LA GRANGE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A popular family-run drive-in movie theater in Oldham County may soon relocate as plans develop for a data center to move onto the property.
The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In, which has operated for nearly seven years off D.W. Griffith Lane in La Grange, is the new preferred location for the controversial tech project initially envisioned on Ky. 53.
The site near I-71 spans 37 acres and is already zoned for industrial use.
Nothing is official yet, but there’s a possibility the drive-in movie theater could be moving somewhere else.
Stephen Sauerbeck, co-owner of the theater, said the family was approached by Western Hospitality Partners interested in acquiring commercial property but weren’t initially told what the land would be used for.
"Specifically with access to utilities is all we know," Sauerbeck said. "It was never discussed with us about the potential use for the property. It’s always just been that we have a client interested in land.”
Western Hospitality Partners (WHP), the real estate developers behind the data center, announced Monday they were scrapping plans for the Ky. 53 location. That plan drew criticism from nearby residents concerned about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain.
Some Oldham County residents like Don Erler have opposed the development.
"We were obviously trying to fight that," Erler said. "Noise, pollution, lighting — all kinds of issues that come with these particular properties. They are heavy industrial. They use a tremendous amount of power. They use a lot of water."
In a statement, WHP said the decision came after "hearing the community’s concerns about the Highway 53 site and working closely with numerous leaders within the community."
While debate continues over where — or whether — such a project should move forward, Sauerbeck said his family is still committed to their drive-in business, no matter the outcome.
"We’ve had a lot of community members excited to see us grow," he said. "Some people are not happy about the data center… Some people think we opted into it. But that’s not the case."
Erler remained skeptical of the new location.
"We are not certain that there’s any property — at least not currently zoned in Oldham County — that is appropriate," he said.
As zoning discussions continue, Sauerbeck believes a compromise is still possible, but in a statement he said the potential sale won't impact their 2025 season. The drive-in plans to show movies as scheduled all summer and into the fall.
Sauerbeck also said they are not selling their business. If a land transfer does happen, the plan is to relocate the drive-in within Oldham County.
"This would provide us with an opportunity to rebuild better than ever with two screens, new laser projectors, and a redesigned concession stand to better serve our guests. We have not yet selected a new site, and that would be contingent on our location selling," he said.
A local drive-in could relocate to make way for the center.
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