Anyone holding out hope that a movie theater would re-open in the Arena District can officially consider those hopes dashed. Nationwide Insurance announced today plans to convert the 31,000 square feet of space into a new “Innovation Center,” relocating workers from its “Refinery 191” innovation space next door.
“The expansion of our innovation facilities reflects our commitment to developing new ways to help members protect what’s most important and plan for a secure future,” stated Terrance Williams, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer and president of emerging businesses. “By repurposing a space we already own, we will cost effectively meet our growing business needs. It’s a win-win for both Nationwide and the Arena District.”
In addition to the building renovations, Nationwide announced plans to add several dozen new jobs to support programs inside the Innovation Center. The company is investing over $100 million in venture capital funding to startups related to the insurance industry. The new space is slated to open sometime in 2019.
Previously, the cinema space at 175 W. Nationwide Boulevard was home to the Arena Grand movie theater from 2001 to 2013, and then operated as Studio Movie Grill from 2014 to 2017.
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