Theater and entertainment complex coming to Tiffin’s Park Place

TIFFIN — A “massive new family entertainment center” including an IMAX theater is coming to fast-growing Tiffin.

Des Moines-based Fridley Theatres this week announced its newest project — The Palms Theatres, IMAX and Family Entertainment Center. It will be part of the Park Place development just off Interstate 380.

City Administrator Doug Boldt said the city is excited about the project he said would be destination point in the Corridor.

“Whenever you add a quality of life amenity like this to your community, that’s great,” Boldt said.

In addition to the theater and large IMAX screen, the Tiffin complex will feature arcade games, bowling, a restaurant and bar. The IMAX screen will be 70 feet tall and 90 feet wide, according to a video posted on Facebook by Fridley Theatres.

“With its long list of amenities, it will be sure to make Tiffin the entertainment hub for the entire I-380 corridor,” the movie theater company said in a Facebook post. Fridley Theatres is expected to soon announce more details about the project.

“I think it shows that Tiffin's moving in the right direction and to be recognized by entities like this is wonderful,” Boldt said.

Measured by the percentage rate of growth over the last decade, Tiffin — population 4,512 — is the fastest-growing city in Iowa, according to the most recent 2020 census.

Fridley Theatres opened an IMAX facility in Waukee in 2019. It features 15 auditoriums and a 90-foot-wide IMAX screen, the Des Moines Register reported. The movie theater — also called The Palms Theatres and IMAX — has heated seats that can recline.

There is also an arcade in addition to a bar and restaurant at the Waukee location. Fridley Theatres has 17 locations in Iowa and one in Nebraska.

The city of Tiffin anticipates a significant amount of growth at Park Place. The 265-acre development is being planned by Ders Group of North Liberty. It will include entertainment, restaurants and shopping, as well as apartment and lots for houses.

Park Place expressed excitement for the new addition on Facebook, calling the viewing experience and amenities at Fridley Theatres “unlike any other.”

“From the newest and greatest movies, bowling, arcade fun, and dining, Fridley will be a huge hit for the Tiffin community and surrounding corridor,” the Facebook post said.

Other announced Park Place tenants include Toptracer golf facility, Casa Tequila, 380 Nails, Farmers State Bank, iGYM and Speedy Mike’s car wash, according to the Park Place website.

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