Accord Architecture

On the south side of Iowa City, Iowa, the Sycamore Mall was going through tough times. The Owner of the mall decided that a complete renovation and retail revitalization must occur. As part of this process, Central States Theatre Corporation of Des Moines hired Accord to renovate the existing Sears anchor store at the west end of the mall converting it to six theatre auditoriums and a new lobby. Accord's design removed the existing roof of the Sears store and replaced that roof at a higher level to accommodate theatres. The lobby area is very unique with a tension membrane ceiling, open grid suspended ceiling above the concessions and exciting carpet and tile patterns.

In 2005, Accord designed a new addition to the Sycamore Theatres adding six more auditoriums.

The original Crossroads Theatres in Waterloo, Iowa was partially demolished to accommodate this new 12-screen design by Accord in 2005. The final design includes an Ultrascreen auditorium which seats over 450 people. In addition to the Ultrascreen, other large auditoriums were added with stadium seating, while even the existing five remaining auditoriums were renovated to have stadium seating and a complete make-over. The main entry is grand with two large towers at each vestibule and a lobby with high ceilings, custom wall murals, curving eyebrow ceiling panels and more.

This theatre complex is located adjacent to King's Entertainment Center (bowling alley) in Norfolk, Nebraska. Formerly known as King's 4 Theatres, Accord added 3 additional auditoriums, thus the Owner changed the name to Norfolk 7 Theatres. This project includes precast exterior and interior wall panels, a barrel-vault curved entry roof and a colonnade. The interior includes new restroom and lobby work, stadium seating in both new and existing auditoriums and a new concessions area.

Mason City's growth westward includes this multi-screen theatre building designed by Accord in 1999. The building envelope is comprised of precast concrete wall panels and steel roof structure. A large, back-lit, horizontal-blade louver is used above the sleek curved entry structure. This signage louver is a reminder of once popular outdoor drive-in movie theatres, including one that was formerly located not far from this theatre site. The lobby interior includes a curved ceiling structure, open-grid suspended ceiling and highly patterned carpet and tile areas. The architecture inside and outside reinforce the excitement of "a night at the movies."

In 2009, Accord and Henkel were once again hired to design and build a new two-auditorium addition and renovate the exterior of the main entry as well as the foyer.

Accord has designed numerous theatres, both constructed and not constructed. These non-constructed theatres involved conceptual work all the way through construction documents, but were not constructed for various reasons unrelated to the design of the building. Accord's theatre design expertise has helped many clients realize their goals and visualize possible options.