Construction is underway on the University 16 Stadium Theatre at Epps Bridge Centre following the issuance last month by the Oconee County Code Enforcement Office of a foundation permit and a shell permit for the 70,412-square-foot building.

The county currently is reviewing detailed building plans for the theater prior to issuing a full building permit.

Russ Henson, building inspector for the county, said Georgia Theatre Company plans to open the 16-screen facility by Memorial Day of 2013.

Grading continues on the shopping center, which will stretch from the Oconee Connecter intersection with SR Loop 10 to Epps Bridge Parkway. The four entrances off the Oconee Connector and the one entrance off Epps Bridge Parkway are now clearly laid out.

The facility will contain theaters ranging in size from two seating 344 persons to two with 85 seats.

One of the 344-seat theaters is labeled the red theater, and one is labeled the black theater.

For more information on the theater plans, go to Oconee County Observations.