A brief history of the Paramount Center for the Arts

"The original art deco Paramount movie theatre opened its doors in 1931 and remained in operation until 1979. In 1982, the theater's owner, Harry Daniel, donated the Paramont to the community through Theatre Bristol. Plans began immediately to transform the facility into a regional center for the arts. Through Theatre Bristol's efforts, the Paramount was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "worthy of preserving as an elegant example of art deco architecture." Theatre Bristol also secured a $1 million matching grant from the State of Tennessee.

In 1987, Theatre Bristol turned the Paramount over to a newly formed, independent, nonprofit organization called the Paramount Foundation. Led by Frank Leonard, and supported by a group of community leaders, the foundation took on the responsibility of raising the additional $1.3 million needed to complete the project.

In 1989, with the majority of the funds raised, the renovation/restoration began. In addition to cosmetic restoration of the paint, murals, lighting fixtures, seats and other features of the art deco era in the lobby and auditorium, the project included rewiring, plumbing, installing heating and cooling units, and the construction of a new four-story stage house. The stage house features new curtains, rigging equipment, fly space (for scenery), dressing rooms, rehearsal space, performance space, and a broadcast booth for live coverage of events. The 756-seat facility also has new lighting and sound systems."

From the 1991 Souvenir Program of Theatre Bristol.