Hawthorne Plaza Family Entertainment Center

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Hawthorne Plaza, the 200-acre commercial, residential and recreation area on Highway 13 hit a snag in its development and will not open until the end of the year, said David Edwards of CEAH Realtors, developer of Hawthorne Plaza.

The family entertainment center, which houses the 24-lane bowling alley, a large arcade, and a full-service restaurant/sports bar, was planned to open in mid-July when Hawthorne Plaza was first announced to the public in November.

The reason for the lack of development is weather related, Edwards said.

"There has been a lot of rain this year. We have started moving dirt on all three of the sites for the shopping center, family entertainment center, and movie theater," Edwards said.

Edwards said the movie theater will most likely be the first section of Hawthorne Plaza to open.

The new movie theater will replace the University 8 and will be operated by Carmike, the current owners of the University 8. The new theater will be significant upgrade from the University 8.

"It is going to be all digital, with 10 screens and stadium-style seeting," Edwards said.

Edwards is confident that the wait will be worth it and that Hawthorne Plaza will be well received by Warrensburg residents.

"We believe based on the focus groups we have had through UCM marketing, studies, and surveys it will be received very well," Edwards said.

Hawthorne Plaza Retail Strip Center