The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a combination cinema-and-restaurant concept, is the first business to commit to Westminster’s future downtown district.

The city announced Tuesday that the Austin-based company will build a 40,000-square-foot cinema at the western end of the 105-acre downtown site at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard.

The announcement marks the first commitment to a project that has moved in fits and starts since the old Westminster Mall was demolished four years ago.

The Alamo Drafthouse will be part of a mixed-use block of development being built by Minneapolis-based Sherman Associates.

Westminster has also reached an agreement with JC Penney to clear the way for construction of roadways and utilities near its existing store on the site. The retailer is negotiating for a long-term lease that would allow it to be a part of the new downtown district.

John Aguilar: 303-954-1695, jaguilar@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abuvthefold