Fridley Theatres, a movie theatre company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, recently broke ground on its newest theatre, the “Palms Theatre”. The new state-of-the-art theatre will be located between NE Westgate Drive and NE Dartmoor Drive in Waukee. Representatives from Fridley Theatres, the City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce were present for a reveal event at Waukee City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2017.
“Waukee community members and officials alike have been anticipating an entertainment draw of this magnitude for some time now,” said Waukee Mayor Bill Peard. “We are honored to have Fridley Theatres choose Waukee as the location for such a unique theatre project. I think it will bring joy to residents, spur economic development in the area and attract visitors to Waukee.”
The extensive list of amenities at the Palms Theatre includes an 85-foot wide IMAX Laser GT auditorium, a 75-foot wide and five-and-a-half story high Fridley-branded Laser XL Digital auditorium (XLD), and eight in-seat food and beverage auditoriums. The complex will feature laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and reserved seating. It will also offer a full restaurant and bar.
“Our focus is to provide our guests with the greatest movie experience in the state. The Palms Theatre brings a number of really exciting amenities to the area.” said Fridley Theatres Director of Operations Russell Vannorsdel. “The IMAX auditorium is actually one of only four privately-owned Laser GT systems in the United States, and it will have the largest screen in Iowa.”
The Palms will offer digital projection equipment and Dolby Atmos sound systems; these technologies are at the cutting edge of the movie exhibition industry. Laser projection provides the highest picture quality and the greatest spectrum of visible colors. Its overall brightness is unmatched. Dolby Atmos sound systems utilize speakers throughout the space, including the ceiling, to create an infinite, immersive field of sound. All auditoriums will also feature giant, wall-to-wall screens, and half of the complex will be outfitted with RealD 3D capabilities.
The in-seat food and beverage auditoriums will allow guests to order appetizers, entrees, desserts and cocktails from the comfort of their recliner seats. Wait staff will serve patrons throughout the duration of the movie screenings.
“We’re building a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience,” said Vannorsdel. “No other theatre in the world can claim so many impressive qualities. When Des Moines and the surrounding areas think movies, we want them to think Waukee and The Palms.”
Fridley Theatres is anticipating opening the Palms Theatre in November 2018.