Paramount Center Wins 2010 Preservation Achievement Award

Emerson’s Paramount Center has been awarded a 2010 Preservation Achievement Award by the Boston Preservation Alliance.

The annual awards honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston. The Paramount Center is honored in the category of Significant Rehabilitation/Restoration.

“The Paramount Center is a significant landmark in our city and an anchor in our vibrant downtown and Theatre District,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “The City of Boston is very proud of its history and I congratulate Emerson College and the Boston Redevelopment Authority on receiving this honor. Thanks to their outstanding work and dedication on this project, many future generations of Boston residents and visitors will be able to experience this historic and beautiful theater.”

In 2007, Emerson began the extensive renovation of the Paramount Theatre, which was built in 1932 and had fallen into disrepair since closing its doors in 1976. Construction was completed in December of 2009. Historic finishes were restored and many of the art deco architectural details and features from the original theater were preserved and incorporated into the new space.

“The Paramount Center is a significant landmark in our city and an anchor in our vibrant downtown and Theatre District. The City of Boston is very proud of its history and I congratulate Emerson College and the Boston Redevelopment Authority on receiving this honor. Thanks to their outstanding work and dedication on this project, many future generations of Boston residents and visitors will be able to experience this historic and beautiful theater.”

–Mayor Thomas M. Menino

The Paramount Center at Emerson College now houses a 590-seat live performance space, a student residence hall, a 150-seat Black Box Theatre, 170-seat Bright Family Screen Room, nine rehearsal studios, six practice rooms for individuals and small groups, a sound stage for film production classes, a scene shop, several classrooms, a restaurant, and more than a dozen offices for faculty and staff.

“We are deeply honored that the Boston Preservation Alliance has selected the Paramount Center at Emerson College to receive a 2010 Preservation Achievement Award. We thank the Alliance for bestowing this honor upon us and for steadfastly supporting the project throughout the development process. Emerson undertook the Paramount Center project in cooperation with the City of Boston and the Boston Redevelopment Authority. We are proud to share the honor of this award with Mayor Thomas Menino and BRA Director John Palmieri and with Elkus Manfredi Architects, the Bond construction company, and the many subcontractors and consultants who worked with us,” said Emerson College President Jacqueline Liebergott.

“The Paramount is a rare art deco gem in Downtown Crossing. Its exceptional renovation will bring new activity and economic development to the area,” said Sarah D. Kelly, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance.

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 21 at 5:30 pm at the Modern Theatre, 523 Washington Street, Boston.