Accord Architecture

Buildings at the turn of the century are sometimes left to wither away or even be torn down. Kingland Systems of Clear Lake, Iowa saw an opportunity in Ames, Iowa near the campus of Iowa State University to revitalize a building and make good use of it for their company at the same time. This turn-of-the-century former theatre was once a place for performing arts, including an orchestra pit and balcony. Kingland's intention was not to use it for theatre use, but instead convert it into a unique office. Kingland hires college students at ISU for computer operation. Accord's design of this facility has been a success for the community of Ames as well as Kingland. Students work at flat-screen computers along tables in an open-office environment that feels as though they are at a movie theatre. Sound-fold drapery is used at the sidewalls of the auditorium, along with tivoli aisle lighting and a very large projection screen. The former stage area was converted into a two large rooms, one for conferencing and other other for management offices. A curtainwall of glass and aluminum was used at the stage opening. The floor surface of the balcony was reconstructed to allow more open-office seating at computers, while the former projection room is now management office space. This project is a good example of how adaptive reuse can be accomplished. Most recently, Kingland hired Accord to design additional office space above a restaurant next to this theatre.

Curries is a world-wide leader in the production of hollow metal door and window frames. One of Accord's first major projects was the design of the original 9th Street Office for Curries in Mason City, Iowa in the late 80's. Accord again designed a major factory/industrial building for Curries on 12th Street in Mason City for the production of frames. Experiencing success in their business, Curries once again came to Accord for the design of a new office building attached to their 12th Street Plant. This 60,000 SF office complex is designed to allow for eventual growth and it has served as a showcase for products of Curries, as well as their sister company Graham Doors (another of Accord's clients).

Accord's design of the 12th Street Office includes precast concrete sandwich panels along with aluminum storefront windows. The recta-linear facade includes a highly detailed entry and two-story lobby space. Much of the 60,000 SF building is open-office environment.

IC Systems of Mason City, Iowa is a growing company with numerous employees in an open-office environment. Accord's design of their new office building in the Indianhead Business Park in Mason City includes precast concrete sandwich panels for exterior walls along with aluminum storefront windows.

Accord's design for Becker Underwood, Inc. in Ames, Iowa included the renovation of an existing storage/garage area, a greenhouse addition and exterior facade/entry work. The garage was converted into two levels of office space.