The former landmark theater site on West 57th Street in New York has been resurrected by Luke Cinemas, with a summer opening planned.

Manhattan is getting one of its movie theaters back.

Luke Dine-In Cinemas has reached a long-term lease agreement with the Durst Organization, owner of 57 West, and will begin operations this summer. The uniquely designed, triangular building on the banks of the Hudson River was a landmark theater complex for many years. 57 West’s landmark took on greater prominence in the city’s film scene after Lincoln Plaza closed in 2018, but the landmark ultimately decided to close in 2020 due to the impact of Covid.

The new 8-screen site will be Luke’s first New York City location and will serve as the company’s flagship. It already operates 11 theaters and 111 screens in Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, Georgia and New York.

The announcement of the 15-year lease said the location would “become a magnet for premieres, independent films, festivals and screenings, as well as celebrity appearances and Q&As.”

Luke’s dine-in concept relies on a mobile app to order food and drinks. The 57 West site will include a bar area to be called the Neighbors Lounge, which will be open to both moviegoers and non-ticket patrons. Although it is not served by any nearby subways, 57 West is located at the northern end of Hudson Yards, New York’s most significant real estate development project since Rockefeller Center broke ground a century ago. Many retail, commercial and residential tenants have flocked to the city’s far west side in recent years, with foot traffic increasing noticeably, although things are still in their infancy.

The lease, covering about 25,000 square feet, was completed this January and is one of the largest retail leases signed in New York City in the past 13 months, the teams said. Eight theaters range in size from 20 to 172 seats.

Jodi Durst, president of the Durst Organization, said there has been “tremendous anticipation” for the theater complex’s revival, adding that the site will be “one of the most extraordinary moviegoing experiences in the city.”

Luke’s CEO Brian Schultz said the company “believes in the power of cinema as a force for good, bringing communities together through its showmanship, luxury dining experiences, an amazing bar, diverse content and creative community support.”