Paramount Theater (Springfield, Massachusetts)

The Paramount Theater (formerly known as Julia Sanderson Theater and The Hippodrome) is an historic theater located at 1676-1708 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit Hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most ornate picture palace in Western Massachusetts. As of 2011, The Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater after decade as a disco and concert hall, (the Hippodrome,) when it was the center of Springfield's club scene.[2] In 2018 the building's owners, the New England Farm Workers Council, announced plans to redevelop it in tandem with a new adjacent hotel building. In a push to renovate the Paramount along with Holyoke's Victory Theater, in October 2018, the administration of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced a $2.5 million grant to assist the project, on top of a $4 million federal loan guarantee.[3] Pending finalizing funding for the combined restoration and new hotel, no construction timeline has been presented as of 2021.

Julia Sanderson Theater
The Hippodrome
LocationSpringfield, Massachusetts
Coordinates42°6′14″N 72°35′44″W
Built1912
ArchitectCarlson, Ernest F.
Architectural styleClassical Revival
NRHP reference No.79000348 [1]
Added to NRHPMay 10, 1979

History

From 1926 until the 1960s, The Paramount changed names several times - including a brief stint as the Julia Sanderson Theater, honoring a famous actress from Springfield - however, it remained a movie theater until the 1960s, when it began to find use as a mixed use venue for movies, rock concerts, and other live performances. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

In 1999, the venue was purchased and restored by Steven Stein and Michael Barrasso of Paramount Realty Investment LLC/Creative Theater Concepts. At that time, it was turned into a lavish nightclub and performance space. The venue's main floor seats were removed; however, the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The theater underwent a $1.3 million renovation in 1999, and was reopened as the Hippodrome. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the theater's new name.

The Hippodrome became a popular nightclub and concert venue during the 2000s. In 2011, the theater was purchased by the New England Farm Worker's Council. As of 2011, the Paramount Theater is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater and performance space.[4]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1261
  3. Hudzik, Sam; Brandon, Heath (October 4, 2018). "Decaying Paramount Theater In Springfield Gets A State Funding Boost". New England Public Radio. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  4. http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1261
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