ICON, the same national chain that is renovating the old Kickingbird Cinema in Edmond, has filed plans to completely remake the old Windsor Hills Cinema at NW 23rd and Meridian.

From Cinematreasures.com:


The Windsor Hills Cinema 10 was opened on December 9, 1988 by Litchfield Theatres. It was located on NW 23rd Street at N. Meridian Avenue. It was operated as a first run house. It was taken over by Regal on February 2, 1994. Closed by Regal Entertainment on January 16, 2005.

On June 10, 2005 it was reopened by an independent operator. It was reopened by B & B Theatres on November 20, 2009 as the B&B Windsor 10. It was closed on August 25, 2019.

They will convert all 10 auditoriums to their signature recliner seating and generally update the carpet, paint and fixtures including the concessions area.


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^^^^^^^^^
So odd to me that it opened in ‘88, because I recall going there quite a bit in the late eighties and thinking it was a fixture that had been there for 20 or 30 years. I recall that it did feel freshly remodeled, so I suppose that may have instead been new build. But, any chance it existed prior to ‘88 in another iteration?

^

1988 sounds right to me.

I remember going there when it was relatively new to see Born on the 4th of July right before I moved away from OKC. I just checked and that film came out in 1989.

Must’ve been a re-work of an old department store or something, as the center was surely 60s or even late 50s vintage. Maybe a TG&Y..? That would be about right from a time frame standpoint if it stood empty for a few years. I remember there was also a CR Anthony in that center, but I don’t think Anthony’s sold until the mid 90s and even then the converted Beall’s stores lived on for a while.

Also, pretty sure I saw Born on the 4th of July at Quail Twin (R.I.P.). Theater life cycles have always been pretty interesting to me. I moved here during a real transitional period in the mid-80s (though I’d been regularly visiting family in the OKC metro since infancy and had seen movies in a number of much older and now long-gone theaters).

Must’ve been a re-work of an old department store or something, as the center was surely 60s or even late 50s vintage. Maybe a TG&Y..? That would be about right from a time frame standpoint if it stood empty for a few years. I remember there was also a CR Anthony in that center, but I don’t think Anthony’s sold until the mid 90s and even then the converted Beall’s stores lived on for a while.

That building was not there in 1969; neither was the Crest building at the east end:

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Interesting…now that you mention it I do recall there being a bunch of empty pads, even in the 80s and 90s. Haven’t spent much time over there in years. When I was younger I had a number of friends who grew up and/or lived nearby so I spent way more time there.

This was Putnam West territory and although I grew up nearby (near 63rd & Meridian), it was like a different planet to me.


What I remember most from that area was the A&W drive-in on the SE corner of 23rd & Meridian.

You can see it in the bottom right corner of that aerial.

The theater building wasn't there in this 1975 aerial:

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That's so cool! Happy for my hood! Seeing little bits and pieces of development here and there on the West side. Nothing major but a little is better than nothing. I noticed on the NW corner of Macarthur and 10th an empty plot of land had bulldozers moving dirt.

And not there in this 1984 aerial:

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This was Putnam West territory and although I grew up nearby (near 63rd & Meridian), it was like a different planet to me.


What I remember most from that area was the A&W drive-in on the SE corner of 23rd & Meridian.

You can see it in the bottom right corner of that aerial.
I remember that A&W; one of the few I’ve ever visited. In fact maybe the only one. Not a fan of root beer.

The aerials definitely date the theater as new construction in ‘88. So interesting how perspective affects perceptions and memories. In ‘88 I was a very young adult still exploring what was mostly a new city to me. Really had nothing by which to gauge my impressions of places like that, in what was to me a newly-discovered corner of the city.

That's so cool! Happy for my hood! Seeing little bits and pieces of development here and there on the West side. Nothing major but a little is better than nothing. I noticed on the NW corner of Macarthur and 10th an empty plot of land had bulldozers moving dirt.

I believe that is going to be a 7-Eleven.

Excited to see this. The major drawback to that location is the lack of visibility from the street. And that parking lot stretching all the way behind Crest needs to be completely overhauled.

Nice! It would be cool see a developer come in, build structured parking, and build a dense mixed use development around the existing on.

Pete, have you heard anything about the one in Edmond?

Pete, have you heard anything about the one in Edmond?

Yes, reported on it some time ago.

They are nearing the end of the renovation and it (Kickingbird) will also have recliners.

Yes, reported on it some time ago.

They are nearing the end of the renovation and it (Kickingbird) will also have recliners.
That’s good news. They will kill it. Showbiz has been a huge success as well.

Let’s get to the important information….. does it have a bar or serve liquor?

According to the owner of the center at the time the building was constructed, in addition to building the addition to accommodate a second story in case TG&Y ever needed it, he also wanted the building high enough that it was visible from the road so people would appreciate how much retail space was there.

I will be a happy patron.

Let’s get to the important information….. does it have a bar or serve liquor?

pictures from the colorado springs location shows Beer and wine ..

as does San Angelo

https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/icon-cinema-in-san-angelo-to-serve-beer-and-wine/504-448198535

Nice! It would be cool see a developer come in, build structured parking, and build a dense mixed use development around the existing on.

Pete, have you heard anything about the one in Edmond?

Insider track since I live right by here. I would love to see it, but I doubt this would ever occur. It would be certainly neat but doesn't fit the area, there are already 8 apartment complexes in the area, none of which are horrible but none are what I'd say is fantastic. Solid area but just the burbs.

Let’s get to the important information….. does it have a bar or serve liquor?

According to the Colorado springs google search I see, they have a very small beer tap selection, Bud Light, Sam Adams, Blue Moon Fat Tire.

Maybe this location will get something similar?

According to the Colorado springs google search I see, they have a very small beer tap selection, Bud Light, Sam Adams, Blue Moon Fat Tire.

Maybe this location will get something similar?

picture from google shows colorado spring has 8 beers on tap ... .dos equis blue moon fat tire guinness coors light bud light sam adams boston lager and one more that i can't make out ..

plus wine

picture from google shows colorado spring has 8 beers on tap ... .dos equis blue moon fat tire guinness coors light bud light sam adams boston lager and one more that i can't make out ..

plus wine

Honestly for the area, this isn't really a bad spread to just have as an option when there. Broke Brewing is not terribly far away, maybe they will try to partner with them? I'm not sure how the current zoning works for this though?

And not there in this 1984 aerial:

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FYI, remember the A&W well from my old 'hood. It was destroyed by a tornado that took out the carpet slide at 39th & Drexel.

FYI, remember the A&W well from my old 'hood. It was destroyed by a tornado that took out the carpet slide at 39th & Drexel.

What year was the tornado?

I posted the news of the ICON Movie Theater coming to Windsor Hills neighborhood app and everyone's excited to have a movie theater back in their part of town. Some even remembered going to the movies at that same building when they were little.

What year was the tornado?

I dont remember exactly. It would have been in the 70s. It was in the middle of the night which made it scary. My Dad woke us all up to get to a closet.

I posted the news of the ICON Movie Theater coming to Windsor Hills neighborhood app and everyone's excited to have a movie theater back in their part of town. Some even remembered going to the movies at that same building when they were little.

what is an ICON movie theatre (sorry being lazy).

They are well under construction:

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And not there in this 1984 aerial:

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Pete, I know OKCTalk has the 1969 aerial of the whole city, but is there also the 1975 and 1984 aerial maps?

love your pics Pete, esp that you always include at least one that orients toward Downtown, to give prospective on where things are. :)

Icon nearing completion of two area theaters (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=893-Icon-nearing-completion-of-two-area-theaters)

A $5.5 million investment has been made at the soon-to-open Icon Windsor theater at NW 23rd and Meridian.


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The 10-screen theater was opened in 1988 by the Litchfield chain before Regal took over in 1994. Then came B&B in 2009 before completely closing in 2019.

Now, a complete renovation has been performed including a new parking lot. All 10 auditoriums have red leather recliners with footrests and herringbone wood floors.

Icon will offer a wide array of food and drink with free popcorn refills.

They are shooting for a January 7th opening. A similar renovation is being performed at the Kickingbird Theater at Danforth and Bryant in Edmond, and Icon will reopen in 30 to 60 days.

Both will screen first-run movies as movie production nears pre-pandemic levels.



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The original Windsor Hills Cinemas circa 1990

Icon edmond has their sign up as well.

This is great for the Windsor neighborhood! In the photo with the big red arrow, you can see new construction in the background on 23rd street. Do you know what's being built there?

This is great for the Windsor neighborhood! In the photo with the big red arrow, you can see new construction in the background on 23rd street. Do you know what's being built there?

Spin City Laundry, similar to the one recently opened on Classen.

Super excited about this. In your article, you mentioned that there would be a variety of food besides popcorn. Will this be like hot dogs and nachos?

^

I believe the concessions will be typical movie fare, but somewhat reasonably priced.

They are still waiting on their final permits so the opening has been pushed back to approximately 1/14.

I'll provide an update when they have a firm date.

Today (Saturday 1/28) is the day! Icon Windsor Hills at NW 23rd & Merdian will reopen with the first shows starting around noon.


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After closing in 2009, the new owners spent millions on a comprehensive makeover with all new equipment, a greatly updated interior, and all 10 auditoriums with red leather reclining seats.

Icon also features all-you-can-eat popcorn and unlimited refills on soft drinks. Ice cream and other concessions are also offered.

Go to iconcinemas.com to see showtimes and reserve your seat.

Icon at Danforth and Bryant in Edmond will open within the next two months.



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This may be pedantic, but I'm wondering if the blue seat numbers dim when the movie starts? Or is the light from the screen enough to make it not noticeable? Seems like for anything other than the front row, they'd be reflecting off the backs of the seats... And yes, I take my movie-going experience seriously. :)

This may be pedantic, but I'm wondering if the blue seat numbers dim when the movie starts? Or is the light from the screen enough to make it not noticeable? Seems like for anything other than the front row, they'd be reflecting off the backs of the seats... And yes, I take my movie-going experience seriously. :)

If you take your movie going seriously, then this theatre is probably not for you. There are many more "higher end" options with tiered seating, bigger screens, bigger sound, wider food selection, etc across the metro. This renovation is nice, but I am not sure how successful it will be, as Icon Cinemas was limited with the existing structure. Sizes of the theatre, layout, and screens did not change. This renovation reminds me a lot of Penn Square AMC.

If you take your movie going seriously, then this theatre is probably not for you. There are many more "higher end" options with tiered seating, bigger screens, bigger sound, wider food selection, etc across the metro. This renovation is nice, but I am not sure how successful it will be, as Icon Cinemas was limited with the existing structure. Sizes of the theatre, layout, and screens did not change. This renovation reminds me a lot of Penn Square AMC.

Yeah, was kinda thinking the same thing, thx for confirming... We stick with the 77" OLED TV and surround system at home most of the time, but sometimes a theater is best.

It looks great! I am thinking of going but the main issue is that the movies are crap these days so I have no interest

I’m hoping the Windsor Icon will be more budget friendly for the families that live in this area. More than some of the bigger theaters.

It looks great! I am thinking of going but the main issue is that the movies are crap these days so I have no interest

I agree! Last good movie in theaters was "The Sorrow and The Pity".

I'd love to see a local theatre play the older classics such as Casablanca, Grapes of Wrath, The Sound of Music, Lawrence of Arabia, the list goes on and on with many others that we just don't see nowadays.

Watching them on your home theatre tv is one thing, seeing them on the big screen is another.

Classic Film Noir black and white movies would be excellent.

I'd love to see a local theatre play the older classics such as Casablanca, Grapes of Wrath, The Sound of Music, Lawrence of Arabia, the list goes on and on with many others that we just don't see nowadays.

Watching them on your home theatre tv is one thing, seeing them on the big screen is another.

Classic Film Noir black and white movies would be excellent.

Agreed, we saw classics at the Paradise in WI and the Tivoli in IL when we lived up there, it was great.

I'd love to see a local theatre play the older classics such as Casablanca, Grapes of Wrath, The Sound of Music, Lawrence of Arabia, the list goes on and on with many others that we just don't see nowadays.

Watching them on your home theatre tv is one thing, seeing them on the big screen is another.

Classic Film Noir black and white movies would be excellent.

showbiz at Covell and I35 plays classics weekly they played Sound of Music last weekend infact ..

Harkins also does classic movies on Tuesdays.

I'd love to see a local theatre play the older classics such as Casablanca, Grapes of Wrath, The Sound of Music, Lawrence of Arabia, the list goes on and on with many others that we just don't see nowadays.

Watching them on your home theatre tv is one thing, seeing them on the big screen is another.

Classic Film Noir black and white movies would be excellent.

If you are willing to make the drive, there is a classic theatre in Ponca City that does just that: https://www.poncantheatre.org/movies.html

They play a lot of the classics, mixed in with the Box Office Blockbusters of the 80's and 90's.

The theatre seats approximately 800, good size screen, and was renovated to look like it did in 1920's if you want the full effect of a classic showing.

Rodeo Cinema shows classic movies on occasion.

There are lots of options.

People posting on Nextdoor who went to the Windsor ICON this past weekend gave it great reviews. They said the new owners were there and were super nice.

^

The owners are basically franchisees of Icon.

There are two brothers, each heading up one of the theaters. Their mom has been helping out plus other family members.

Incredibly nice people making a huge investment in two long-vacant and neglected buildings.

^

The owners are basically franchisees of Icon.

There are two brothers, each heading up one of the theaters. Their mom has been helping out plus other family members.

Incredibly nice people making a huge investment in two long-vacant and neglected buildings.

Didn't know that.
This is great, love to see local owners taking priority in their business. If they can find their niche of serving families looking for value and those in close proximity to their two locations, I wish them the best.

Didn't see prices on their website. How does their pricing compare with the other theaters in town? How are the concession pricing? Any clue what age the senior ticket is?

This was posted on Nextdoor. I've never been asked to show proof of age for senior discounts anywhere. Usually if you look like you qualify for a senior price you get it if you ask for it.

17847

Didn't see prices on their website. How does their pricing compare with the other theaters in town? How are the concession pricing? Any clue what age the senior ticket is?

Matinee price is 9.25 adult 8 military 8 senior 7.75 child (plus 1.75 "service fee" per ticket)
regular price is 12 adult 9.25 mil / senior 9 child plus the fee

doesn't list age for seniors or concession prices but it is all you can eat popcorn and all you can drink soda

Matinee price is 9.25 adult 8 military 8 senior 7.75 child (plus 1.75 "service fee" per ticket)
regular price is 12 adult 9.25 mil / senior 9 child plus the fee

doesn't list age for seniors or concession prices but it is all you can eat popcorn and all you can drink soda

Thanks Pretty comparable. I am 56 so some places consider me a senior and some don't. I don't feel like a senior though :)