Paramount renovation and expansion project hits campaign milestone – Austin Daily Herald

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Work progresses steadily on the Paramount Theatre renovation and expansion project on Thursday. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Stage of the Paramount Theatre will be a “sprung” floor providing more cushion for performers. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin Area Arts Operations Director Kelsey RItchie shows off some of the work that’s been done so far in the Historic Paramount Theatre as part of its renovation and expansion project Thursday. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Construction has started on renovation of the annex area to the west of the Paramount Theater. It’s in this location where the ticket booth and concession stand will be. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The Historic Paramount Theatre Renovation and Expansion Project  capital campaign has achieved a major benchmark by hitting the 70% mark of its total goal. 

It was announced Thursday in a press release that the “It’s Showtime!” fundraising campaign has now raised $850,000 of its $1.21 million goal putting it at the two-thirds mark with just about four months left. The Austin Area Foundation has stated that it hopes for a soft opening during the Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 23-24.

“My understanding is that we’re on schedule,” said Austin Area Arts Executive Director Thomas Robbins on Thursday while overlooking the theater. “It looks like a lot of work to go in four months, but they say the next steps are faster than the earlier steps.”

Money raised through the campaign will be in addition to the $3.67 million committed by The Hormel Foundation last November for the $4.3 million project.

A secondary goal of the campaign is to create a maintenance fund for the facility’s upkeep as well as paying off the remainder of the mortgage of the adjacent boardwalk property owned by Austin Area Arts.

Opened in 1929, the project’s work will upgrade the audience and performer experience through accessibility, aesthetic, acoustic, comfort and other production-orientated improvements.

A ceremonial ground breaking was held in January of this year to start construction and the work so far has those involved eager for what comes next.

“I’m even more excited,” Robbins said about the work being done so far. “It’s potential unfolding before my eyes. We’re preserving the magic that is here.”

Excavation work has begun on the “new build” portion of the project, which will add 1,960  square feet to the rear of the current annex building, which when completed will include a  loading dock, multi-purpose dressing room area, performer restrooms, and grand piano storage,  all connecting back-of-house to the newly refurbished stage. 

Renovation of the current annex building has begun with new ticketing, concessions, and public restroom facilities framed in. A new opening in the west wall of the original Paramount lobby will open access to the annex and will add 1,675 square feet of remodeled front-of-house foyer area. 

Austin Area Arts Operations Director Kelsey Ritchie said that another aspect of this work will be to take out the door currently opening into the annex from the street and replace it with windows that face Fourth Street NW.

A mosaic created by local artist Deb D’Souza will be fashioned over top of the concession and box office area. 

Meanwhile, inside the theater, all of the former seating has been removed and the stage has been demolished and rebuilt. The stage itself will be a “sprung” floor, which will be easier on the feet and legs of those performing on its surface.

Cement work is in progress to relocate the sound booth and to rework flooring to meet ADA requirements. New carpet as well as all furniture, fixtures, and  equipment orders have been placed to allow ample time for delivery. 

“It’s going to be a first rate experience for everybody,” Robbins said.

Most recently, the Austin City Council agreed to fund $46,500 toward the total cost of $93,000 toward an adjustment to the sidewalk outside of the Paramount that further meets ADA requirements. A bumpout curb will be added with a pair of ramps for easier access.

In the remaining months work will include the fully rebuilt stage floor, installation of new  acoustical treatments, sound and lighting systems, new seat replacement, completion of  expanded lobby area and new backstage build-out, front entrance accessibility improvements  with a sidewalk/curb bump-out, and a general refresh of surroundings featuring a variety of  cosmetic touch-ups. 

Capital campaign contributions can be made online at  www.austinareaarts.org, by visiting the Austin ArtWorks Center during business hours, or mailing a donation to Austin Area Arts, 300 N Main St, Austin, MN 55912. One-time or multi year pledges gratefully accepted. To donate shares of stock, donor-advised fund, qualified  charitable IRA distributions, or other assets, contact Ritchie at 507-434-0934 or email kelsey@austinareaarts.org.