The Paramount from Then to Now

1929 - September 14, opens as grand first-run movie house

1975 - April 30, closes as the last downtown movie theatre

1977 to 1987 - disco bar, teen club and comedy club

1988 - named to National Register of Historic Places due to distinctive architecture with Spanish motif and one of few remaining atmospheric movie theatres in the Midwest.

1990 - AACA becomes 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization

1992 - purchase of the Paramount Theatre completed!

1993 to 1996 - fund raising efforts continue

1996 - Removal of 1950’s era marquee to make room for reproduction of the original 1929 marquee.

1997 - The Year of the Paramount with goal of raising two million dollars. Our urgent need this summer is to raise $400,000 for heating, cooling and plumbing systems! Let’s do it together.

 

"As we continue the revitalization of our downtown area, the Paramount Theatre heads the list of projects to complete. How fine it will be to welcome people to Austin as they visit and enjoy our newly restored Paramount Theatre!" - Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz