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The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom (Anderson, Indiana)

USA / Indiana / Country Club Heights / Anderson, Indiana / Meridian Street, 1124
 theatre, ballroom, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, Art Deco (architecture), 1929_construction

andersonparamount.org
(765) 642-1234

Imagine an ethereal rose-blue sky, awash with the twilight of a thousand twinkling stars. All around you, the terra cotta roof tiles and alabaster balconies of a Moorish courtyard emerge from the lengthening shadows. As the sun retreats, the glowing night sky deepens into a violet-cobalt blue, and the entire theater is gloriously transported to a magical, balmy midsummer evening in Sixteenth Century Spain.

The historic Paramount is one of the few “atmospheric” theaters left in the nation. The Paramount Theatre Centre opened August 20, 1929 to great fanfare. Designed by noted architect and visionary, John Eberson, the atmospheric theater increased economic prosperity in downtown Anderson, attracted people from outside the city and brought hope into people’s lives. During the 75 years of history, the Paramount has shown not only the greatest films, but also featured on its stage such renowned entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Roberta Peters, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, Louie Armstrong, Woody Herman, Gene Autry and many more.

Many years and many owners later, the Paramount Theatre had deteriorated. The ceiling was ruined by water, the fabric on the seats were ripped and wet and the walls of the Spanish courtyard no longer represented the beauty that once was. The building sat empty for nearly five years and in 1989 was doomed for destruction, fated to become a parking lot.

However, a group of individuals, who would later become known as the Paramount Heritage Foundation, banded together to save the building. They had no idea of the impact of their decision. Purchasing the theatre for $1 from the city, renovation enthusiasts began to question their purchase when they entered the dilapidated building. With a goal set, renovation began from the top down.

No expense was spared in the restoration to its 1929 brilliance. They commissioned nationally recognized historic building restoration and painting firm, Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wisconsin to recreate the palette of beautiful polychromatic colors, which originally graced the theater. The main lobby ceiling with a massive bronze chandelier sparkles with the accents of twenty-three carat gold leaf. Plasterers, using Old World techniques, sculpted dozens of pieces of decorative plaster trim that were either damaged or missing. The Paramount Theatre re-opened in 1995.

Custom woven carpet recreates the original design of 1929. Rose vines, ivy and flowers adorn the walls. White doves, pheasants and a peacock can be seen on perches high above the audience. Beyond the beauty of the restoration, the theater has been equipped with modern sound, lighting and other equipment for the comfort of guests.

Now much more than a movie theater, the Paramount is the centerpiece of a rebirth of arts and culture taking place in Anderson. Home to the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, stage shows, ballets and concerts as well as conferences, banquets, wedding receptions and proms, the Paramount has readily become the cultural and entertainment center of Madison County.

Paramount Facts

* The Paramount is one of only 12 John Eberson designed atmospheric theaters remaining in the United States and Canada.
* The 1,458 comfortable seats are richly covered in wine-colored velvet fabric.
* Its movie screen, 20x40 feet, is one of the largest in Indiana.
* It has 10 large dressing rooms and two restrooms below stage level and an orchestra pit lift (currently under construction) for 20 musicians.
* At 6,000 sq. ft., the art-deco ballroom is the largest freestanding public room in Madison County with dinner seating for 400.
* Forty-one paint colors and a fortune of gold leaf were used in the theater restoration.
* The Grand Page Theatre Pipe Organ is one of only three such organs remaining in its original installation in the United States.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   40°6'15"N   85°40'43"W
This article was last modified 3 years ago