Former UConn Hoop Star Says He's Eyeing Purchase Of Defunct Theater Complex In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Talk about an economic development fast break transition. A pro athlete with Middletown ties said he is about to purchase a downtown theater complex that closed only a short time ago.

Said former University of Connecticut great and current Philadelphia 76er Andre Drummond on his public Facebook page, "About to purchase Metro Movie theater in Middletown! What do y'all want to see it become ... drop ideas below."

On Tuesday afternoon, six days after the posting, the post had 235 comments and 345 likes.

Drummond has not been a stranger to his hometown after UConn. He has hosted a basketball camp in the city for many years. He is also no stranger to real estate investments. He is listed as "our founding player," for Greenwich-based Special Teams Realty.

Special Teams exec Rick Roth has "facilitated debt and/or equity for more than 100 investment real estate properties" and "has been involved in billions of dollars of investment real estate," according to the Special Teams profile. Roth is also an adjunct professor at UConn and teaches the real estate investment and portfolio management course in the Master of Business Administration program at UConn.

Middletown Economic Development Specialist Judith Lamson-Rockwell said a quick turnaround from a high-profile investor is fitting.

"This level of interest reflects the growing momentum we are seeing across the City, as more investors and stakeholders recognize the strength of our location, our vibrant community, and the opportunities for thoughtful redevelopment," she said. "We remain committed to working collaboratively with prospective partners to support projects that enhance the area, activate underutilized spaces, and contribute to the City’s long-term vitality."

The Metro Movies 12 cinema complex in Middletown suddenly went dark on Jan. 6. The theater closed without warning when a two-sentence declaration was posted on both social media and the complex website. It caught residents and municipal officials by surprise.

The property is located at 140 Main St. in the back of a plaza that is connected to plenty of places to eat and catch a movie.

In the 1990s, the space was a ShopRite supermarket in what was then called the Metro Square. The plaza, though, was mired in financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 1997.

Two years later, the plaza received a jump start when Destinta Theatres opened in the space.

(Google Maps)