself was six screens and was very nice inside. There was a little game arcade, a regular concession area and I think the layout was three screens on the right and three screens on the left. It was always very packed every time I went. My clearest memories of it are when I went to see “Robot Jox” and “Terminator 2”. Very popular spot back then.
The mall has expanded now but it’s a bit different. I remember there being something like a Burdines or JcPenny entrance closer towards the side of the AMC facing high rise condos which should still be there today.
Hope this helps.
Remember when this theater opened in 1986. I was a kid then. The facade changed a lot when it became Premiere Theaters (the new owner is a very enthusiastic guy— I met him at their grand re-opening). The original look in ‘86 was very intimate outdoors with a fantastic design for the concession lobby: a round serving area with cashiers available in 360-degrees. Above this was a hexagon shaped ceiling protrusion with classic movie personalities drawn in neon lights: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, James Cagney, Joan Crawford, etc.
It went downhill by the time Premiere took over but it was a great cinema. The new renovation is very nice visually and the seating is better than before.
Personally, it’s sad to see them phase out the old 35mm projectors.
I have fond memories of visiting this theater and its auxiliary theater outside the Merritt Square Mall. I remember the auxiliary location being the one more frequented by my family and their friends. A now defunct but very unique burger restaurant called Jungle Jims was located right next to it and we would always eat there after the shows.
It was heartbreaking to see the additional theater closed down. The 16-screen Cobb theater is a very different presentation. I had no idea this was a showcase cinema for AMC.