Five projects are planned or underway at River Park Square, the downtown mall located at 808 W. Main. 

Bryn West, River Park Square’s general manager says that AMC Theatres, the Leawood, Kan.-based theater chain, is set to begin a floor-by-floor remodel early this fall of its 20-screen complex on the mall’s fourth and fifth floors.  

According to West the project will replace two-thirds of the theater’s current seating with larger, leather reclining seats. AMC will be the 43rd theater in the franchise to change to the new style of seats, which are said to enhance the viewer experience and increase moviegoer traffic by up to 50 percent. The theater expects to remain open throughout the remodel, completing the project in five phases. 

West confirmed River Park Square lessees also have plans for a new bar and food concept. West says the new restaurant would occupy approximately 1,100 square feet of space, on the mall’s third level near AMC Theatres’ box office, and would likely serve cocktails and small bites.

 “The goal is to make it a good place to grab a bite to eat and a drink before the movies,” says West. Set to open this fall, the restaurant hasn’t yet been given a name. 

West says changes began this June with Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar’s earlier announced expansion into the mall’s atrium. Plans include building a six foot-wide dining platform that will extend to the food court. The area will be used for additional seating, with views through the atrium’s windows. Construction on the $2.1 million project is expected to finish in September.

Also planned for a fall opening is an earlier announced Urban Outfitters store in the former Saad Building space at 211 N. Wall, at the east end of the mall complex. Urban Outfitters will move into the corner space, located between the Apple Store and Macy’s, following a $2 million demolition and rebuild of the building. 

Construction also has begun at 809 W. Main, on an Anthropologie store.

 “It’s huge for us to be able to bring a brand like Anthropologie to Spokane,” says West. “We’re very excited.”