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Single Screen Shopping Center (1960-1969) - Large-up to 1,000 seats-theaters, usually free-standing, erected next to shopping centers; large lobbies often with art displays; elaborate concession stands. Examples: Andrews Manor, Riverdale Plaza.
Early Multi-Screen (1965-1989) - Generally small (150-250 seats), often flat-floored, auditoriums built in retail spaces; concession areas get larger and may be more elaborate than the auditoriums. Examples: Outer Circle, Academy 6, Montgomery Village, White Flint.
Late Multi-Screen(1989-Present) - Theaters move out of the malls and become larger, up to 600 seats; stadium seating becomes the norm in the mid-1990's; number of screens per theater increases to 14 and 16. Examples: Multiplex Cinemas Arlington Boulevard, Shirlington 7, Rio 14, Loew's Centerpark, UA Snowden Square.
Mazza Gallerie Cinema/K-B Paris Theater
The Mazza Gallerie Cinema, formerly K-B Paris Theater (James Martino, 1983), is typical of movie theaters in enclosed malls. As a myriad of multiplex cinemas began opening during the latter part of the 1980s, older theaters were being closed and demolished. By 1990, drive-in theaters were essentially eliminated nationwide.
Competition from big companies also made it difficult for independent theaters to stay open. The Paris K-B Triplex, located in the basement of the Mazza Gallerie, opened in 1985, closed in 1994, and was re-opened by Cineplex-Odeon within a year, under the name Mazza Gallerie 3.
Riverdale Plaza
In the mid-1960's several large, single screen theaters were built around the city. Among those that have lasted the longest are the Riverdale Plaza and the Andrews Manor (unknown, 1965).
The Riverdale Plaza (Donald N. Coupard & Associates, 1968) was built by District Theaters. It had 815 seats and was designed by architects Donald N. Coupard & Associates. It opened in 1968 and was acquired by P & G Theaters in in 1982. In 1985, the Riverdale became the first 99-cent theater in the area. The movie theater closed with "The Kingdom" (2007) as the last movie presented. As of April 2008, the building is vacant.
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