If you have a penchant for independent arts or foreign film, or even cuttingedge documentary, you have undoubtedly visited the Midtown Cinema on Reily Street in Harrisburg.

     In addition to being the only independent arts cinema in town, the small three-screen theater that opened in 2001 in the one-time home of a dry-cleaner has a brightly painted interior with a coffee and dessert counter and a cozy side room loaded with tables and chairs, books and board games, and revolving art shows featuring local photographers and artists.

     You may have been concerned about the fate of the cinema after learning that the building was recently purchased by Powers and Associates. If that's the case, you're not alone. Over the past six years, "The Midtown" has developed a solid fan base, from long-time devotees of independent film to teenagers who have only recently discovered that there's a great creative alternative to the cookie-cutter Hollywood blockbuster.

     When Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) approached Powers & Associates after deciding to have a campus somewhere in the downtown or adjacent areas, Powers hired a national master planner, Hillier Architecture, who came in and put together a plan that showed about 1 million square feet of developable space in Harrisburg, and also about $105 million dollars worth of investment properties.

     Matt Tunnell, senior vice president of Powers & Associates, explains that the building that houses Midtown Cinema became an appealing purchase because, "It made sense from a real estate perspective, being right next door [to the Evangelical Press Building recently renovated by Powers as the Midtown HACC campus], and we knew that the [Midtown Cinema] building wasn't in great shape."

     Powers bought the building from the Midtown Market District (MMD). As for rumors that the sale was not smooth, Tunnell begs to differ. "The sale has been very smooth. We'll make the city whole, including paying them back for their investment and interest. The city gets their dollars, which they can then reallocate to other economic development activities. It's really a win-win."

     For those concerned about Midtown Cinema, don't fret just yet. Tunnell says that they plan to keep "The Midtown" open as normal for at least a year. But he adds that Powers also plans to build a new cinema in the area. "We hope to [provide] long-term modern facilities that will continue to have multiple screens and show independent movies."

     As for the down time between the closing of the original cinema and the opening of the new? "The goal would be to have no interruption," says Tunnell. Powers also wants to be able to provide efficient parking for the patrons of the new cinema.

     While no plans for the current property housing Midtown Cinema have been finalized, it appears that Powers does have both short- and long-term goals, the short-term goal being to use the space as a parking lot for the surrounding buildings, which Tunnell describes as "a necessary evil" until a parking garage is constructed. Long-term, Powers would like to have developed the space for mixed residential and retail use. Tunnell explains that Reily Street is a natural retail corridor.

     But what will become of the current owner of the cinema, Allen Brown, who has a month-to-month lease in the building? Will he be managing the new cinema when it's built?

     According to Tunnell, Brown and Powers & Associates have been engaged in very positive and constructive discussions, but the decision-making process is just beginning.

     Brown states that he is not aware what the cost of the rental would be in a new building; that would of course be a major factor. When asked how he handles questions about the cinema from moviegoers, Brown's reply is characteristically honest: "I really don't have any answers for them. We are waiting until they make the next step to find out what the future here is going to be." Brown has long had a commitment to arts cinema, having previously operated one in Middletown. "To take it away would be a tragedy," he adds.

     Tunnell espouses a similar sentiment, "The cinema is symbolic of Midtown's resurgence." "It's a really important entity."

     Only time will tell what the finalized plans will be for a new independent cinema and Brown's relationship to it. Says Brown, "Regardless of what happens, someone needs to continue."

     So, at least for a year, relax and enjoy the current ambiance of Midtown Cinema. A new location could project many great things for Midtown.