Paramount Theater (Springfield, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Julia Sanderson Theater
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The Hippodrome
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Carlson, Ernest F. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000348 |
| Added to NRHP | May 10, 1979 |
The Paramount Theater is a very old and important building in Springfield, Massachusetts. You can find it on Main Street. It was once known as the Julia Sanderson Theater and also The Hippodrome.
This amazing theater was built in 1926. It cost over $1 million to build! It was part of a large hotel called the Massasoit House. The Paramount Theater was the most beautiful movie palace in Western Massachusetts.
For many years, it was a popular place to watch movies. Later, it became a concert hall and a nightclub. In recent years, there have been plans to make it a theater again. The building was put up for sale in 2024.
Contents
A Look Back: The Theater's Story
The Paramount Theater has had many names and uses over the years. From 1926 until the 1960s, it was mainly a movie theater. For a short time, it was called the Julia Sanderson Theater. This name honored a famous actress from Springfield.
From Movies to Music
In the 1960s, the theater started to change. It began showing movies, but also hosted rock concerts and other live shows. This made it a place for many different kinds of entertainment. In 1979, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special building worth protecting.
The Hippodrome Era
In 1999, new owners bought the theater. They spent $1.3 million to make it a fancy nightclub and performance space. They called it The Hippodrome. The main floor seats were removed, but the 1,100 balcony seats were kept and fixed up. The theater's original organ was also repaired. The big sign outside was changed to show its new name.
The Hippodrome became a very popular nightclub and concert spot in the 2000s. Many people went there for fun.
New Plans and Changes
In 2011, the New England Farm Worker's Council bought the theater. They started a big renovation project. They planned to spend $1.725 million to turn it back into a theater and performance space.
In 2018, the owners announced new plans. They wanted to fix up the Paramount and build a new hotel next to it. The Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, even announced a $2.5 million grant to help with the project. There was also a $4 million federal loan.
However, the New England Farm Workers Council later decided to sell the building. They announced the sale on July 30, 2024. An auction was planned for August 20, 2024, but it was moved to September 23, 2024. The building was sold at that time.
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