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Garden City approves nonbinding MOU with ICON Cinemas for highway‑front entertainment complex
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with SNK Cinema Holdings (doing business as ICON Cinemas) to begin the development process for a multi‑use entertainment complex on the 2800 block of E. Highway 156; the draft MOU outlines potential public support tools but is nonbinding.
The Garden City Commission voted Nov. 5 to approve a memorandum of understanding with SNK Cinema Holdings Group, Inc., doing business as ICON Cinemas, to initiate review and coordination on a proposed multi‑use entertainment complex on the 2800 block of East Highway 156.
Danielle, city staff leading the presentation, described the anticipated project as including two large cinema screens, a beer‑and‑wine bar, a 14‑lane duckpin bowling alley, an arcade with virtual‑reality elements, an outdoor theater and concert venue, and related concessions and kitchen space. The MOU, she said, identifies potential public finance and incentive tools the developer may seek later — including tax‑increment financing (TIF), community improvement district (CID) special obligation bonds, and other incentives — but does not bind the city to any future financial obligations.
Danielle said city bond counsel Mary Carson assisted in preparing the draft MOU and that the document had been reviewed and approved by the developer. She also said the proposed site is directly south of the Petra Residences project and that future actions (TIF, CID, bond authorizations, and site‑plan approvals) would come individually before the commission as needed.
Commissioners asked about interactions with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for Highway 156 access and traffic considerations; Danielle said KDOT involvement will be necessary when site plans are developed. A commissioner moved to approve the MOU as written; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
The MOU authorizes staff and the developer to begin coordinated planning and outreach and signals city support for initiating the development process; it does not commit the city to any particular incentive or funding mechanism.
