Kansas City, MO-based AMC, which is developing a four-acre site along Magnolia and San Fernando Boulevards as part of Downtown Burbank revitalization efforts, expects to open the first phase of the project later this month with a 16-screen AMC Megaplex and approximately 30,000 sf of retail space and restaurants that will include Macaroni Grill, Wolfgang Puck Express and Cold Stone Creamery. The new 4,200-seat movie complex will replace an older AMC Theatres complex across the street.

AMC is expected to submit final plans for Phase II to city officials later this year, with construction likely to start in fall 2004. Burbank's redevelopment agency says the project overall will consist of 209,012 gross sf, including a pedestrian plaza on Palm Avenue between San Fernando Boulevard and First Street and 885 spaces for free parking in two new multi-level parking structures.

Champion, established in 1987, has developed more than 30 retail projects. Among current developments by the firm, which specializes in mixed-use developments, is Gaslamp CitySquare, a $100-million, mixed-use redevelopment in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.