Title: The Nickelodeon Theatre Renovation
Location of Proejct: Columbia, South Carolina
Project Completion Date: 2015
Firm Name: 1x1 Design

Short Description: In 1936, an existing building at 1607 Main Street was renovated for the State Theatre, offering main and balcony level seating. Ultimately, the various owners separated the levels, creating two separate theatres; both closing in 1987. In August of 2012, the building became the new home for the non-profit Nickelodeon Theatre, and underwent initial renovations.
Since 1987, the original balcony remained untouched with many of its original Art Deco details intact, yet neglected. The balcony became the primary focus of these renovations to act as a second theater, which ultimately was transformed back to a grand, yet technologically modern, theater.

Architect's Statement: Since 1872, 1607 Main Street has housed various tenants. In 1936, the building was renovated for the State Theatre, which featured plush red seats and advertised “modern air conditioning, personal maid service and attractive usherettes.” The State Theatre offered 750 seats, 250 of which were located on a balcony level.
The State closed in 1961 and became home to the Fox Theatre in 1962. In 1985, the Fox separated the balcony from the main level and to add a second screen and closed in 1987. With the help of the City of Columbia and the Lourie Family, the Columbia Film Society purchased the building, which became the new home of their non-profit Nickelodeon Theatre in August 2012.

Prior to their initial opening, the Nickelodeon completed Phase I renovations to include a “boutique black box theater” (Theater 1), concessions, staff office and media education space. These renovations were completed under a different design team and contractor.

The original balcony remained, with many of its original Art Deco details intact. The balcony became the primary focus of the Nickelodeon Phase II renovations to act as a second theater, Theater 2.
The Design Team and client collaborated on a design direction for Theater 2: To evoke the nostalgic feeling of an historic grand movie-going experience.

The team faced a number of challenges to reveal, restore, and maintain the historic qualities of the theater while also updating it to meet current building and accessibility standards. Additionally, considerations were taken to accommodate technological standards and modern expectations of comfort as seen in many of the typical suburban multi-plex theaters.

The renovated project is one of contrasting styles and layered histories, woven together with close attention to detail, that create an exciting movie-going experience unique to Nickelodeon spirit.
The Nickelodeon brand has long utilized a saturated color palette. This, along with inspiration from the Art-deco period, led to an interior scheme of vibrant reds and purples with gold accents. In deliberate contrast to the bare “black box” Theater 1; Theater 2 is a rich, textured and colorful space.

The existing plaster pilasters were one of the first elements indicated by the client as a “wish list” item for restoration. Additionally, the plaster insets, in unique geometric shapes, were restored and highlighted by the application of color and acoustic panels. The original wood floor risers, preserved almost in their entirety, received a contrasting plum finish accompanied with custom graphic carpet to highlight the circulation paths.

The Nickelodeon, having a high proportion of elderly and disabled patrons, was passionate to provide beyond the minimum accessibility requirements. During Phase I renovations, an elevator shaft was installed at the front of Theater 2, intended to land at the lowest “stage” level and forcing the accessible seating to be on the undesirable first row. Instead, the landing of the new elevator was raised to enter on the same intermediate level as the original balcony stairs, which provide access from the opposite side of the theater. This new landing provides wheelchair spaces with great sight lines and serves as primary cross circulation. The new level, with seating that continues below, additionally suggests the feeling that one is sitting on a balcony.

The ceiling of the theater included dropped beams, spanning between pilasters, boxed with plaster. To preserve this detail, the Team selected a floating acoustical ceiling. This ceiling, held away from the perimeter walls, provides critical sound absorption while concealing new mechanical and fire sprinkler systems; also allowing the preservation of the original plaster walls, pilasters, molding and ceiling.

The Team paid close attention to existing Art Deco details as inspiration for many of the new and replicated additions necessary for modern day occupancy. To meet code requirements, the Team collaborated to create a sunburst metal guard rail detail to link the historic sunburst plaster details with contemporary railing utilized in Phase I. The Team also worked with a manufacturer to replicate the original glass fixtures for accent lighting, which also appear in the First Floor public spaces.

Custom acoustical panels were designed at the side wall bays, shaped to fit within the existing geometries, adding additional qualities not able to be solely achieved by the ceiling.
In addition to renovations at the upper floor offices, concessions and first floor public spaces, the Nickelodeon also acquired a new Art-Deco inspired marquee during the design process. The Team studied historic photos to recreate the original contrast and patterns of the State Theater period, with added accent colors to tie the façade to marquee and the Nickelodeon’s brand.

Each element of the project, from handrail, to seat, to exterior, was able to tie the entire complex together: from history, to color, to experience.