• Marquee remains a major component of the Washington Street Theater District
• Façade will be stabilized as part of the adjacent Millennium Project
• No current plans for reuse of the theater after stabilization
Historic Boston Incorporated 1999 Preservation Revolving Fund Casebook : Property
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Click here for Summer 2002 Update
| Paramount Theater | Central Business District |
| • Outstanding Art Deco
theater façade • Marquee remains a major component of the Washington Street Theater District • Façade will be stabilized as part of the adjacent Millennium Project • No current plans for reuse of the theater after stabilization |
|
| Name: Paramount Theater | Bldg SqFt: 28,778 | Lot SqFt: 13,116 | |
| Address: 549-563 Washington Street | Ward: 3 | Parcel: 4832 | |
| Neighborhood: Central Business District | Zoning: Midtown Cultural District | ||
| Year Built: 1932 | Use: Vacant | ||
| Style: Art Deco | Condition: Poor | ||
| Architect(s): Arthur Bowditch | Owner: New Commonwealth Center LPS 1995 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10023 |
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| Historic Certification: Washington Street Theater District National Register Historic District; Boston Landmark | |||
| FY99 Building Assessment: $429,500 FY02 Building Assessment: $57,739,000* *includes adjacent Millenium Place |
FY99 Tax: $46,151 FY02 Tax: $1,132,894* *includes adjacent Millenium Place |
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| FY99 Land Assessment: $815,500 FY02 Land Assessment: $4,650,500* *includes adjacent Millenium Place |
Tax Status: Current | ||
Preservation Strategy:
Encourage the Millennium Place project to redevelop this theater as a locus for events.
Significance:
The Paramount Theater is an outstanding example of the Art Deco style, relatively rare in Boston. Architect Arthur Bowditch employed typical Art Deco motifs in his design of the Paramount, including stylized natural forms like seashells, sunbursts, and flowers, as well as geometric motifs like the ziggurat. Built at the beginning of the "talkie" era by Paramount Studios, the architect carefully considered the acoustics in his design of the theater to take advantage of the popular new technology. Reduced seating capacity in the Paramount (about 1,500) in relation to earlier Boston theaters is also a result of the "talkies:" sound movies attracted audiences without the addition of a stage show and were thus able to repeat performances more often throughout the day. Abatement of asbestos in the 1980s removed much of the Art Deco interior. Stencils and patterns made before the asbestos removal could allow for recreation of the original interior. Alternatively, a new theater design could be utilized. The main façade, with its enormous vertical "Paramount" marquee, remains an important component in the eclectic mix of theaters in the Washington Street Theater District.
Preservation Challenges:
Although the current owners of the Paramount have agreed to stabilize the exterior envelope of the building to coincide with the opening of Millennium Place, it is of the utmost importance that the building's roof be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prohibit further deterioration of the building. Prolonged delays in tending to the roof could result in irrevocable damage to this building at a time when prospects for its preservation are brighter than they have been in several decades. At the same time, a viable re-use plan is needed.
Neighborhood Context:
The most striking aspect of the Paramount's neighborhood context is its juxtaposition between the large-scale new construction of Millennium Place to the south and the historic Washington Street Theater District to the north. Completion of Millennium Place as well as the planned rehabilitation of the Opera House should help to revitalize the entire area.
Other Sources of Information:
Washington Street Theater District National Register Historic District nomination form
Entry Completed: 05/18/1999
On May 14, 2002, Mayor Menino flipped the switch to illuminate the theater's restored marquee. Millenium Place financed the $1.5 million project, which also repaired the theater's front façade and roof. The American Repertory Theatre is leading a collaborative study, financed by $7,500 grants from both the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Project, investigating the methods and means by which multiple cultural organizations could operate a rehabilitated Paramount Theater. Graham Gund Architects' plans create an adjustable 700-seat theater for drama, music, and dance performances. Estimated construction cost: $13+ million.Update Entry Completed: 08/05/2002
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