Middletown, CT – Plans for the revitalization of a shuttered movie theater and adjacent retail space hang in the balance as the prospective buyer, NBA player Andre Drummond, has yet to formally engage with local officials despite a public announcement of his intentions. The former Metro Movies theater, which closed its doors earlier this year, represents a key piece of the Metro Square shopping center and its future has been a topic of concern for the community.
Drummond, a founding partner of the real estate investment firm Special Teams Real Estate, publicly expressed his interest in purchasing the 36,806-square-foot property on Facebook. The potential sale would encompass not only the 12-screen multiplex but also the adjoining retail spaces located near the intersection of Dingwall Drive and deKoven Drive. However, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim says his office and the economic development team haven’t received any direct communication from Drummond or his representatives.
The lack of communication is particularly notable given Drummond’s ties to the area. Mayor Florsheim, who was principal at Drummond’s middle school, noted the athlete’s fondness for the community, recalling Drummond’s attendance at his mayoral inauguration in June 2025. “He really likes this community,” Florsheim said, “But nobody in my office or in the economic development office has heard anything from him or any of his representatives.”
A Vacancy at the Heart of Metro Square
The closure of Metro Movies in January dealt a blow to the Metro Square shopping center, owned by Metro Square LLC, whose principal is Lawrence W. Goichman, president of SCG Capital. According to Mayor Florsheim, Goichman attempted various strategies to keep the theater afloat, even resorting to giving away tickets to boost concession sales. CT Insider reported on the theater’s sudden closure, highlighting the challenges faced by movie theaters in a changing entertainment landscape.
Goichman’s preference is to replace the theater with a supermarket, returning the space to its original function as a grocery store – it previously housed a ShopRite that opened in 1999. However, efforts to attract a new supermarket tenant have so far been unsuccessful. The mayor declined to name the grocery chains Goichman has been in contact with, but confirmed that discussions have taken place.
“It’s a terrific spot,” Florsheim said of the location within the shopping center. “He’s been a good owner, you don’t desire to witness a good owner leave the community.” Goichman has not responded to multiple requests for comment from local media.
Drummond’s Real Estate Venture
Andre Drummond’s foray into real estate is relatively recent. He co-founded Special Teams Real Estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2024. The company’s website states it “is currently pursuing adaptive reuse properties,” suggesting a focus on repurposing existing structures. Currently, the Special Teams Real Estate website does not list any specific properties in its portfolio.
Drummond’s basketball career began at the University of Connecticut, where he played for one season before being drafted ninth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has since played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls, according to his biography on the Special Teams Real Estate website.
The Potential for Adaptive Reuse
The concept of “adaptive reuse” – transforming existing buildings for new purposes – is gaining traction in real estate development. It often involves preserving the structural integrity of a building while reimagining its function. For the Metro Square property, this could mean converting the theater space into something entirely different, such as a community center, entertainment venue, or mixed-use development. The success of such a project would depend on a variety of factors, including market demand, zoning regulations, and community support.
The 12-screen multiplex originally opened in 1999 as Destina Theaters, becoming a local entertainment hub for over two decades. Its closure has left a void in the community, and residents are eager to see the space revitalized.
What’s Next for Metro Square?
As of Friday, neither Drummond nor representatives from Special Teams Real Estate have provided comment on their plans for the property. The lack of communication leaves the future of the Metro Square site uncertain. Mayor Florsheim emphasized the city’s willingness to work with any prospective developer, including Drummond, to find a solution that benefits the community.
The next step hinges on whether Drummond will formally initiate discussions with the city and begin the due diligence process. Until then, the fate of the former Metro Movies theater – and the surrounding retail space – remains unresolved. The city is awaiting further communication from Drummond or his representatives regarding their intentions for the property.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.
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