Paramount Theater

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The preliminary user study and budget were completed for the owner in July 1986. A decision to begin the project was made on September 7, 1986, with construction beginning October 14, 1986. Because the architectural firm of Killis Almond and Associates was also the construction manager for the project, the work was “fast-tracked” so that the theater was only closed from February 1 and March 21, 1987, the date of the grand opening.

The philosophy for the work on the Paramount Theater was one of preservation. The building was very much intact with all but one of the original light fixtures remaining in the lobbies and auditorium spaces. The goal of the project was to restore and preserve the building to the appearance of its original 1930 construction. The front façade had been altered in the 1950’s and a total restoration of doors, brick and marquees was required. The Paramount sign was dismantled, and because of extreme deterioration from rust it was restored. The colors on the sign were restored from the paint drips found in light sockets on the inside of the historic sign. The chaser lights were rewired to achieve their original effect of motion, and new steel supports were installed as the originals were damaged. The back-lit marquee, which dates to the 1940’s, was totally reworked with new lighting, roofing and neon restoration.

The interior of the building basically remained in its original configuration. Interwoven with the Paramount restoration were many modernization aspects which included additional restroom space, concession areas, state-of-the-art projection and Dolby sound equipment, and a full compliment of performing arts lighting and sound systems. An orchestra pit lift was installed to function as a thrust, or to be used as an orchestra pit or an elevator between the dressing rooms in the basement and stage level. The objective was to provide contemporary enhancements to the performing arts without detracting from a quality preservation project. Killis Almond’s approach to the specialty of theatre preservation is to control the entire project whenever possible. The idea is that a single individual would oversee not only the architecture and engineering, but also the project’s bidding and scheduling. Since budget, scheduling and aesthetics are intertwined, it was recommended that someone control the entire construction process so that what was important would not be lost. The construction management process was what made the construction schedule rapid and what kept the period of time that the theater was closed to a minimum.

The Paramount Theater continues to function as a performing arts and cinematic venue theater. It has a large performing arts series and an extensive, retrospective film presentation format. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was a Certified Rehabilitation Tax Act project. It is a recipient of the Texas Historical Commission Preservation Award.