Social Media Reacts to The Lumina Theater Closing

Another Chapel Hill establishment is closing, as officials confirmed that The Lumina Theater in Southern Village will shut its doors in the fall.

“There have been changes to the national and local movie market that has caused our attendance numbers to slide,” officials wrote in an email, adding that the outdoor movie series will continue. The last day of operation for The Lumina is scheduled for September 2.

In 2015, a $15 million project brought Silverspot Cinemas to University Place in Chapel Hill. The high-end multiplex boasts 13 screens with about 1300 seats. Additionally, AMC Southpoint 17 at Southpoint Mall has been around since 2002.

Residents quickly took to social media to voice their dismay over the news of the theater’s closure.

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The Lumina was a great place to see movies. https://t.co/cTajzRw8Sh

— John Lovett (@jlove1982) July 16, 2019

Oh that's very sad https://t.co/IQjCFHHKQ8

— Michael Crawford (@MiklCraw4d) July 16, 2019

Truly very sorry to see this. I don't get to movies often, but when I did the best experience was sitting in the @TheLumina enjoying a local brew and watching the movie in a reasonably sized venue. https://t.co/n04WBeBRR2

— Ethan Kromhout (@ekromhout) July 16, 2019

It has been a rough stretch for local businesses, as The Lumina Theater joins the likes of several Orange County establishments that have shut their doors. Last week, Babalu restaurant in Eastgate Crossing and Hop’s Burger Bar on Franklin Street announced their closures.

In Carrboro, Milltown, and CrossTies Bistro & Beer Garden have also ceased operations.

Oh no! That is terrible! Babalu's, Hops, the retail deaths continue. I still miss Pepper's Pizza. Babalu closed the day after my family ate there (hope it was coincidental) https://t.co/s53VfPFjqJ

— Mark Peters (@tarheelmark) July 16, 2019

“That is terrible,” wrote one resident on Facebook. “It’s so much part of the community of Southern Village and what makes it so comfortable and ‘hometown’!!”

“I love the Lumina and was just telling someone about it’s lovely, not corporate, family-friendly vibe. What a loss for the Chapel Hill community,” said another resident.

Several residents speculated if the property could be purchased by another owner.

“I hate to hear this and I really wish it would be rescued by someone or a group of investors much like the Chelsea was,” said one resident on Facebook. “Maybe it could transition into a music & movie venue? It will be a real loss for the neighborhood and the southern part of Chapel Hill. The movies on the lawn are always a highlight of summer for our family.”