Enzian Theater announces plans to expand in Maitland

If the Enzian Theater’s plans for the future come to fruition, the movie house will soon have one silver screen for every decade it’s been open.

To go along with the celebration of the Maitland theater’s 30th anniversary last weekend, the Enzian announced reenergized fundraising plans to expand its offerings from one theater to three. The theater originally announced similar plans to grow its campus in 2013 – with an initial goal of having this year’s film festival held in the new facilities. But now with only just about half of its fundraising goal of $6 million met and no shovels yet touching the ground, the theater is asking for the community’s help with a new fundraising campaign: Enzian FOREVER.

For more information on the Enzian’s expansion plans or to donate, visit enzian.org/forever

The planned expansion includes two new theaters, one seating 50 and the other seating 80; a new lobby; an additional kitchen; an indoor box office; more handicapped parking; and expanded valet parking capacity.

“Enzian is currently bursting at the seams; our reach is limited by our single screen,” said Enzian President Henry Maldonado in a release announcing the new expansion plans. “…Expansion to three screens allows us to offer more of what our friends want.”

The Enzian Theater annually hosts more than 1,100 events, including four film festivals, in total serving more than 110,000 patrons each year. With more theaters, Maldonado said, the Enzian can drastically increase its offerings and programming.

The theater’s last major facility upgrade was the installation of Eden Bar, a now-popular dinner and drinks destination, in 2008. And in early 2013 the Enzian overhauled the interior of its current theater by refurbishing its dine-in seating area.

Maitland Community Development Director Dick Wells said no official plans or applications have been filed for the Enzian expansion. In the past, he said, the theater has submitted pre-application information, but nothing new in recent months. Wells said in previous meetings, the city has issued concerns over potential parking problems that could come with the expansion, including the theater planning on proposing additional parking across traffic-heavy U.S. Highway 17-92.

“Last we talked they were still working on parking issues,” Wells said. “… Now we’re just waiting to see what they have for us.”