Virginia Multiplex Prepares For Liquidation

These days, the old Multiplex on Richmond Highway isn't much to look at. Graffiti marks the walls, and the massive parking lot is overgrown with weeds. Inside, workers are preparing to reopen the building for a liquidation sale on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Items to be sold include concession stands, speakers and 3,100 theater seats.

Steve Bochan is organizing the deconstruction of the operation he once managed.

"Believe it or not, I have gotten more e-mail from people that attended the movies years ago that want to come and just buy a piece of the screen -- just as part of their history," he says.

When the building was constructed in the mid-80s, it included a time capsule to be opened Nov. 2011. By then the property will probably be a Costco.

Delegate Scott Surovell says he's a little uncomfortable with yet another big box store in his district.

"Longterm, I think...this kind of property would be perfect for...a Metro station or a transit station, condominiums, and mixed-use development. That kind of thing. But until we get some real transportation investment around here, I don't see anybody looking to make that kind of investment here," Surovell says.

Michael Pope also reports for Northern Virginia's Connection Newspapers.