Newark City-plex

Bob here:

Bob here:
Today the finishing touches are being put on  the fully renovated and expanded movie theatre in downtown Newark, New Jersey.  One of the many highlights of the project is the "SHAQ Extreme" auditorium.  Shaquille O'Neal is a Newark native and part of the original development team so it seemed fitting that the VIP auditorium with over the top extreme sound and projection  (SHAQ sized) carry his name.

La Vita e Bella

Fresh off the boat from Italy, Glenn Werner brought back some delicious ice cold limoncello for us all to enjoy...well, at least the few lucky ones that happened to be enjoying lunch on the deck with him.  I can't wait to see what Dave brings us when he comes back from his European vacation in a few weeks.  The standard has been set.

Exciting new project in the works...more to come later.

Izzo Here: Yesterday I got to check on the modeling progress of an exciting new project here at JKR Partners.  It's not everyday that we get an opportunity to have a physical model of one of our designs built, so this is pretty cool for us. I can't really tell you where this is located just yet, or what it's called, or who's building it but we're excited about it. Seeing the model makes it even cooler. Check out some of the pics. Did I mention we're excited?

H3

Steve here,

I would like to share some photos of the residences at Hancock, Hope and Howard Streets in Northern Liberties- we call it H3. It’s coming along quite nicely, and as a relatively new addition these types of projects I’m still awed by the transition from Sketchup to the real thing. Special thanks to Jose for managing the project splendidly in the face of countless obstacles, so much so that H3 has become a litmus test against which all US Construction projects are measured:

“They completely ignored our drawings, it’s H3 all over again!”

In many ways H3 was for me a baptism by fire. It was my first large-scale project, and from it I learned that the construction process can be painful, that coordination can be a nightmare, and that foundation plans are subject to change without notice and without warning. But in spite of everything, we still delivered a product that remains true to its design intent with a dynamic presence in Northern Liberties. But I digress...

Third Thirsty Thursday

It's finally starting to catch on as a tradition around here, and this time we had a bunch of new guests with us.  All the new employees made it out to the bar we affectionately know as The Pub.  We're getting back into the habit of heading over to our favorite local watering hole on the third Thursday of the month. One time we played Pictionary... most times we just drink and eat every item containing cheese on the menu.  This picture only tells half the story, meaning half the people are behind the camera. I am starting get the itch for the annual JKR Partners Phils outing. Ah good times. On a side note, I am getting addicted to Instagram.

"No, I REDACTED lefty"

Is our first win in one of those cargo pockets?

It was another heart breaker, that's all I can say. The JKRP softball team turned in a great effort Wednesday night, but it just wasn't enough to get through the red tape of the Planning Commission. The bats were on fire, with solid singles and longer shots bringing in numerous runs. Defensively, the team was on top of its game. Great catches in the outfield and strong fielding on the diamond helped retire the opposition in all but one inning.  Star pitcher Dave Urffer made his 2012 debut and pitched adequately. We continue to hunt for that elusive first win and are back on the trail next week. Statistically, it just has to happen.

Breaking Ground With Penn Cinema

The newest addition to the Wilmington Riverfront

Penn talking to the crowd

Zach here with some big news in East Coast multiplex news.  After a number of starts and stops, it looks like the Penn Cinema in Wilmington, DE is going to happen. Paul and I attended the groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday morning for the $20 million 14 screen plus IMAX complex. Penn Ketchum (president of Penn Cinema Management Co.), along with a large group of family and friends from Lititz, PA, various dignitaries, the mayor of Wilmington and some grown men in pajamas also attended the ceremony. Penn plans a grand opening on November 9 for the debut of Skyfall, the 23^rd James Bond Film.  I'll keep you updated as we roll toward that opening date.

Construction site security