SEEKONK, Mass. (WPRI) — Market Basket has been the talk of the town in Seekonk after the chain’s owner, Demoulas Super Markets Inc., bought the Showcase Cinemas off Route 6.

To add to the confusion, work is also underway at the long-abandoned Showcase Cinemas on Fall River Avenue. Though Demoulas doesn’t own that property, the renovations are causing many to wonder not just whether the grocery store will be coming to town, but also where and when.

Unfortunately for Market Basket fans, they’ll have to hold onto that hope for now.

Showcase Cinemas confirmed it will continue to operate the active theater for the time being under a leaseback agreement. However, the length of that agreement is unclear at this time.

“I actually really enjoy it there, so I’d be disappointed if they closed down altogether versus maybe possibly they can relocate or something,” East Providence resident Mark Bowen said Monday.

Those wishing for a Market Basket say another grocery store would add to the convenience of the area.

“I love Market Basket,” Martha Aguilar of Bristol told 12 News. “I think if we have an extra one in the area, it will be wonderful.”

Others argue they don’t really need another big store on Route 6.

“We’ve got almost every store you can think of on this one strip, so adding another one will just cause more traffic,” Bowen said.

What’s next for the abandoned theater?

The vacant theater is currently being renovated. Its owner, R.I. Seekonk Holdings, LLC, told 12 News the building will become a Hyundai dealership.

However, the majority of the property will be turned into housing as an expansion of the nearby Greenbrier Village Apartments.

The Greenbrier II Project will feature even buildings with 240 multi-family units, which includes 60 affordable units, according to the developer.

The town has fully approved the project already, but construction is on hold as the state reviews the proposal.

A spokesperson from R.I. Seekonk Holdings told 12 News the process has taken almost a year and there’s no set timeline, meaning it’s unclear when construction will begin on the housing project.

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