Campus Pointe quickly taking shape

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno State students will find more dining and entertainment options nearby when they return in the fall.

Construction crews are busy working on a coming attraction at Campus Pointe. Maya Heritage 16 Cinemas will feature 16 screens with state of the art projection systems.

The development is located between the Save Mart Center and the Palazzo apartments.

Fresno State senior Isaac Castillo said, "I'm excited to see some new businesses open up here and see what it can for the area here."

The competing theater was opposed by Clovis city leaders from the start but students find it convenient.

Castillo said, "We usually we have to drive all the way to Clovis but now we can just walk here. It's going to be sick."

Bill Smith of Exeter hoped his great grand-son realizes Campus Pointe isn't there just for entertainment.

Smith said, "A lot of job opportunities. Anything in the eateries, in the theater whatever. He can learn something here and he can learn something there."

Maya Cinemas has theaters in Bakersfield, Salinas and Pittsburg. The company says it will offer more than just the latest films by hosting informational sessions.

Larry Porricelli of Maya Cinemas said, "How do young people get into the businesses, how do people learn about film, how do they learn to make film. Bring in speakers every month - that type of stuff."

Maya Cinemas said it will also feature foreign movies to help fill community voids.

Construction is moving along very quickly. The new movie theater is expected to open in November.