April 30, 2010
Tour of the Recently Renovated Paramount Theatre
Presenters
Ross Cameron, Elkus Manfredi Architects
Bob Berens, Acentech Inc.
Description
The Paramount Theater opened in 1932 as a 1600-hundred-seat, single-screen movie theatre. It was the last of the great movie palaces erected on downtown Boston's Washington Street, and the only one built exclusively for talking pictures. In decline throughout various cinema and adult entertainment uses in the 1960s and 70s, the Paramount closed in 1976; most of its Art Deco interior decoration was destroyed during the removal of asbestos in the 1980s.
In April 2005, Emerson College announced plans to substantially expand and enhance their performing arts program: Elkus Manfredi Architects was hired to prepare plans for the renovation of the Paramount Theatre and to design new theatrical training and performance development facilities at the site of the former Arcade Building, adjacent to the Paramount on Washington Street. In addition to the historically-informed conversion of the original Paramount Theater into a 590-seat live performance venue, the $83 million project included the creation of a 125-seat black box theater, a 200-seat film screening room, a sound stage for film production classes, a scene shop, rehearsal studios, practice rooms for individuals and small groups, classrooms, offices for faculty and staff, a restaurant, a student café, and a residence facility for over 250 students. Acentech, Inc. provided acoustical consulting for the project.
Date
Friday, April 30
11:45 AM - Arrive at Paramount Theatre
12:00 PM - Tour (pleaste note that the tour will leave promptly at 12:00 pm. If you do no arrive by this time you will not be able to attend the tour.)
Cost
GBCASA meetings are free, and and members are encouraged to invite interested colleagues and friends of the Chapter to attend.
RSVP
RSVP to Alicia Wagner at Acentech (awagner@acentech.com) by noon on April 29th.
Place
The Paramount Center
549 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
Parking and Directions
Parking is available across the street from the theatre for about $15.
Mass Transportation
MBTA Green Line to Boylston Station
