The renovation of the iconic Brooklyn Paramount Theater restored the building to its original purpose as a movie theater and music performance venue. Long Island University had acquired the venue in the 1960s and repurposed it as the school’s basketball court.
The recently completed restoration preserved historical features while adapting to modern needs. Opened in 1928, the theater was renowned for hosting the world's first talking movies and showcasing legendary musical performers like Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. Redesigned for owner Live Nation, it now accommodates contemporary artists while paying homage to its storied past.
Designed by Arcadis, the renovation incorporated a comprehensive marquee redesign, drawing inspiration from the original structure. The intricately designed ceiling was constructed with plaster, with special attention given to ensure its structural stability so that it is capable of withstanding intense bass vibrations of concerts. Collaborating with a lighting designer, the team illuminated the upper plaster dome, transforming it into a beautiful canvas enveloping the space in colored light to enhance the concert experience.
New life for Brooklyn Paramount Theater
By examining the venue’s original design and historical drawings from the 1920s, the design team salvaged intricate details and restored original architecture altered over the past century. The ticket lobby has been reimagined to align with modern aesthetics and security standards.
Upon entering the 2,700-capacity music hall, patrons are greeted by the featured bar before they encounter a sloped floor designed for optimal viewing. Old classrooms on the upper balcony were turned into mechanical areas to provide the space with modern comfort. The balcony’s original rococo columns with a colonnade, signaling the top of the venue, were replicated.
The second-level balcony boasts exclusive boxes and “Ella's VIP lounge,” paying homage to Fitzgerald's iconic performances in the 1950s. The intimate atmosphere of the VIP lounge showcases a small stage wrapped in a warm burnt-red drape. Over four dozen glistening gold disco balls add an additional level of sparkle to the space to set it apart from the rest of the venue.
Owner and/or developer: Live Nation / Long Island University
Design architect: Arcadis
Architect of record: Arcadis
MEP engineer: Highland Associates
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
General contractor/construction manager: Schimenti Construction Company
Related Stories
| Sep 9, 2014
Using Facebook to transform workplace design
As part of our ongoing studies of how building design influences human behavior in today’s social media-driven world, HOK’s workplace strategists had an idea: Leverage the power of social media to collect data about how people feel about their workplaces and the type of spaces they need to succeed.
| Sep 9, 2014
Ranked: Top religious sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Brasfield & Gorrie, Gensler, and Jacobs top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest religious sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 7, 2014
Ranked: Top state government sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
PCL Construction, Stantec, and AECOM head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest state government design and construction firms, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 3, 2014
Ranked: Top local government sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
STV, HOK, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest local government design and construction firms, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 3, 2014
New designation launched to streamline LEED review process
The LEED Proven Provider designation is designed to minimize the need for additional work during the project review process.
| Sep 2, 2014
Ranked: Top green building sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
AECOM, Gensler, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest green design and construction firms.
| Aug 29, 2014
The new College Football Hall of Fame opens in Atlanta
Adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park, the three-story, 94,250-sf attraction is designed to celebrate the traditions of college football.
| Aug 29, 2014
Phifer and Partners to design 'transparent' Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw
The design includes a stage that opens onto the city's Parade Square, so anyone passing by will be able to see performances.
| Aug 25, 2014
Ranked: Top cultural facility sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Arup, Gensler, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of design and construction firms with the most revenue from cultural facility projects, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 25, 2014
Photographer creates time-lapse video of 1 WTC using 30,000 photos
Choosing from 30,000 photos he took from the day construction began in 2006 to the day when construction was finished in 2012, Brooklyn-based photographer Benjamin Rosamund compressed 1,100 photos to create the two-minute video.
