AURORA, Colo. -- The Century 16 Theater in Aurora is scheduled to reopen
Jan. 17, 2013, according to Cinemark, the theater's parent company.
The theater was the sight of a mass shooting where 12 people were killed and 58 were injured July 20.
The theater plans to host an event Jan. 17 for invited members of the
community, "especially those affected by the tragedy," wrote Cinemark
CEO Tim Warner In a letter to Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan.
Governor Hickenlooper is expected to attend the event, according to the letter.
Many people shared mixed emotions about the theater's reopening.
"I don't know if we're ready. It still seems very fresh," said Eriz
Scott, whose son Jarrell Brooks was shot in the thigh inside the
theater. "It's not like you really care how they've redecorated the
place."
Scott said she's spoken with other victims' families about the theater.
"In previous discussions, with other victims and their families, we all
agreed that we didn't want it. We would prefer for it to be torn down,"
she said.
Sierra Graves, who was also inside the theater but escaped without
physical injury, said she agreed the theater should not reopen.
"I'm really not to fond of them actually reopening. Just because of what happened there," Graves said.
Graves said she now works a part time job at the Aurora Mall and always
uses an entrance away from the theater so she doesn't have to look at
it.
"I won't be going there at all," she said. "I don't want to go back there and get those pictures again."
Cinemark is inviting the victims and their families to visit the theater
two days before it reopens. It is unknown how many victims will take
the company up on its offer.
The theater, renamed Century Theater X-D, will also offer free movies
from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 to the general public, as part of the reopening.
A Facebook survey conducted by the City of Aurora previously asked citizens what should be done with the building.
The majority of those who responded to the survey said they support
reopening the theater, according to city spokesperson Kim Stuart.
The theater has been undergoing a remodel for the past two months.
Inside, according to blueprints, the most significant changes will be in
Theater 9. It will be re-named and re-designed. There will be fewer
seats and a larger screen.
The original plans filed with the City of Aurora did not show a memorial.
KUSA