BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Downtown Buffalo has been without a movie theatre since 2014, when the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center closed its doors.
Club Marcella Owner and downtown resident Joe Marcella says he used to love walking around the corner to see a movie.
"It was great. I didn't have to go into the suburbs or drive anywhere to go to a theatre and see a movie," Marcella said.
Mayor Byron Brown announced Tuesday that AMC signed a lease agreement to bring a new theatre to Main Street.
In a statement, AMC Vice President Mark McDonald said in part, "We are so excited to announce that AMC Theatres and our incredibly popular AMC Signature recliners will be available at AMC Market Arcade 8 for the summer movie-going season in 2018."
People we spoke with downtown were excited for the new theatre.
"I love AMCs, and the only one still around us is way up in Amherst, so that's quite a hike. They're one of the theatres that does the Royal Shakespeare Company and the really nerdy things that I like to go see," said Kristen Wall.
"It's nice to see more things opening up that we can be down here in the winter, too," said Lisa Voelker.
Benchmark Group bought the theatre in 2015 with the intention of partnering with AMC.
Now that the deal is done, AMC said Tuesday that they will begin construction in early 2018 to be fully operational for summer.
The 35,000 square foot building will feature eight screens.
Mayor Brown is expected to announce additional details on Wednesday.