Fate of the Showcase Building in Seekonk

The former Showcase building on Fall River Avenue in Seekonk has sat vacant for nearly 12 years. The multiplex was built in 1974, with fewer screens, and was later subdivided and modified as time went on. It was considered the top first-run movie theatre in the greater Providence area. The Showcase Cinemas Seekonk 1-10 was closed on September 7, 2010. However, the 10 screen Showcase Seekonk Cinemas Route 6, is still open.

Developer Charles Tapalian bought the Showcase property in 2018 for $3.7 million. In 2019, Maine businessman Jamie Crumb approached the Board of Selectmen about leasing the building to grow, process, wholesale and sell medical and recreational marijuana.   Crumb’s plan fell through after it was pointed out the building was not in the designated zone for marijuana establishments, known as the town’s Marijuana Overlay District. At the same time, Tapalian had attempted to have the portion of land next to the Showcase rezoned for residential use. Voters rejected the change at a special town meeting.

Tapalian had previously proposed a fish farm at the location but dropped those plans following strong residential opposition. Tapalian, the CEO of RI Seekonk Holdings LLC, and RI Seekonk Holdings, LLC, Trustee of the Greenbrier Village II Primary Condominium Trust, has sought a comprehensive permit pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B to construct seven buildings with a total of 240 multi-family residential units, which will include 60 affordable units. The project will be located at 800 Fall River Avenue on approximately 15.2 acres of land.

Town Planner John Aubin said Tapalian is still before the Zoning Board of Appeals for the project on the rear portion of the showcase site. “We do not have any active proposals for the 5.6 acre front parcel where the theatre sits,” Aubin said. Tapalian did not respond to the Reporter’s requests for comment.