“Ocean City deserves a movie theater” says Towne Square Entertainment’s Brett DeNafo
Town Square Entertainment recently announced that they have purchased The Moorlyn 4 Theatre in Ocean City. Towne Square owns the restored Ventnor Square Theatre, Tilton Square Theater, Harbor Square Theater in Stone Harbor, and Cape Square entertainment complex in Rio Grande, which is under construction.
The historic but defunct building across from the Music Pier was purchased for $1.35 million. A timeline for the reopening of the theater has not yet been determined, but assuming the renovations don’t go beyond some needed roof repairs and a plush interior makeover, DeNafo says it could be open as early as this summer.
The Moorlyn, located on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace between Eighth and Ninth streets, first opened as a bowling alley in 1905. It was transformed into a 1,600-seat theater in 1922. As movie popularity and choices grew, it was divided into two, then four theaters. It was closed in 2018.
“The Moorlyn has an incredibly rich history in serving Ocean City and the surrounding community with entertainment since the early 1900’s. The building has survived hurricanes, super storms, neglect, and even a 200 foot move to the east after the ‘Great Boardwalk Fire’ of 1927,” said Town Square Entertainment in an announcement posted on their Facebook page.
